Blizzard’s matchmaking and social networking tool – Battle.net
Battle.net Logo
A bit of Battle.net history
Battle.net was launched in 1996 with the release of Diablo, and was the world’s first fully integrated matchmaking system. Over the years Battle.net evolved to fully incorporate online gameplay with the addition of StarCraft, Diablo II, Warcraft III and a re-release of Warcraft II to Blizzards arsenal. The Battle.net system has been in its current form, without major changes since 2003.
From my experience on Battle.net while playing Warcraft III, I must say I think it’s an incredible system. And I am looking forward to the new Battle.net, as much as I am looking forward to StarCraft II.
So what is the new Battle.net about?
The new Battle.net experience is a full-featured online gaming service designed specifically around Blizzard Entertainment titles. It will include a complete set of around-the-game features including a state-of-the-art matchmaking system, achievement system, social networking features, structured competitive play options, a marketplace, and much more. The goal of the new Battle.net system is to deliver the ultimate social and competitive online experience for Blizzard Entertainment gamers everywhere. How they will achieve this is by creating an environment where gamers can compete online, develop their own online persona, and stay connected with friends online while enjoying Blizzard Entertainment games. It seems like the new Battle.net system will allow you to communicate with friends in other Blizzard titles that support the new Battle.net system. For example while playing Starcraft II you can chat to your buddies in World of Warcraft.
Battle.net will not cost you a cent, and will be available to all players who purchase and registered the full version of Starcraft II.
Earlier I mention a market place… What will be available to players in the Starcraft II market place? Well, in short this will be a place for user-generated content, including multiplayer maps, single-player scenarios, challenges, themes and more.
Battle.net Social
How will Battle.net affect my multiplayer StarCraft II experience?
I’m guessing Blizzard has learnt a lot from the Warcraft III days and matching players up with opponents in the similar skill bracket. Blizzard will be implementing a new auto-matchmaking system, with advanced skill tracking to allow for players to be better matched up against opponents with similar skills. This will allow for players to consistently face evenly matched competition. As with Warcraft III, various leagues and ladder systems will be implemented to allow for an even more competitive Starcraft II landscape.
Matchmaking Screen
What are some of the communication tools available in the new Battle.net?
Blizzard’s vision for the new Battle.net system is to become the ultimate Blizzard Entertainment social network, in addition to its matchmaking foundation. By simply logging into Battle.net you can easily find and chat with your friends across World of Warcraft, Starcraft II, and future Blizzard Entertainment titles, including Diablo III. Detailed character profiles let players keep up to date on friends’ progress and achievements.
Chat with friends in Starcraft through WoW
So the new Battle.net system sounds incredible. I think it’s a brilliant idea to have the ability to speak to your friends in different Blizzard Entertainment titles through one central system. So basically Facebook with games.
I’m guessing the delay in Starcraft II is due to the new Battle.net system and all the features Blizzard are implementing. Starcraft II will be well worth the wait in my opinion.
This was posted by stephan who has posted 69 items.
→ WoW requires Battle.net account by November 11th – Tx Gaming said on: October 14, 2009 at 5:36 pm
[...] The vision for the new Battle.net was laid out by the vice president of Blizzard, Rob Pardo, during August’s BlizzCon 2009. Battle.net has been in its current state for nearly six years without any major changes. This is all about to change with the release of the new Battle.net system. You can read all about some of the changes being made to Battle.net in a previous post. [...]