Can You Share a Battle.net Account? The Definitive Guide
No, generally, you cannot share a Battle.net account. Blizzard Entertainment strictly prohibits account sharing, even with family members, due to its terms of service. However, there is one exception: a parent or legal guardian can create a Battle.net account in their name, set up parental controls, and allow one minor child under their guardianship to use the account. Let’s dive into the specifics and address common questions about account sharing and related issues within the Blizzard ecosystem.
Blizzard’s Stance on Account Sharing
Why is it Prohibited?
Blizzard’s firm stance against account sharing stems from multiple factors, including security concerns, fair gameplay, and account ownership. Allowing multiple individuals to access a single account creates significant security vulnerabilities. It increases the risk of compromised credentials, stolen in-game items, or even the account being used for illicit activities. It also maintains fair gameplay, preventing higher-skilled players from using lower-level accounts to dominate matches, a practice known as “smurfing”. Finally, the account technically belongs to Activision Blizzard, so by sharing your account you are violating the terms of service.
The Parent/Guardian Exception
As previously stated, the only permissible form of account sharing is when a parent or legal guardian permits one minor child to use an account created in the parent’s name. The parent maintains full responsibility for all actions taken on the account, including the child’s behavior, communication, and adherence to the terms of service. This allows parents to oversee their child’s gaming experience while still adhering to Blizzard’s rules.
Consequences of Violating the Policy
Violating Blizzard’s account sharing policy can lead to a range of consequences, from temporary suspensions to permanent account bans. Blizzard actively monitors account activity for suspicious patterns, such as logins from drastically different locations, which may indicate account sharing or compromise. If detected, Blizzard may take action to protect the account and maintain the integrity of its gaming environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Battle.net Account Sharing
Here are 15 of the most frequently asked questions related to sharing a Battle.net account to further clarify Blizzard’s policies:
1. Can two people use the same Battle.net account simultaneously?
No. The Battle.net app will not allow a single account to be logged into on multiple computers concurrently. Logging in on a second device will automatically log the account out of the first one.
2. Can I give my Battle.net account to a friend?
Absolutely not. Transferring or gifting your Battle.net account to a friend is a direct violation of Blizzard’s Terms of Service and can result in a permanent ban.
3. Does Battle.net have a family sharing feature?
While not a traditional “family sharing” feature, Blizzard offers the ability to transfer specific games (World of Warcraft, Diablo III, Hearthstone, and StarCraft II) from one Battle.net account to another owned by your child. This is a one-time transfer and only applies to these specific games.
4. Can I use the same Battle.net account on two different devices at different times?
Yes. You can install and play games associated with your Battle.net account on multiple devices, but you cannot be logged in and playing on two devices simultaneously.
5. How does Blizzard detect account sharing?
Blizzard employs various methods to detect potential account sharing, including analyzing login locations, IP addresses, and gameplay patterns. While they can’t definitively prove who is playing, unusual activity raises red flags and may trigger further investigation.
6. Is it legal to sell a Battle.net account?
No. Selling or buying a Battle.net account is a violation of Blizzard’s Terms of Service. The account technically belongs to Activision Blizzard, and unauthorized transfer is prohibited. If discovered, both the seller and buyer risk permanent account bans.
7. Can I make a second Battle.net account?
Yes, you can create multiple Battle.net accounts under your name. This is useful if you want to separate your gaming activities or manage multiple World of Warcraft accounts.
8. Can I use the same phone number for two Battle.net accounts?
No. A phone number can only be linked to one Battle.net account at a time for security and verification purposes.
9. Why is account sharing a bannable offense?
Account sharing poses significant security risks, compromises fair gameplay, and violates Blizzard’s Terms of Service. It also makes it difficult to track accountability. Blizzard protects its players and enforces regulations.
10. Can you get banned for smurfing in Blizzard games?
Yes, smurfing can lead to penalties in some Blizzard games, particularly those with competitive rankings. Creating a new account to play against less skilled players undermines the integrity of the matchmaking system.
11. Can Blizzard see my IP address?
Yes, Blizzard collects IP addresses for various purposes, including security, fraud prevention, and improving their services. Using a VPN might mask your IP address, but it does not guarantee complete anonymity and may still be detectable.
12. What happens if my account gets compromised due to sharing?
If your account is compromised after sharing it, Blizzard may assist in recovering the account, but you will be held responsible for any violations that occurred while the account was shared. You may find it difficult to get assistance from Blizzard if you have violated the ToS.
13. Can I play Battle.net games on multiple computers?
Yes. Once you have added a Game Key or Code to your Battle.net account, the game can be installed on an unlimited number of systems.
14. Why did all my Battle.net games disappear?
Sometimes, after a software update, your computer might forget where your games are installed. Simply go to the Battle.net app, click the settings gear icon next to the Play button, and then use “Locate Game”. If that doesn’t work, try deleting the Battle.net cache folder. As a last resort, reinstall the Battle.net Desktop App.
15. Can I run two Battle.net clients at the same time?
You can run multiple instances of World of Warcraft, as long as they are linked to different World of Warcraft accounts on the same Battle.net account.
Staying Compliant with Blizzard’s Policies
The best way to enjoy Blizzard’s games without risking penalties is to adhere to their Terms of Service and avoid account sharing. Encourage friends and family to create their own accounts and experience the games individually. By doing so, you protect your account, maintain the integrity of the game, and support the community.
The Educational Value of Gaming: Exploring the Games Learning Society
Gaming can be a powerful tool for education and skill development. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games and promoting their use in various learning environments. To learn more, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, while the temptation to share your Battle.net account might arise, it’s crucial to understand and respect Blizzard’s policies. Protecting your account, ensuring fair play, and supporting the community are essential for a positive gaming experience. And remember, if you are a parent, you can use the exception to create an account for your child.