Blizzard has just dropped a few hundred thousand jaws by announcing a release window for the developer’s upcoming Diablo III.

It’s not out in 2011, sorry.

In a press release headed up by the excellently apt title “Hell Freezes Over,” Blizzard revealed that Diablo III would see a release in “early” 2012, the reason for which was provided by CEO and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment, Mike Morhaime:

“With every game we make, the temptation is always very strong to launch as soon as possible. However, we didn’t put so many years of work into Diablo III to release a game that was almost ready.”

In addition, the currently-on-the-go closed beta test for Diablo III has been extended to potentially allow more participants into the taster. Morhaime said of the Diablo III beta:

“The beta test is going very well, and we look forward to making the most of the extra time we’re taking to deliver an experience that lives up to our vision for the game and the expectations of our players. Next year is going to be an incredibly busy one for Blizzard, and we hope an incredibly fun one for Blizzard gamers.”

Excellent news for Diablo and action RPG fans! At least we weren’t kept waiting and hoping for a 2011 release.