Confirmed chat channels

On June 17 2010 17:32 Illva wrote:you will be able to join public channels that are based around your interests

As for identifiers they are returning for the second phase of the beta. The previous system did not work as intended to some degree and based on feedback received the developers decided to implement a variation of this, which is going to attach character codes. These will be three digit numbers added to your nickname and they will be seen in the UI screens. Thanks to this you will be able to add friends manually, just like previously with identifiers. On top of that you can still add friends using all other methods (using the score screen or RealID).

As for identifiers they are returning for the second phase of the beta. The previous system did not work as intended to some degree and based on feedback received the developers decided to implement a variation of this, which is going to attach character codes. These will be three digit numbers added to your nickname and they will be seen in the UI screens. Thanks to this you will be able to add friends manually, just like previously with identifiers. On top of that you can still add friends using all other methods (using the score screen or RealID).

On June 17 2010 17:35 Aesop wrote:
Just to fill in some info from that thread:

On June 17 2010 17:36 I_Love_Bacon wrote:
I think we all knew chat channels would be implemented. It's annoying that it has taken this long for an answer that didn't piss us all off, but better late than never I guess?

On June 17 2010 17:39 Illva wrote:
btw.. Is it only me who thinks that the new identifiers system is terrible? Now we will all be Illva173 and stuff like that? I used to hate that in other games

On June 17 2010 17:49 iCCup.Raelcun wrote:
I liked identifiers as words better I'm not sure how numbers will work. Day9 for instance got copied A LOT so he can go on his daily and say what his identifier is just to help keep the imposters from making us think that it's him. But if it's a number say Day9 is a bit slow and he gets 003 or 004 then people have to stop and think was it 3 or 4? And maybe someone can get away with masquerading as Day9 idk. I'm glad they saw the way the wind was blowing but theres so much more I want from BNet.

On June 17 2010 17:56 538 wrote:
still only after the release?

lol

On June 17 2010 17:49 yomi wrote:
I hope one of the public channels is cybering because there is a lot of interest in that

On June 17 2010 18:06 aloT wrote:
Well, they said the number shows up in the UI, but thats pretty vague at the moment, I'm alright with that as long as we dont have the identifier forced on our regular game nicks

On June 17 2010 18:07 MasterFischer wrote:
They've said this for months on end..

On June 17 2010 18:10 CrunCher wrote:
"in a future patch". great, we have already seen this with wc3/d2 and mostly wow...patch with chat channels coming out sometime a few years after release going by blizzards history. i hope this is actual chat channels

On June 17 2010 18:06 aloT wrote:
Well, they said the number shows up in the UI, but thats pretty vague at the moment, I'm alright with that as long as we dont have the identifier forced on our regular game nicks

[B]
On a related note, what happens if ESPORT.999 is made and someone else tried to make it? Is he screwed or will battle.net just implode?

On June 17 2010 18:21 oN_Silva wrote:
I NEED FAWKING LAN MOD

On June 17 2010 18:52 NeoLearner wrote:
I like the number identifier a lot more than the previous implementation. A number is easily recognizable and feels more "unique".

Will be fun to see what will be the most popular nickname. Also, if you make your nickname late, you can see how many people already used your nickname. Way to feel special if you are nickname.001

On a related note, what happens if ESPORT.999 is made and someone else tried to make it? Is he screwed or will battle.net just implode?

On June 17 2010 19:06 scottyyy wrote:
Can someone capable of posting there ask about cross-realm play? I wonder if they've changed their mind about that yet.

