News and Guides for Starcraft 2

End-of-Year Blizzard Update End-of-Year Blizzard Update About 12 billion hours of Blizzard games were played and 50 million new players joined the Blizzard community this year, according to Blizzard President Mike Ybarra, who posted an update reflecting back on 2022. Blizzard Blizzard 25 comments Dec 21, 2022 at 20:21 by Staff
US Federal Trade Commission Files Suit to Block Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard US Federal Trade Commission Files Suit to Block Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard As was was expected, the US Federal Trade Commission has now voted and filed a suit to block Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, saying the deal would harm competition. As reported by Bloomberg, the commission voted 3-1 on the matter and already filed the suit. The proceedings usually take from several months to a year to resolve, and here's what Holly Vedova, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition had to say: Blizzard Blizzard 7 comments Dec 08, 2022 at 19:51 by Starym
Join Us Live on Twitch for the Icy Veins Podcast Join Us Live on Twitch for the Icy Veins Podcast Our Mythic+ guru Petko is now live on our Twitch channel talking about Dragonflight! Join us to learn about everything you need to know to prepare for the new expansion! Icy Veins Icy Veins Nov 27, 2022 at 17:59 by Staff
US Federal Trade Commission Likely to File Antitrust Lawsuit to Block Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard US Federal Trade Commission "Likely to File Antitrust Lawsuit" to Block Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Here's some potentially bad news for the sale of Activision Blizzard to Microsoft, as Politico is reporting that it is likely the US FTC will be filing a lawsuit to stop the acquisition - based on three sources "familiar with the matter". A lawsuit could postpone the deal's timing and even endanger it altogether, regardless of its result. Blizzard Blizzard 14 comments Nov 24, 2022 at 01:41 by Starym
Blizzard in China: All the Details, Rumors and New Information Blizzard in China: All the Details, Rumors and New Information A pretty big bombshell was dropped a couple of days ago, as Blizzard announced the end of their partnership with NetEase and a possible end of their games being available in China. We've seen the official posts and responses, but there's a lot of context missing there. Luckily for us, however, well known Chinese WoW community figure NasDa has jumped in to explain things and add some new information and even rumors.  Blizzard Blizzard 8 comments Nov 19, 2022 at 18:46 by Starym
NetEase Message to Chinese Blizzard Game Players NetEase Message to Chinese Blizzard Game Players Update: there's now also a very interesting comment from the NetEase Global Investment and Partnership President, which you can find at the bottom of the article.

We now also have two NetEase messages to their Blizzard game players, detailing exactly what will happen on January 24th, when their license ends, from the Battle.net client being shut down, to support of new releases before that date, what will happen to character data and more. 

Thanks to Neo once again for translating the below statement. 
Blizzard Blizzard 19 comments Nov 17, 2022 at 06:12 by Staff
NetEase Responds to Blizzard Licensing Agreement Expiration NetEase Responds to Blizzard Licensing Agreement Expiration NetEase has now responded to Blizzard's press release about the suspension of their game services in China and the end of their licensing agreement with NetEase, as reported by the Kechuangban Daily, via CaiLianShe (财联社). Blizzard Blizzard 2 comments Nov 17, 2022 at 04:18 by Staff
Most Blizzard Game Services to Be Suspended in China on January 23rd Most Blizzard Game Services to Be Suspended in China on January 23rd Update: NetEase have now issued statements to their players, explaining what exactly will be happening in the next months and after the license expires.

Blizzard have announced that they will be suspending "most Blizzard game services in mainland China", as they did not renew their licensing agreement with NetEase. This includes World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Warcraft III: Reforged, Overwatch, the StarCraft series, Diablo III, and Heroes of the Storm.

