Battle.net 2.0, Blizzards latest brainchild is to be launched with the release of Starcraft II, one of the most anticipated games of all time. At this years’ Blizzcon Blizzard finally announced a few details about the new Battle.net and what to expect. Seeing as how Blizzard has the reputation of not releasing anything until they feel it is perfect, it was odd seeing what direction they were going to take the new Battle.net. Blizzard stated from the get-go that Starcraft II was designed with E-Sports in mind; however looking at the features and plans they announced at this past Blizzcon, was a little underwhelming.
With current trends leading towards social networking websites such as Facebook, Myspace, and YouTube, it was not surprising to see Blizzard staging an attempt at cashing in on the combined success of their hit video games and the recent phenomenon that is social networking. Blizzard even goes so far as to say,
“The new Battle.net experience is a full-featured online game service designed specifically around Blizzard Entertainment titles, and 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. Our vision is to create an environment where gamers can compete online, develop an online persona, and stay connected to friends and the rest of the community while enjoying our games. (Activision/Blizzard, 2009)
Suggestions:
* It would be good to see Automated Tournaments such as the tournaments they currently run but with actual prizes and incentives to participate. For instance, currently Blizzard uses Intel and NewEgg as sponsors of their online tournaments, but they never give out prizes, etc. If there were bi-weekly or even monthly prizes available to be won, then that would help spark more amateur levels in the E-Sports scene.
* On top of the smaller regular Automated Tournaments Blizzard could run larger Automated Tournaments at the end of a selected period that incorporate the winners of previous tournaments, offering larger prizes, etc.
* Blizzard should incorporate the ‘competitive’ maps into the competitive ladders that Blizzard has promised, such as the Pro and Platinum ladders.
* Blizzard should regularly maintain and update map lists to give a variety to regular players and competitive players alike.
Make sure you check out the full article along with the full list of suggestions HERE.