On June 17 2010 17:32 Illva wrote:
Did this get posted already because I couldn't find it in here.. Anyways:

There will definitely be "chat channels" coming in one of the patches after the release. The system will be based around groups, where you will be able to join public channels that are based around your interests, which can be virtually anything. Also the system will include private chat channels (in plans for release in the first few months after the release), where you will be able to meet with your friends. -Kapeselus

Source: http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=25399622869

On June 17 2010 17:32 Illva wrote:
Did this get posted already because I couldn't find it in here.. Anyways:

There will definitely be "chat channels" coming in one of the patches after the release. The system will be based around groups, where you will be able to join public channels that are based around your interests, which can be virtually anything. Also the system will include private chat channels (in plans for release in the first few months after the release), where you will be able to meet with your friends. -Kapeselus

Source: http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=25399622869

On June 17 2010 19:08 DTown wrote:


I don't know. Overall, this is great news as it resembles what the community wants. But the bold part makes me worry that these "private chat rooms" will be invite-only rooms for people only on your friends list. What people want (or at least what I want), is a private chat in which anyone can join by typing in a specific name, i.e. "everyone meet in channel XYZ and we will organize that rematch." This sounds like you are still going to have to invite these guys to your friends list and invite them individually to a private chat to accomplish this. Still better than nothing, but also still suboptimal.

= /

On June 17 2010 19:25 Loverman wrote:
I don't want to burst anyone's bubble but "group topic oriented chat" has been mentioned at least 2 months ago I also posted in the chat channel emo thread but none too my post seriously :/

On June 17 2010 19:25 Loverman wrote:
I don't want to burst anyone's bubble but "group topic oriented chat" has been mentioned at least 2 months ago I also posted in the chat channel emo thread but none too my post seriously :/

On June 17 2010 19:05 radim wrote:

blue post: "The number will be automatically generated. Please keep in mind that you won't be able to see this code everywhere, but only on certain screens. (i.e. it won't get in the way and it won't ruin the "look" of your nickname, don't worry! ) "

On June 17 2010 19:28 DTown wrote:


Yes, this is correct. However, the Frank Pierce interview came out after that previous "confirmation." When not given any specific reply by Blizzard, when two conflicting points of view go head-to-head, the most recent is usually the most credible. In any case, the fact that they got into that situation in the first place is bad PR, and the fact they failed to address it for several months is disastrous PR.

On June 17 2010 19:57 Scipaeus121212 wrote:
I would like 6 numbers identifiers but what ever.. Good news anyway!

The number will be automatically generated. Please keep in mind that you won't be able to see this code everywhere, but only on certain screens. (i.e. it won't get in the way and it won't ruin the "look" of your nickname, don't worry! )

On June 17 2010 19:36 Sueco wrote:
I'm just mind-boggled. Chat channels have been a feature of blizzard games since Diablo. More than ten years later, its most awaited game ever can't get them ready for launch.

I'd give my left hand to know what kind of gigantic clusterfuck is going on inside that company.

On June 17 2010 19:29 Icks wrote:
It's like:

- Community: "I want a new red bicycle!"
- Blizzard: "You'll get a blue one in 6 months."
- Community: "No! I want a red one, now !!!" *rage* *burns things*

2 months later

- Blizzard: "Ok, you'll get your new blue bicycle in 4 months."
- Community: "OMG!! This is great !! Thanks a lot."

-_-

( http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=23767157319&sid=3000&pageNo=1#1 )

Q. Hi. So many people are complaining about this on the forum... is it true that there will be no chat channels? I hope not!

A. We do have plans for chat channels. Specifically, we want to organize chat channels around users' interests so you know what types of conversations you are going to get into when you join a channel. This feature is not something that will be in for beta. Currently we plan to do this feature in a patch after the game launches.

On June 17 2010 19:29 Icks wrote:
It's like:

- Community: "I want a new red bicycle!"
- Blizzard: "You'll get a blue one in 6 months."
- Community: "No! I want a red one, now !!!" *rage* *burns things*

2 months later

- Blizzard: "Ok, you'll get your new blue bicycle in 4 months."
- Community: "OMG!! This is great !! Thanks a lot."

-_-

( http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=23767157319&sid=3000&pageNo=1#1 )

On June 17 2010 20:09 niteReloaded wrote:

Hello Sueco, I am the Devil.

You know, yesterday I was thinking "Hell is getting kinda crowded, I surely could use a hand to manage this mess."