Originally spotted by chaud on MMO Champion.
Blizzard Blizzard 9 comments Nov 17, 2022 at 02:15 by Staff
Activision Blizzard Q3 2022 Financial Results Activision Blizzard Q3 2022 Financial Results Activision Blizzard shared their financial results for Q3 of 2022, with stronger than expected earnings, an expectation of a mid-2023 completion of the pending Microsoft acquisition and more. There wasn't an earnings call this time around, with just a quote from CEO Bobby Kotick addressing the dedication of the teams in the company and the acquisition.  Blizzard Blizzard 3 comments Nov 08, 2022 at 01:02 by Staff
Activision Blizzard Games Coming to Game Pass After Microsoft Acquisition Activision Blizzard Games Coming to Game Pass After Microsoft Acquisition Microsoft posted a blog post sharing their view on the Activision Blizzard acquisition. They also revealed that Overwatch, Diablo, Call of Duty, Candy Crush, and Starcraft, are coming to the Game Pass. Blizzard Blizzard 9 comments Sep 01, 2022 at 14:17 by Stan
Unconfirmed Dragonflight Pre-Patch and Launch Dates Leaked Unconfirmed Dragonflight Pre-Patch and Launch Dates Leaked An unconfirmed internal spreadsheet with release dates of multiple Activision Blizzard titles including Dragonflight and Diablo 4 pre-purchase took Reddit by storm today. Blizzard Blizzard 1 comment Aug 16, 2022 at 20:20 by Stan
Blizzard Debuting New Products + Giveaway at Comic-Con Blizzard Debuting New Products + Giveaway at Comic-Con Blizzard will debut new merchandise at San Diego Comic-Con. For those attending the event in person, make sure to check out Booth #140. The products will also be available for purchase on the Blizzard Gear Store later this year. Blizzard Blizzard Jul 21, 2022 at 07:14 by Staff
The Battle.net Social Celebration Contest The Battle.net Social Celebration Contest For the next five weeks, you can win $25 Battle.net Balance by following Blizzard on social media. Find out how to enter the giveaway for a chance to win! Battle.net Battle.net 1 comment Jul 05, 2022 at 21:14 by Staff
Blizzard Entertainment Acquires Spellbreak Development Studio Proletariat Blizzard Entertainment Acquires Spellbreak Development Studio Proletariat Blizzard Entertainment has acquired Spellbreak Development Studio Proletariat to beef up the staff on World of Warcraft. Its team of 100 people will start working on WoW, including the Dragonflight expansion coming later this year, according to Venture Beat. Blizzard Blizzard 7 comments Jun 29, 2022 at 15:11 by Staff
How to Find Out Youve Been Invited to Beta Testing? How to Find Out You've Been Invited to Beta Testing? In this post, we're looking at how to find out you've been invited to a Beta! Blizzard Blizzard 6 comments Jun 26, 2022 at 14:08 by Stan
Arclight Rumble Will Not Have Loot Boxes or NFTs Arclight Rumble Will Not Have Loot Boxes or NFTs We have new information coming out of a GamerBraves interview with Art director Jeremy Collins and Senior Software Engineer Andy Lim, as they explain that the game will not feature loot boxes or NFTs. Many players were concerned as the game wasn't available in Belgium, where there are strict laws aginst loot boxes and similar mechanics, but with Blizzard's clarification that may change before it is released.  Blizzard Blizzard 8 comments May 04, 2022 at 18:41 by Staff
Warcraft Arclight Rumble Minimum Specs, Possible 2022 Release, and No PC Port Warcraft Arclight Rumble Minimum Specs, Possible 2022 Release, and No PC Port We have two unofficial statements and some minimum specs to check out for the Warcraft mobile game, as Towelliee might have some inside info on the matter. Let's start with the official information, as the minimum specs for the game are iOS (6S and up) and Android (S7 and up), as noted in the reveal. Blizzard Blizzard 6 comments May 03, 2022 at 20:33 by Staff
Warcraft Arclight Rumble Gameplay Videos Warcraft Arclight Rumble Gameplay Videos We have two gameplay videos to check out, featuring the new Arclight Ruble game, as we get to see it in action! First off, Towelliee has put together a video of his own experiences with the new Warcraft mobile game, as he details some features while showing off a solid chunk of gameplay as well. Blizzard Blizzard 11 comments May 03, 2022 at 19:11 by Starym
