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All articles tagged with #battlenet

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Outlines Post-Layoff Strategy: Reviving Battle.net and Launching 'Family of Devices'
gaming2 days ago

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Outlines Post-Layoff Strategy: Reviving Battle.net and Launching 'Family of Devices'

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told staff at an internal town hall that the division is recovering from an 'all-time low' after a massive restructuring. She highlighted a 30% boost in brand sentiment and strong sales for titles like Gears of War: E-Day. Sharma announced a strategic pivot to strengthen Battle.net as a PC platform, noting its retention rates rival Steam's. She also confirmed that the next-gen 'Project Helix' will be a 'family of devices' rather than a single console, prioritizing a home unit first while partnering for portable hardware. The reorganization, which involved significant layoffs, is described as 75% complete, with a focus on reinvesting in core businesses and making Game Pass more flexible.

via Windows Central|
#asha-sharma#battlenet#gaming
Skyborne Paywall Ignites Debate as WoW Forever Bundles Unlock Race
gaming26 days ago

Skyborne Paywall Ignites Debate as WoW Forever Bundles Unlock Race

World of Warcraft Forever charges real money to unlock the Skyborne race through three bundles ($30 with a mount, $60 with beta access and 30 days of sub, $80 with all prior goodies plus Warcraft III: Reforged). Access to Skyborne is separate from a subscription, prompting wide debate over value, lore implications, and whether this sets a precedent for future paywalls; the controversy is unlikely to fade soon.

via Massively Overpowered|
#battlenet#beta-access#gaming
Xbox doubles down on PC gaming while keeping Steam in the mix
gaming2 months ago

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
world11 months ago

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
Warcraft Classics Delisted from GOG, Preservation Efforts Announced
gaming1 year ago

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
Avowed Set for Battle.net Launch with Special Editions and WoW Gold Purchase Option
gaming1 year ago

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
"World of Warcraft's Evolution: Introducing the 60-Player Pirate MMO Battle Royale"
gaming2 years ago

"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
"Classic Diablo and Warcraft Games Return to Battle.net"
gaming2 years ago

"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
"Classic Diablo and Warcraft Games Launch on Battle.net"
gaming2 years ago

"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
"Classic Blizzard Games Now Available on Battle.net for $10"
gaming2 years ago

"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
"Battle.net: Conquer Diablo and Warcraft Classics"
gaming2 years ago

"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
"Diablo IV: Steam Release, Season of Blood, and Faster Leveling in Season 2"
gaming3 years ago

"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
Blizzard's Overwatch 2 leads the charge as PC games make their way to Steam
gaming3 years ago

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