Then I heard a voice from the other dimension offering his left hand for some piece of shit information everyone knows already. I didn't mind, and I thanked the lord for this opportunity, even tho Him and I don't really talk to each other much ever since his Son pulled that little stunt 2K years ago and stole my customers.
But whatever, don't mind me, I'm just a bit down; here's what you asked for.

Here's your answer, this mortal is the cause:
+ Show Spoiler +

I'll be coming for that hand in the next week or so, it seems I'll be kinda busy these days with muslims planning crazy shit for the World Cup.

Devil over, peace out.

p.s. I sure hope your left hand isn't the hand you prefer for *those* things, coz that would be gross.

On June 17 2010 20:02 NuKedUFirst wrote:
1.Global Playing [On it's way?]
2. LAN [X]
3. Chat channels..kinda
Looking forward to this regardless! ^_^

On June 17 2010 20:24 sluggaslamoo wrote:
They are also bringing back identifiers in the form of "character codes". Cmon blizzard is it that hard for people to come up with a unique nickname?

On June 17 2010 17:37 Hikari wrote:


I want a .007 identifier!

On June 17 2010 22:10 HCastorp wrote:
What is the advantage of randomly assigned numbers over the old identifier system?

On June 17 2010 19:31 papaz wrote:
Greeeaat. Now, global rankings pleeeease.

Q u o t e:
Alright, can I just say one thing? Assuming the company follows up on this (and I have no reason to believe they won't), please don't do anything idiotic like make stats global. They need to be region-specific. I really won't tolerate people logging into the American server, turning the competition into mincemeat, then claiming they pulled their march of death on the Korean server.

As far as I'm aware statistics will be region specific.

On June 17 2010 22:28 Morgynia wrote:
Really like this. finally we can start shitstorming harder about cross realm play. mayb theyl add that aswell. hopefully they listen to the community about Bnet2.0 seeing as this is what people will use most of the time, Gameplay wise and Balance wise their doing extreamly good on their own imo. reason i stayed playing sc/bw for such a long time was that it felt like a "amusement park" just hanging out with random ppl talking shit and then once in a while jump on a rollercoaster for funtimes. <-- my motto towards what Bnet2.0 should be and hopefully will once one of the expantions come out.

On June 17 2010 22:33 illu wrote:
I am guessing this means that you need to pay a monthly fee to use chat channels?

On June 17 2010 22:33 illu wrote:
I am guessing this means that you need to pay a monthly fee to use chat channels?

On June 17 2010 22:40 InRaged wrote:

but monthly fee is sooooooo 2002
expect pay per word business model ;P

As for identifiers they are returning for the second phase of the beta. The previous system did not work as intended

On June 17 2010 18:52 NeoLearner wrote:
I like the number identifier a lot more than the previous implementation. A number is easily recognizable and feels more "unique".

Will be fun to see what will be the most popular nickname. Also, if you make your nickname late, you can see how many people already used your nickname. Way to feel special if you are nickname.001

On a related note, what happens if ESPORT.999 is made and someone else tried to make it? Is he screwed or will battle.net just implode?

chat channels being implemented in the future without us having any idea how they define chat channels.

On June 17 2010 19:52 NeoLearner wrote:


The blue post does say that but I fail to see how that's a relevant response to my post?
Automatic does not have to be the same as random. It means that it's added automatically as in: not manually. Could still be in order of appearance.

You won't be able to see it everywhere, but you will be able to see it somewhere or it has no added non-uniqueness function. So still fun to check how popular your nickname is...

On June 17 2010 23:35 Senx wrote:
Yeah the recent responses from various Blizzard Community managers has restored my faith in Blizzard.

I'm no longer worried, things will be great - if not at release -- atleast a few months after.

Have faith guys, its gonna be fine

The community causing a major shitstorm about these issues have definantly played a big role in all of this.

On June 17 2010 23:59 Longshank wrote:
This is basicly what's been said for months. The only conclusion is that watery eyes have negative effect on peoples ability to read.

