Tag

Battlenet

All articles tagged with #battlenet

gaming22 days ago•134 min saved

Xbox doubles down on PC gaming while keeping Steam in the mix

Microsoft isn’t quitting Steam, but it is dramatically expanding its PC gaming push: boosting the Xbox PC app and Windows 11 gaming optimizations, pushing Xbox Helix to treat PCs as a core platform, opening Battle.net to third‑party content while maintaining cross‑store efforts with Ubisoft and EA, and rolling out Positron and stronger backward compatibility to bridge console and PC libraries. The goal is a larger PC‑gaming footprint that still leverages Steam as a key channel.

via Windows Central|

#battlenet #game-pass #gaming

world10 months ago•3 min saved

Blizzard and Battle.net Workers Unionize Amid Microsoft Neutrality Expiry

Workers at Blizzard's Battle.net platform have unionized under the CWA, forming two new unions for tech and support staff, just before the expiration of a neutrality agreement with Microsoft that facilitated union efforts during its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The unions aim to negotiate better policies on layoffs, return-to-office, and workplace treatment, with some unions having already ratified contracts. The future of unionization without the neutrality agreement remains uncertain.

via aftermath.site|

#activision-blizzard #battlenet #microsoft

technology1 year ago•1 min saved

Microsoft's Xbox PC app integrates Steam and Battle.net for unified gaming

The Xbox PC app is beginning to display games from other launchers like Steam, Battle.net, and Epic Games Store for some Insider Program members, indicating a gradual rollout or A/B testing, with the goal of consolidating game management ahead of new device launches like the Xbox Ally.

via Windows Central|

#battlenet #game-store-aggregation #insider-program

gaming1 year ago•2 min saved

Warcraft Classics Delisted from GOG, Preservation Efforts Announced

Blizzard Entertainment's classic games, Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft 2, will be removed from the GOG platform on December 13 at Blizzard's request. These games, which were pivotal in the development of the World of Warcraft series, were made available on GOG in 2019 with enhanced features. Despite their removal, GOG's Preservation Program ensures that owners can still play them on modern systems. Blizzard has recently released these games on Battle.net, including remastered versions, suggesting a strategic shift in their distribution.

via Polygon|

#battlenet #blizzard-entertainment #game-preservation

gaming1 year ago•3 min saved

Avowed Set for Battle.net Launch with Special Editions and WoW Gold Purchase Option

Avowed, a role-playing game by Obsidian Entertainment, will be available on Blizzard's Battle.net on its release day, February 18, 2025, marking a first for the platform which previously hosted only Activision Blizzard titles. The game will also launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with early access available for preorders of the Premium or Steelbook Editions. This move signifies a new strategy for Xbox Game Studios in cross-promoting games across different platforms.

via Windows Central|

#avowed #battlenet #gaming

gaming2 years ago•2 min saved

"World of Warcraft's Evolution: Introducing the 60-Player Pirate MMO Battle Royale"

World of Warcraft players can earn the Fathom pet by watching any World of Warcraft stream on Twitch.tv from March 22 to April 5. To participate, players must link their Twitch account to their Battle.net account and watch 4 hours of content during the specified time frame. Rewards can be claimed on PC/Mac web browsers or the Twitch app for Android or iOS, and will be delivered to the first Battle.net region the player logs into.

via Blizzard News|

#battlenet #fathom-pet #gaming

gaming2 years ago•2 min saved

"Classic Diablo and Warcraft Games Return to Battle.net"

Blizzard celebrates the upcoming 30th anniversary of Warcraft by re-releasing Diablo and the first two Warcraft games on Battle.net for $9.99 (Diablo and Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness) and $5.99 (Warcraft: Orcs & Humans). These classics offer nostalgic gameplay and storytelling, with Diablo featuring randomly generated levels and multiplayer sessions, Warcraft: Orcs & Humans being Blizzard's first RTS with two campaigns, and Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness including a map editor and 28 missions. While a 3-in-1 bundle deal would have been nice, interested players can now purchase these games individually.

via Notebookcheck.net|

#battlenet #blizzard #classic-games

gaming2 years ago•1 min saved

"Classic Diablo and Warcraft Games Launch on Battle.net"

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Warcraft universe, Blizzard has made the original Diablo, Warcraft, and Warcraft II available through Battle.net. These classic games are being sold at $5.99 for Warcraft and $9.99 for Diablo and Warcraft II, and are the original versions without visual enhancements. Players can relive the iconic gameplay of these 90's titles and experience the origins of the Warcraft universe and the action-RPG genre.

