Game service is expected to return in the Americas by 1:00 p.m. PDT. Many of the game's major post-launch balance and design changes have been rolled into today's patch, so it's an exciting day for hardcore Diablo players. The full maintenance announcement can be found below.

Diablo III's patch 1.0.3 is the game's first patch of any significance, and the game is down for maintenance this morning as the patch is deployed.

Additionally, if you're looking for more Diablo content, don't miss the guides, news, and other coverage on all three of Joystiq's offerings: Joystiq Prime, Massively, and right here on WoW Insider.