On June 17 2010 23:01 STS17 wrote:


SCORE ONE FOR PEOPLE NAMED ESPORTS

On June 18 2010 00:11 Madkipz wrote:


wait, how are numbers after your name going to solve this system? ESPORTS.110101 will still show up as Esports right?

On June 18 2010 00:50 shalafi wrote:
Uh, what's with the "when it's ready"?

I guess it was lost in the merge.

On June 17 2010 17:40 Icks wrote:


Yes, this had already been said. Group channels, chat channels classified around subjects of interest, and after release.

They had told that already, then came all the flames because "after release" means very late, and means that it's not a priority (compared to FB integration for instance...), and with all these flames people thinking that Blizzard had no plans to implement chat channels in any way... etc...

So now people say "good move", "Blizzard listens"...

On June 17 2010 17:40 Icks wrote:


Yes, this had already been said. Group channels, chat channels classified around subjects of interest, and after release.

They had told that already, then came all the flames because "after release" means very late, and means that it's not a priority (compared to FB integration for instance...), and with all these flames people thinking that Blizzard had no plans to implement chat channels in any way... etc...

So now people say "good move", "Blizzard listens"...

Also, what happens if there are 1000 ESPORTS out there? Will poor ESPORTS #1001 be unable to get his name!?

The number will be automatically generated. Please keep in mind that you won't be able to see this code everywhere, but only on certain screens. (i.e. it won't get in the way and it won't ruin the "look" of your nickname, don't worry! )

On June 18 2010 01:46 FrozenArbiter wrote:

And the circle is complete, we are back at the initial problem of not being able to tell who is who. Am I playing the real IdrA or a poser?

I hope that this time, it at least shows up when someone messages you so you can /squelch people who are spamming you.

On June 18 2010 01:51 kajeus wrote:
Yeah, I think they should just make it so you can see the identifier on their profile. Then you just have to know what a famous player's identifier is, and everything is great.

On June 18 2010 02:02 Rabiator wrote:
I dont know why people are happy about this confirmation that chat channels will be there for us some time after the release. That is not a very precise statement and "after the release" could even be after the second expansion ...

They always said the chat channels wont make it into the release, but that they would be included eventually. The only thing that has changed now is the rhetoric.

NOTHING has changed ...

There will definitely be "chat channels" coming in one of the patches after the release. The system will be based around groups, where you will be able to join public channels that are based around your interests, which can be virtually anything. Also the system will include private chat channels (in plans for release in the first few months after the release), where you will be able to meet with your friends.

On June 18 2010 00:05 kajeus wrote:

So when was this said months ago?

On June 18 2010 01:49 Takkara wrote:Why not just let us choose the identifier again if they're going to hide it anyways.

On June 18 2010 02:05 faseman wrote:
I see another wave of ESPORTS coming!

I just don't see what's good about this system. You can name yourself John along with 15000 others? Really? Or there would be 1000 KtFlash.xxxx names?

On June 18 2010 02:11 iG.CatZ wrote:
mass 007 incoming, how retarded are these people...(blizzard)

On June 18 2010 02:05 faseman wrote:
I see another wave of ESPORTS coming!

I just don't see what's good about this system. You can name yourself John along with 15000 others? Really? Or there would be 1000 KtFlash.xxxx names?

On June 18 2010 02:21 ig0tfish wrote:
My unique code will be 143

On June 18 2010 02:11 iG.CatZ wrote:


edit: to all the people who are thinking and saying "i knew chat channels were coming"... we all did to some extend until pierce said otherwise.

if you honestly think this was in their plans you're just naive and silly, chat channels are a reaction to the community's demands, not a plan that blizzard always had and planned to implement after the game's release... they've only had yeaaaaaaaars to work on this game... don't be so silly boys.

