Will Blizzard Ever Fully Embrace Steam? A Deep Dive

The answer, in short, is yes, Blizzard has already begun releasing games on Steam, marking a significant shift from its long-standing commitment to its own Battle.net launcher. However, the extent to which Blizzard will fully embrace Steam remains a nuanced question, dependent on several factors, including the success of initial releases, the evolving relationship between Blizzard and Microsoft (its parent company), and the ever-changing dynamics of the PC gaming landscape. This is a strategic maneuver, a calculated risk that Blizzard hopes will revitalize its player base and open doors to new audiences.

Blizzard’s Evolving PC Distribution Strategy

For years, Blizzard staunchly maintained its Battle.net launcher as the exclusive gateway to its games. This decision, while granting Blizzard greater control over distribution, updates, and revenue, also created a walled garden. Players who primarily used Steam were often less inclined to create a separate Battle.net account and download another launcher solely for Blizzard titles.

The winds began to change in 2022 when Activision, a sister company under the Activision Blizzard umbrella, brought the Call of Duty series back to Steam, starting with Modern Warfare II. This move signaled a potential shift in the company’s overall PC distribution philosophy.

Then came the official announcement: Blizzard would be releasing select games on Steam. Overwatch 2 was chosen as the initial ambassador, a free-to-play title designed to attract a broad audience. This wasn’t just a simple port; Blizzard integrated Steam features like achievements, friends lists, and cloud saves, offering a more seamless experience for Steam users.

The decision to put Overwatch 2 on Steam indicates Blizzard’s intentions to broaden its reach to gamers who spend the majority of their time on Valve’s platform. The move aimed to reduce friction and welcome Steam users into the Blizzard fold without requiring them to abandon their preferred gaming ecosystem. It’s a smart play, especially for a game like Overwatch 2, which thrives on a large and active player base.

The Microsoft Factor

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft further complicates the picture. Microsoft already has its own PC gaming ecosystem through the Xbox app and PC Game Pass. Whether Microsoft will push for greater integration with its own platform or allow Blizzard to continue exploring Steam remains to be seen.

Microsoft’s gaming strategy seems to be focusing on making games accessible wherever players are. This might suggest a continued presence on Steam, especially for games that benefit from a wider audience. However, there’s also the possibility that Microsoft could leverage Blizzard’s intellectual property to strengthen its own PC Game Pass offering, potentially leading to timed exclusives or other arrangements that could impact Steam releases.

The influence of the acquisition means that the future may lean towards maximizing accessibility across platforms. Microsoft might encourage Blizzard to use both the Xbox app and Steam to reach the widest possible audience.

The Future of Blizzard on Steam

Predicting the future is always fraught with uncertainty, but several factors suggest that Blizzard will likely continue to release some of its games on Steam. The potential benefits are simply too significant to ignore.

• Increased Visibility: Steam’s vast user base provides unparalleled visibility for Blizzard’s games.
• Reduced Friction: Making games available on a platform that players already use lowers the barrier to entry.
• New Revenue Streams: Access to a broader audience can translate into increased sales and in-game purchases.
• Enhanced Player Experience: Integration with Steam’s features can improve the overall gaming experience for players.

However, it’s unlikely that all of Blizzard’s games will eventually make their way to Steam. Titles like World of Warcraft, which are deeply integrated with the Battle.net ecosystem, might remain exclusive to Blizzard’s launcher. It’s also possible that certain games will be released on Steam after a period of exclusivity on Battle.net or Xbox Game Pass.

Blizzard will likely adopt a strategic approach, carefully selecting which games to release on Steam based on their target audience, monetization model, and integration with the Battle.net ecosystem. The success of Overwatch 2 on Steam will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping Blizzard’s future PC distribution strategy.

The gaming landscape is ever changing. To keep up with the new emerging technologies, you can always check with the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Blizzard games are currently available on Steam?

As of now, the primary Blizzard game available on Steam is Overwatch 2. Keep an eye on Blizzard’s official announcements for news on future releases.

2. Why did Blizzard decide to put games on Steam after all these years?

Blizzard aims to expand its reach and make its games more accessible to players who primarily use Steam. This reduces friction and attracts new players.

3. Will World of Warcraft ever be released on Steam?

While not impossible, it’s unlikely in the near future. WoW is heavily integrated with the Battle.net ecosystem, and moving it to Steam would require significant technical and logistical changes.

4. Will my progress and purchases transfer if I play Overwatch 2 on Steam?

Yes, your progress and purchases will transfer as long as you link your Steam account to your Battle.net account.

5. Are there any benefits to playing Blizzard games on Steam versus Battle.net?

Steam offers features like achievements, cloud saves, and a unified friends list, which can enhance the overall gaming experience for some players.

6. Will all future Blizzard games be released on Steam?

Not necessarily. Blizzard will likely adopt a strategic approach, carefully selecting which games to release on Steam.

7. How does the Microsoft acquisition affect Blizzard’s Steam strategy?

The Microsoft acquisition adds another layer of complexity. Microsoft may influence Blizzard’s distribution strategy, potentially favoring Xbox Game Pass or timed exclusives.

8. Is Diablo IV available on Steam?

As of the current date, Diablo IV is not on Steam. Keep checking for updates and announcements about future releases.

9. Can I add non-Steam games, like Blizzard games, to my Steam library?

Yes, you can. You can add non-Steam games to your Steam library, but you won’t get the full Steam integration (achievements, etc.).

10. Why was Call of Duty removed from Steam in the past?

Activision removed Call of Duty from Steam to drive traffic to its own Battle.net platform.

11. Can I transfer Call of Duty from Battle.net to Steam if I purchased it there?

No, licenses are not transferable between Battle.net and Steam. You would need to purchase the game again on Steam.

12. Are Call of Duty points transferable between Battle.net and Steam?

No, Call of Duty Points are platform-specific and cannot be transferred between Battle.net and Steam.

13. Can I link my Activision account to Steam?

Yes, you can link your Activision account to Steam to enable cross-play and other features in supported games.

14. Is Call of Duty crossplay compatible between Steam and other platforms?

Yes, Call of Duty supports crossplay between Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.

15. Will the Steam Deck be able to play Blizzard Games?

Yes, the Steam Deck can play Blizzard games. While some games may not have native support, they can be played through compatibility layers or by installing the Battle.net launcher. You can learn more about all new gaming tech from the Games Learning Society on their site at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.