Blizzard games are coming to Steam which spell hope for Linux via Proton and Windows PC. This marks a whole new change for the storefront and platform development going forward.
Alright, let’s dive into this news from Blizzard, the creators of some of the epic games in the world of digital entertainment. They’re making a big move, and it has some interesting implications for us, the Linux players in the community.
On the positive side, this is a huge win for accessibility on August 10th. Blizzard can now reach players in a more broad market, and by bringing their titles to Steam, they’re opening up a whole new range of people to jump into their world. This is especially good news as native gamers since the client does offer solid Proton support. Which is already proving itself as a strong commitment for native support. With Overwatch 2 leading the charge, we’re likely to see more titles available with Linux compatibility. Let along Steam Deck. This means more choices and more chances for native support for us.
Moreover, this move doesn’t mean that Battle.net is going away. They’re simply expanding their reach. This means that if you’re already playing on Battle.net, you won’t have to change anything. You can keep playing your favorite Blizzard titles just like before. Plus, if you are using Valve’s platform, you’ll still need to connect to a Battle.net account. This means you’ll be able to play with your friends no matter what platform they’re on.
Blizzard Downside
Now, let’s talk about the potential downsides. While Valve does support Linux, not all games on the platform are compatible. So, even though Overwatch 2 is coming to the client, there’s no guarantee that it will be Verified. Although there are high hopes. But, we’ll have to wait and see what Blizzard decides to do. Especially with Battle.net support.
Another potential issue is that while Steam has a lot of great features, it also has its own set of problems. For example, some people have reported issues with the platform’s customer service and refund policies. So, while this move might make Blizzard’s titles more accessible, it could also bring new challenges for players.
In conclusion, Blizzard’s decision to bring their titles to Valve’s platform is a big deal, with both benefits and drawbacks. For native players, it could mean more options and better accessibility. But it also comes with some uncertainties. As always, the best thing we can do as players is to stay informed and be ready to adapt to whatever comes our way. After all, that’s what native gaming has been all about.
Will this evolve into more native titles, or simply keep to compatibility?