Battlenet

Battle.net is Blizzard Entertainment's online gaming platform and digital distribution service. Launched in 1996, it began as a centralized service to enable multiplayer matchmaking, chat, and social features for Blizzard titles such as Diablo, Warcraft, and StarCraft. Over time, Battle.net expanded to include a digital storefront, cross-title account management, and broader social capabilities.

A major refresh known as Battle.net 2.0 was rolled out in the early 2010s, beginning with StarCraft II. The update unified Blizzard games under a single client, introduced a modern storefront, and integrated cross-game friends lists, voice chat, and enhanced matchmaking. The platform supports Windows and macOS, and is complemented by mobile Battle.net apps for iOS and Android that allow account management, chat, and news updates.

Core features include a single Blizzard account, social tools such as friends lists and group chats, voice communication and in-game overlay, matchmaking and ladders for supported titles, and a digital storefront for Blizzard games and in-game items. Purchases and licenses are tied to the Battle.net account, enabling access across Blizzard titles and products. Security options, including two-factor authentication, are provided to protect accounts.

Battle.net hosts Blizzard franchises such as World of Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Hearthstone, and Heroes of the Storm, among others. It serves as the primary hub for account management, game purchases, and online play for Blizzard’s PC and Mac games, and it has developed features to support cross-game and, in some titles, cross-platform play. The service operates in a competitive space with other digital distribution and social gaming platforms.