On June 18 2010 02:26 Zanez.smarty wrote:


No, this is really a case of selective listening.
Everyone CHOSE to listen to Frank Peirce rather than to EVERYONE ELSE. These have been confirmed for a LONG time. Frank Peirce was likely talking about the public universal chat channels like USWest-1 that had no rhyme or reason behind them and were filled with Spam and Chatbots. Do you really want those? I know I don't...
Yes Frank should have thought twice before speaking, but really everyone just ate up every word he said and chose to ignore what everyone else said. Now that they are reiterating what they said before, everyone thinks Blizzard changed their mind after the waves of complaints... No. That was not the case...
Frank was right. There will not be public, universal chat channels.
Blizz confirmed that there will be group chat and interest based channels.

On June 18 2010 02:49 Licmyobelisk wrote:
could it be possible that they were looking for more data on games and in order to do that they had to disable chat so that we would rather play a lot rather than communicate more with fellow gamers.

Just a theory

On June 18 2010 02:47 ryanAnger wrote:
For all those who are confused/doubting/angry about the identifier system:

My interpretation is that it will be exactly the same as how it was before (i.e. Anger.furi) but with numbers instead (i.e. Anger.001). So the only person to really see your number would most likely be you, in your own profile page, etc. When you're in a game, it would just be your nickname (i.e. Anger).

On June 18 2010 02:49 Licmyobelisk wrote:
could it be possible that they were looking for more data on games and in order to do that they had to disable chat so that we would rather play a lot rather than communicate more with fellow gamers.

Just a theory

On June 18 2010 02:52 Takkara wrote:


Right, which has a big pro and a big con.

Pro: You don't have to add friends through RealID.
Con: You still can't see who you're playing against in a game or talking to in a conversation.

You'd think the best solution is just to display the identifier at all times to make it easier for people. But, then in the new version you'd have this ugly random number after your name everywhere. So then you are left with it being private again. So all you've solved is the confusion over the old identifier, but gained no additional benefits.

If it's a choice between a private number and a private selected word, I'd like to choose the word. Let other people choose a random number if they'd like. That's just my humble opinion.

On June 18 2010 03:04 hacpee wrote:
Ok so how much will you need to pay to get your own private channels? 5 dollars for 5 channels? I'm guessing they're delaying the chat to figure out the most efficient way to bill people.

- No Cross-region play
... and we just announced that cross-region play is definitely in our plans.

On June 18 2010 03:21 allyourbase wrote:

Did I miss something?

On June 18 2010 03:15 ryanAnger wrote:


It's this kind of thinking that is completely detrimental to the community, and the development of the game. There hasn't been a single instance in Blizzards history where they have charged people for something that was absolutely necessary to play the game in a normal manner.

Let's look at WoW... They charge for:

Name changes.
Realm changes.
Race changes.
Gender changes.
In-game vanity pets.
In-game vanity mounts.

None of these things force people to pay money for something they should inherently have. They give you the option to pay for extra things that a player may or may not want eventually, but in no way do these things actually affect gameplay. They don't charge people to create private channels, or to create a guild, etc.

In StarCraft 2 I can see them potentially charging for name changes, but that is completely fine with me. When you pick a name, it should be one that you stick with for a while, and if you eventually want to change it, you have the option to, for a cost. Sounds reasonable.

Blizzards marketing department knows what they are doing. If they didn't they wouldn't have nearly as much money as they do, and they wouldn't be nearly as successful. A smart marketing department is going to charge for things that they know certain people will want, but not for something that everyone needs.

Now however, it truly comes down to LAN, as it is the only thing they haven't really addressed.

On June 18 2010 04:43 Hobbes.uhz wrote:


They haven't addressed being able to create your own game lobby with its own name and password.

They haven't addressed custom maps starting burried and never seeing the light of day due to their system of popularity

They haven't addressed having friends that can't see your personal contact information

I'm sure there's more I just cant think of.

On June 18 2010 05:15 Valikyr wrote:
My only question is how long it really takes to implement chat channels. Do we really have to wait months after the release for such a simple feature?

With a little imagination I think you can make the system work that Blizzard has planned. Maybe the identifier can be revealed by pressing the name on the loading screen, in game or in chat. This way you never see the identifier if you don't want to and you can check the number easily. This is just one way, I'm sure there is plenty others to make it work. I just don't see it as a big problem right now.