via Wccftech|

#battlenet #blizzard #diablo

gaming2 years ago•1 min saved

"Classic Blizzard Games Now Available on Battle.net for $10"

Blizzard has re-released classic 90's games Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, and the original Diablo on Battle.net, allowing players to experience these pioneering titles once again. The re-releases include original manuals and multiplayer modes, and are now available on Blizzard's launcher. This move comes after Blizzard's acquisition by Microsoft and subsequent layoffs within the game division.

via GameSpot|

#battlenet #blizzard #diablo

gaming2 years ago•4 min saved

"Battle.net: Conquer Diablo and Warcraft Classics"

Diablo, the classic action-RPG game, is now available on Battle.net, allowing players to relive the dungeon delving experience and battle demons in Tristram. With 16 levels of randomly generated dungeons, three character classes, multiplayer mode, and abundant loot, players can immerse themselves in the iconic gameplay. The game also includes a manual and quickstart gameplay overview for new and returning players.

via Blizzard News|

#action-rpg #battlenet #diablo

gaming2 years ago•1 min saved

"Diablo IV: Steam Release, Season of Blood, and Faster Leveling in Season 2"

Diablo IV, the popular dungeon-romping sequel, will be available on Steam starting October 17, expanding its availability beyond Blizzard's Battle.net platform. This is good news for PC gamers, especially Steam Deck owners, as it simplifies the process of playing the game on the portable console. The Steam release coincides with the launch of a new DLC called Season of Blood, featuring a new questline, updated vampire powers, and the addition of actress Gemma Chan as a vampire hunter. A major patch, 1.2.0, will also be released on the same day, bringing various quality of life improvements. Blizzard's decision to bring Diablo IV to Steam follows the migration of other high-profile games, such as Overwatch 2, to the popular gaming platform.

via Engadget|

#battlenet #diablo-iv #gaming

gaming3 years ago•2 min saved

Blizzard's Overwatch 2 leads the charge as PC games make their way to Steam

Blizzard Entertainment is bringing its PC games to Steam, starting with the release of Overwatch 2 on August 10. This move is part of Blizzard's strategy to meet players where they are and make their games more accessible. While the company will continue to support Battle.net, it aims to break down barriers and allow players to enjoy their games on different platforms. Overwatch 2's release on Steam will expose the game to a broader audience, and players will still need a Battle.net account to play. Blizzard plans to share more about potential future game releases on Steam in due time.

via Polygon|

#battlenet #blizzard-entertainment #gaming

gaming3 years ago•2 min saved

Blizzard Games, Including Overwatch 2, Headed to Steam

Blizzard Entertainment has announced that Overwatch 2 will be available on Steam starting August 10. While Battle.net remains a priority, the move to Steam aims to make the game more accessible to players worldwide. The partnership with Valve will allow gamers to enjoy the capabilities of Steam while benefiting from Blizzard's expertise. Overwatch 2 on Steam will require players to connect their accounts to Battle.net for cross-platform play. The game's presence on Steam will provide new players with an opportunity to experience the Overwatch universe, featuring new gameplay experiences and a hero. Blizzard plans to bring more games to Steam in the future.

via Blizzard News|

#battlenet #blizzard #cross-platform-play

gaming3 years ago•1 min saved

Microsoft's Call of Duty exclusivity experiment on PC deemed a "resounding failure"

Microsoft claims that Activision's attempt to make Call of Duty exclusive to its Battle.net platform from 2018 to 2022 was a "resounding failure." According to Microsoft's court filing, Battle.net's monthly active users remained flat during the exclusive period, while Steam's user base nearly doubled. This supports Microsoft's stance that it would be counterintuitive to make key Activision Blizzard franchises exclusive to Xbox if the merger goes through. Microsoft has repeatedly stated that it will continue to support Call of Duty on rival platforms and denies using platform exclusivity to foreclose competitors.

via Game Developer|

#activision #battlenet #call-of-duty

gamingtech3 years ago•3 min saved

Microsoft's Removal of Call of Duty from Steam: A Failed Move

Microsoft's court filing against the Federal Trade Commission reveals that Activision's decision to make Call of Duty a Battle.net exclusive on PC in 2018 was a "resounding failure" in its attempt to grow the platform. The filing argues that Call of Duty is not necessary for a platform's success and that even if it became an Xbox exclusive, it wouldn't guarantee a significant increase in customers. The FTC has appealed the court's decision allowing Microsoft and Activision's merger, and the UK's CMA has yet to approve the deal.

via Kotaku|

#activision #battlenet #call-of-duty