Blizzard unveils new Battle.net

Author: Joe Martin
Published: 20th March 2009
Comments (9) Stumble
Blizzard unveils new Battle.net

Blizzard has revealed the latest version of Battle.net, saying that all future Blizzard games will require an account.

Activision Blizzard has today unveiled the latest, re-vamped version of its Battle.net multiplayer system and has confirmed reports that all future Blizzard games will require a Battle.net account.

The new version of Battle.net brings a whole host of minor changes to the long-running online gaming service, but the most important tweak is that players can now link all their Blizzard multiplayer profiles under a single Battle.net account, streamlining the whole process of logging in.

The system actually goes further than just linking gaming profiles together though - you can also connect your Blizzard forum accounts, store details and multiple World of Warcraft accounts to this single account. Merging your multiple accounts is totally optional right now, but will become obligatory in the future according to Blizzard:

"Currently, creating a Battle.net account and merging World of Warcraft accounts is entirely optional. However, as we continue to build additional functionality into the new Battle.net, we will eventually require all active World of Warcraft accounts to migrate over to Battle.net Accounts in order to continue playing."

The announcement also confirmed that all future Blizzard titles, such as StarCraft 2 and Diablo 3 will require an authentic Battle.net account.

Somewhat complicating the matter though is the fact that the existing version of Battle.net will continue to run for older games, such as Warcraft 3 and Diablo 2, under the title of Battle.net Classic - which will continue to use the old system and login details.

Are you as bewildered as us? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
Quote p3n 20th March 2009, 14:44
DotAAAAAAAAAAA!

(I still use battle.net for WC3 and its always been pretty awesome imo!)
Quote perplekks45 20th March 2009, 15:17
So, it'll be like Steam just without the possibility to buy/download more stuff?
Quote TomH 20th March 2009, 15:49
Quote:
Originally Posted by perplekks45
So, it'll be like Steam just without the possibility to buy/download more stuff?
That'll be the anti-piracy measures sorted then. I'd prefer this to limited activations and rootkits, myself.

I'm not sure we need another Steam, but I suppose Blizzard are possibly one of the only developers that could justify it.
Quote Veles 20th March 2009, 16:24
Not really that confused, all current/new games will have to use a bnet account, any old games they're not bothering to switch over as it's too much hassle.
Quote ZERO <ibis> 20th March 2009, 23:45
I hope you only need the account for multilayer. I would hate not to be able to just install my game with single player without needing internet or some account in order just to activate the game...
Quote impar 21st March 2009, 10:17
Greetings!

If Battle.net will be needed only for Blizzard games I think I will pass.
The advantage of Steam/Impulse is that you can get other companies games on there.
Quote naokaji 21st March 2009, 11:05
Quote:
Originally Posted by TomH

I'm not sure we need another Steam, but I suppose Blizzard are possibly one of the only developers that could justify it.

I think it is pretty stupid of Game developers to each come up with separate solutions to the whole online game activation / drm / online accounts for social stuff / online store things.

What we need is a simple no crap web service that unites all that stuff from all developers under one GUI with just one login.
Quote TomH 21st March 2009, 12:59
Quote:
Originally Posted by naokaji
Quote:
Originally Posted by TomH

I'm not sure we need another Steam, but I suppose Blizzard are possibly one of the only developers that could justify it.

I think it is pretty stupid of Game developers to each come up with separate solutions to the whole online game activation / drm / online accounts for social stuff / online store things.

What we need is a simple no crap web service that unites all that stuff from all developers under one GUI with just one login.
Competition is extremely important: I think I'd prefer a few good services than just one mediocre service.
Quote legoman666 21st March 2009, 13:25
You misused the word "obligatory" in the news post.
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