None of these things force people to pay money for something they should inherently have.

On June 18 2010 06:02 Zanez.smarty wrote:
lol some very sad entitled children on this forums...

Blizz says: We will give you chat channels some time after release, but they wont be public.
Babies say: WAAHHHH WE WANT CHAT CHANNELS
Blizz says: Uh yeah, you will get chat channels some time after release
Babies say: WAAAAHHHH WE WANT CHAT CHANNELS SOON
Blizz says: Uh yeah, chat channels are coming soon. Not right away, because we are busy, but soon.
Babies say: WAAAHHHH WE WANT THEM NOW NOW NOW

TEMPER TANTRUM.

All those complaining... you say how simple and easy it is to implement. How cheap it is, how 100% essential it is and how easy battle.net is.
Really? Are you 100% sure of this? Where is your multiplatformed multigaming social networking program? Since it is so easy, quick and simple to do...
You also seem to know exactly what the feature is going to be like when it is implemented. I mean since you know what it is that Blizzard is doing, you know exactly how easy it is to do right? May I borrow your time machine? I have some lottery numbers to pick...

Remember guys, this is not Battle.net 1.0. It is not just a simple set of chat rooms and list of matches. This is supposed to compete with Steam. You know Steam? That program you download games off of, cross gaming platforms that break the rules of the games themselves (cross factional and cross server and cross battlegroups), that works in games, replays, single player mode, for existing AND future games of many different styles and backgrounds? Yeah that Steam. It has the exact same chat room style that Blizzard has announced will exist in Battle.net 2.0.
If you think that Steam came out bulging with all the features that it has now, you are deluding yourself. If you think that Battle.net 2.0 should be as good or better than Steam on it's release day, your expectations are too high. If you think that Battle.net will not be constantly updated AFTER release then you are dumb (and yes, patches will come far more frequently than games are released).

On June 17 2010 17:33 Kennigit wrote:
Believe that is new. Only took 3 months of shit storming to get that tidbit haha.

On June 18 2010 06:19 Wolfpox wrote:


You don't think they would have done that anyway? I'm pretty sure Dustin Browder promised that ages ago, but nobody listened or cared because it wasn't in the beta.

On June 18 2010 06:02 Zanez.smarty wrote:
lol some very sad entitled children on this forums...

Blizz says: We will give you chat channels some time after release, but they wont be public.
Babies say: WAAHHHH WE WANT CHAT CHANNELS
Blizz says: Uh yeah, you will get chat channels some time after release
Babies say: WAAAAHHHH WE WANT CHAT CHANNELS SOON
Blizz says: Uh yeah, chat channels are coming soon. Not right away, because we are busy, but soon.
Babies say: WAAAHHHH WE WANT THEM NOW NOW NOW

TEMPER TANTRUM.

All those complaining... you say how simple and easy it is to implement. How cheap it is, how 100% essential it is and how easy battle.net is.
Really? Are you 100% sure of this? Where is your multiplatformed multigaming social networking program? Since it is so easy, quick and simple to do...
You also seem to know exactly what the feature is going to be like when it is implemented. I mean since you know what it is that Blizzard is doing, you know exactly how easy it is to do right? May I borrow your time machine? I have some lottery numbers to pick...

On June 18 2010 06:02 Zanez.smarty wrote:
Remember guys, this is not Battle.net 1.0. It is not just a simple set of chat rooms and list of matches. This is supposed to compete with Steam. You know Steam? That program you download games off of, cross gaming platforms that break the rules of the games themselves (cross factional and cross server and cross battlegroups), that works in games, replays, single player mode, for existing AND future games of many different styles and backgrounds? Yeah that Steam. It has the exact same chat room style that Blizzard has announced will exist in Battle.net 2.0.
If you think that Steam came out bulging with all the features that it has now, you are deluding yourself. If you think that Battle.net 2.0 should be as good or better than Steam on it's release day, your expectations are too high. If you think that Battle.net will not be constantly updated AFTER release then you are dumb (and yes, patches will come far more frequently than games are released).

