Blizzard unveils new Battle.net

Activision Blizzard has today unveiled the latest, re-vamped version of its Battle.net multiplayer system and has confirmed reports that all future Blizzard games will require a Battle.net account.

The new version of Battle.net brings a whole host of minor changes to the long-running online gaming service, but the most important tweak is that players can now link all their Blizzard multiplayer profiles under a single Battle.net account, streamlining the whole process of logging in.

The system actually goes further than just linking gaming profiles together though - you can also connect your Blizzard forum accounts, store details and multiple World of Warcraft accounts to this single account. Merging your multiple accounts is totally optional right now, but will become obligatory in the future according to Blizzard:

"Currently, creating a Battle.net account and merging World of Warcraft accounts is entirely optional. However, as we continue to build additional functionality into the new Battle.net, we will eventually require all active World of Warcraft accounts to migrate over to Battle.net Accounts in order to continue playing."

The announcement also confirmed that all future Blizzard titles, such as StarCraft 2 and Diablo 3 will require an authentic Battle.net account.

Somewhat complicating the matter though is the fact that the existing version of Battle.net will continue to run for older games, such as Warcraft 3 and Diablo 2, under the title of Battle.net Classic - which will continue to use the old system and login details.

Are you as bewildered as us? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.