One of the most iconic phrases for any PC gamer has run its course as Blizzard decides to rebrand its signature portal using more familiar language.
The following is Blizzard's overall explanation for why the Battle.net name is no more:
“
We’re going to be transitioning away from using the Battle.net name for our gaming service and the functionality connected to it. Battle.net technology will continue to serve as the central nervous system for Blizzard games—nothing is changing in that regard. We'll just be referring to our various products and services using the Blizzard name instead. You've already seen this recently with things like "Blizzard Streaming" and "Blizzard Voice," and more changes are on the way.”
While this reasoning makes sense, long-time Blizzard fans can't help but mourn the loss of such a recognizable and nostalgic bit of branding. Battle.net was first created on November 30, 1996 and accompanied the launch of Diablo. For the next 20 years, Battle.net would go on to house the millions upon millions of players that would create clans, guilds, and groups to game socially and competitively.
Battle.net timeline:
- Diablo - 1996
- Starcraft - 1998
- Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition -1999
- Diablo II - 2000
- Warcraft III - 2002
- World of Warcraft - released in 2004 did not originally support battle.net. It was only until 2009 that Battle.net was revamped and WoW players were required to merge accounts.
- Starcraft II - 2010
- Diablo III - 2012
- Hearthstone - 2014
- Heroes of the Storm - 2015
- Overwatch - 2016
Here is to 20 years of Battle.net and all of the memories!
