The Blizzard and Activision game launcher, Battle.net, has not won any “Stylish and Easy to Navigate” awards over the years. Blizzard has started to release an update that could change that, as it will transform the old client into a more organized Battle.net 2.0.
Announced on the Blizzard website, Battle.net 2.0 isn’t worlds away from its predecessor, but I’m definitely a fan of the way games are displayed in a row along the top, as opposed to a long list that goes down the side left. In addition, the new visualization of the library looks excellent, with its ability to filter games. I’m really excited about these filter people.
It also makes better use of space in general. Select a game in the old client and you will get tiny information boxes surrounded by an extension of nothing. It is good to see that the gaps have now been filled by great news and colorful images.
One of the most annoying things about the former initiator was his separation from the social panel, which meant that you would have to turn the windows over to see what your friends were doing. Now, all of this is perfectly integrated on the right side. A big thumb lifted from me.
Blizzard has also improved accessibility, which means that you can browse most of the application with the keyboard. Screen reader support has also been added.
Here is a quick comparison between the two:
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The old Battle.net launcher
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And the homepage of the new launcher
Looking at the two side by side, the old customer really looks old-fashioned, doesn’t he? I can’t get over this unused space, gah.
The new patch will be released in North America first and will arrive in other regions in the coming weeks.