On June 18 2010 06:21 iloahz wrote:
when Activision set the release date to be July 27, they basically said fuck it, we don't care if the game's finished by then or not, we are gonna ship the damn game on that day, if the game's too fucked up and draws too much complaints we can just release patches along the way.

On June 18 2010 06:31 Backpack wrote:

Is there something wrong with patches?

I would rather have the game earlier and the chat channels later than have nothing at all until they give us both at once.

On June 18 2010 06:34 hacpee wrote:


Well, they could have just gone with Bnet 1.0 and gotten the game out WAY earlier. The reason they delayed the beta was because of Bnet 2.0.

On June 18 2010 06:31 Backpack wrote:

Is there something wrong with patches?

I would rather have the game earlier and the chat channels later than have nothing at all until they give us both at once.

On June 18 2010 06:02 Zanez.smarty wrote:
lol some very sad entitled children on this forums...

Blizz says: We will give you chat channels some time after release, but they wont be public.
Babies say: WAAHHHH WE WANT CHAT CHANNELS
Blizz says: Uh yeah, you will get chat channels some time after release
Babies say: WAAAAHHHH WE WANT CHAT CHANNELS SOON
Blizz says: Uh yeah, chat channels are coming soon. Not right away, because we are busy, but soon.
Babies say: WAAAHHHH WE WANT THEM NOW NOW NOW

TEMPER TANTRUM.

Remember guys, this is not Battle.net 1.0.

It is not just a simple set of chat rooms and list of matches.

This is supposed to compete with Steam. You know Steam? That program you download games off of, cross gaming platforms that break the rules of the games themselves

(cross factional and cross server and cross battlegroups), that works in games,

replays,

single player mode, for existing AND future games of many different styles and backgrounds? Yeah that Steam. It has the exact same chat room style that Blizzard has announced will exist in Battle.net 2.0.
If you think that Steam came out bulging with all the features that it has now, you are deluding yourself. If you think that Battle.net 2.0 should be as good or better than Steam on it's release day, your expectations are too high. If you think that Battle.net will not be constantly updated AFTER release then you are dumb (and yes, patches will come far more frequently than games are released).

cross factional

On June 18 2010 07:15 Doc Daneeka wrote:
i'm pretty sure i remember them saying that they wanted to put chat channels in at some point, but even if they didn't, it's not that surprising. they beta tested a new service, lack of chat channels was one of the main complaints, they decided to implement chat channels. pretty fucking basic.

as to complaints about them 'releasing an unfinished product', bnet2.0 is waaay more ambitious than the original. on one hand, blizzard has to know what we dislike about it, but on the other, be reasonable. the game was ready to beta test and bnet2.0 was functional. i actually don't understand this obsession with the game being perfect at release. you're playing the game right now, and you'll be playing the game when it's released. the main difference is the campaign will be out. seriously, someone explain this to me, cos i'm baffled. you get the game either way right?

Anyone here play Guild Wars? Hit P and you could instantly watch 3-6 high level competitive Guild versus Guild matches streamed live with a 12 minute delay.

How were they streamed? Was it like WaaaghTV/HLTV (i.e a live-replay of sorts) or was it a bona fide stream?

On June 18 2010 07:28 Half wrote:


live replay. 50 players per game "instance". The servers were more stable then WoW too lol, even though there was no monthly fee.

They also had a custom spectator UI. Essentially think WoW BGs except you could go Eagle eye and pull up team statistics and stuff. Maintenance was a monthly occurrence at like 2 pm.

Arena.net >>> Battle.net

There only failure was PvP was reallly inaccessible. 8 players per team and no tangible rewards besides glory, some cosmetics and a 1k computer every year. It was actually really exciting to watch though, like Dota without creeps and with healers, way better then lolarenas which somehow have "esports" tournaments. Shame that games esport scene never went where it could have.