Activision Blizzard Halts New Sales in Russia Activision Blizzard Halts New Sales in Russia President and COO Daniel Alegre informed the community that Activision Blizzard will halt new sales in Russia, rendering players unable to renew their subscriptions. Blizzard Blizzard 24 comments Mar 06, 2022 at 09:49 by Staff
Activision Blizzard Q4 2021 Financial Results Activision Blizzard Q4 2021 Financial Results Due to the ongoing Microsoft acquisition, there was no earnings call for Q4 2021. Instead, Activision Blizzard posted a press release, where we learn about "substantial new content" planned for the Warcraft franchise in 2022, including a new mobile game. Blizzard Blizzard 8 comments Feb 03, 2022 at 22:11 by Staff
Blizzard Lead Mike Ybarra Teases Potential Announcements Blizzard Lead Mike Ybarra Teases Potential Announcements Blizzard Lead Mike Ybarra shared on Twitter that we'll be hearing more about Warcraft and Overwatch over the coming weeks with Diablo to follow. Blizzard Blizzard 10 comments Jan 30, 2022 at 19:21 by Staff
Blizzard Working on a New Survival Game for PC and Console Blizzard Working on a New Survival Game for PC and Console Blizzard today revealed they are working on a brand-new survival game for PC and console! Blizzard Blizzard 9 comments Jan 25, 2022 at 18:12 by Staff
Announcements We Can Expect this Week? (Speculation Post) Announcements We Can Expect this Week? (Speculation Post) Blizzard lead Mike Ybarra teased two announcements coming soon. In this post, we speculate about what could potentially be announced this week. Blizzard Blizzard 17 comments Jan 24, 2022 at 19:23 by Stan
A Message from Mike Ybarra A Message from Mike Ybarra Blizzard lead Mike Ybarra shared a message to the community, talking about the Microsoft deal, actions taken at Blizzard to regain trust, priorities in 2022, and more. He also mentioned "exciting announcements" coming next week. Patch 9.2 release date, anyone? Blizzard Blizzard 16 comments Jan 20, 2022 at 22:37 by Staff
An Excerpt from Bobby Koticks Email to Staff An Excerpt from Bobby Kotick's Email to Staff Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent an email to staff regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Blizzard Blizzard 12 comments Jan 18, 2022 at 16:15 by Staff
Official Microsoft and Activision Blizzard Announcements on Acquisition Official Microsoft and Activision Blizzard Announcements on Acquisition We have two official announcements surrounding the giant, almost $70 billion, Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard from both sides, starting with Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer issuing a statement on Xbox Wire, focuisng on Game Pass additions and cloud gaming: Blizzard Blizzard 24 comments Jan 18, 2022 at 15:22 by Staff
Microsoft Nears Deal to Buy Activision Blizzard for Nearly $70 Billion Microsoft Nears Deal to Buy Activision Blizzard for Nearly $70 Billion The Wall Street Journal reports that Microsoft is nearing a deal to buy Activision Blizzard for nearly $70 billion, which is the largest deal of all time in the sector. Blizzard Blizzard 24 comments Jan 18, 2022 at 13:48 by Staff
Big Blizzard Store Holiday Sale: D2R, Character Services, Shadowlands, Pets, Mounts and More Big Blizzard Store Holiday Sale: D2R, Character Services, Shadowlands, Pets, Mounts and More There's a lot more discounts to be had in the Blizzard store aside from the Dragon pack, including 30% off character services, 50% off Shadowlands and select mounts and toys, and 30% off BCC upgrades! And there's even a 25% discount on Diablo 2: Resurrected and a 75% one on Overwatch: Legendary Edition, so check those out as well. Blizzard Blizzard 2 comments Dec 16, 2021 at 20:53 by Staff
Icy Veins Black Friday Giveaway Ends Today! Icy Veins Black Friday Giveaway Ends Today! The Icy Veins Black Friday Giveaway ends later today, so don't forget to participate for a chance to win 20x 60-Day Game Time! Icy Veins Icy Veins 15 comments Nov 29, 2021 at 16:56 by Staff
Icy Veins Black Friday Giveaway! Icy Veins Black Friday Giveaway! Greetings one and all! As Black Friday descends upon us, and with the Season of Mastery having just launched, we thought we would celebrate with a few prizes for our loyal fans! Our giveaway will reward 20 lucky winners with 60-Day WoW Game Time prizes! Icy Veins Icy Veins 186 comments Nov 25, 2021 at 17:17 by Vlad
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