While there are still plenty of details to be worked out, we're designing the service to offer auction functionality similar to what's available in-game. Players have been requesting -- and we've been hoping to implement -- a feature like this for a long time, and we're excited that the Armory and the game have evolved to a point that makes it possible. However, there are some troubling worries that come to mind. Without knowing what the premium fee actually is, or what players are capable of doing with the service, one can only speculate as to how successful or damaging the service will be. If the system grants players too much freedom, it will likely allow bots and gold-selling companies tremendous power and leeway as well, possibly ruining the AH balance and the in-game economy.

This is a fairly complex service to develop, due in large part to its unprecedented integration with the game, so we don't have an exact release date yet. It's important to note here that certain elements of the service will be premium-based, which we'll go into more detail on once the service functionality is finalized. As with all of the services we offer, we plan to integrate the Auction House and Armory in a way that won't disrupt the gameplay experience, and we won't release it until it meets the quality standards that we've set for our other features and services.”