On June 18 2010 07:27 FrozenArbiter wrote:

At Blizzcon 2009 they said they wouldn't have chat channels but they had plans/wanted to do "something better" with no details, so people let it be. Then they delayed the game a ton, and when the beta finally came around and their answer was still "no chat channels, but we'll have something better AFTER RELEASE" people were understandably a little bit pissed off and wondered just what the hell was going on.

On June 18 2010 07:15 Doc Daneeka wrote:
as to complaints about them 'releasing an unfinished product', bnet2.0 is waaay more ambitious than the original. on one hand, blizzard has to know what we dislike about it, but on the other, be reasonable. the game was ready to beta test and bnet2.0 was functional. i actually don't understand this obsession with the game being perfect at release. you're playing the game right now, and you'll be playing the game when it's released. the main difference is the campaign will be out. seriously, someone explain this to me, cos i'm baffled. you get the game either way right?

browsable ladders

On June 18 2010 07:53 FrozenArbiter wrote:
It's probably not negligence, nor apathy, but it is SOMETHING. They started working on the game in 2003, announced it in 2007. Since the announcement in 2007, the game has been roughly the same gameplay wise - of course it is a million times more polished now, and there have been mechanics added etc but it makes you wonder what they were doing about Battle.net all this time if they can't get basic features into it by release after working on the game for 7 years.

On June 18 2010 08:44 fdsdfg wrote:


Bolded:

Really? What do we get that's new? We have matchmaking, friends lists, arranged team games, browsable ladders, etc... all of this was in bnet 1.0. What do we get, avatars and achievements?

Yes, we get the game at release when we buy it - but we don't get battle.net - at least not the one we all are used to. We get a gimped version that asks for more money and is unfinished. You're baffled as to why customers get upset when we are asked to pay for an unfinished product?

On June 18 2010 09:34 Half wrote:

Thats probably the only part of his post that was actually right lol. It is more objectively ambitious then rehashing a (functiona) fifteen year old system.

The rest? Not so much. But its ambitious :p. You can't argue that.

Nothing about b-net 2.0 is really new. Because it sucks atm. But its clear Blizzard has very ambitious goals with it, the thing is that they haven't delivered on any of them.

On June 18 2010 10:18 hacpee wrote:


I can see where its ambitious. The new bnet 2.0 is designed to allow Activision Blizzard to charge you for "services" much more easily. Want a new skin? You can buy it with Bnet 2.0!

On June 18 2010 10:42 blade55555 wrote:
I swear Blizzard has said this many times that there will be chat channels after launch. Maybe I dreamed it

On June 17 2010 17:32 Illva wrote:
Did this get posted already because I couldn't find it in here.. Anyways:

There will definitely be "chat channels" coming in one of the patches after the release. The system will be based around groups, where you will be able to join public channels that are based around your interests, which can be virtually anything. Also the system will include private chat channels (in plans for release in the first few months after the release), where you will be able to meet with your friends. -Kapeselus

On June 18 2010 10:42 blade55555 wrote:
I swear Blizzard has said this many times that there will be chat channels after launch. Maybe I dreamed it

On June 18 2010 11:43 Notorious-B.I.G wrote:



your right they have said it but everyone freaked out over an interview earlier where one of them said no plans for chat channels

On June 18 2010 05:40 fantomex wrote:
What a disaster. We get chat channels but at what cost? Further delay for tournaments (an actually useful feature!). Group think did not serve us well here.


This isn't exactly true. Blizzard doesn't take down low population realms, but realms essentially become unplayable as the user base contracts. At some point players are forced to transfer if they want to continue playing, which Blizzard happily charges them for.

On June 18 2010 12:06 hacpee wrote:


Ya, who do you trust more? The CEO or a developer that can be fired at any time(think modern warfare).

A. We do have plans for chat channels. Specifically, we want to organize chat channels around users' interests so you know what types of conversations you are going to get into when you join a channel. This feature is not something that will be in for beta. Currently we plan to do this feature in a patch after the game launches.

On June 17 2010 17:46 endy wrote:
F.I.N.A.L.L.Y.
I love to think it's thanks to TL !