Diablo III battles South Korean ratings board
Local paper points to new auction house features as the issue for Blizzard
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The South Korean release of Diablo III is in trouble after failing to receive approval from the country's Game Rating Board.
A report from The Korea Times suggests that the game's use of real currency, allowing players to buy and sell goods, is to blame.
"Committee members are conflicted about what to do with Diablo 3 because of Blizzard's information on the game's 'auction house' feature," said the South Korean Game Rating Board spokesman.
The game was resubmitted before Christmas with the real currency feature removed, but is still waiting for approval.
"As it is described in the resubmission, committee members are still reluctant."
The issue could cause problems for Blizzard, who hoped for a simultaneous worldwide release for the massive MMO.
"In principle, we are always committed to a global release," a Blizzard spokesperson told the newspaper.
Blizzard has yet to commit to a release date beyond Q1 2012.
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Rachel Weber
Rachel Weber has been with GamesIndustry since 2011 and specialises in news-writing and investigative journalism. She has more than five years of consumer experience, having previously worked for Future Publishing in the UK.
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