[WoRBot]

Blizzard is now preparing Battle.net for the future by introducing the new Battle.net website and a new account system called the Battle.net Account.  This new account will allow you to access any of Blizzard's games through a single email address and password; even World of Warcraft accounts can be added.  What's even better is you can add a Blizzard Authenticator or Battle.net Mobile Authenticator to your Battle.net account, offering additional security for every Blizzard game you play.

If you already had a Blizzard account previously, then you're set -- all Blizzard accounts have been converted over to Battle.net accounts.  If not, you'll need to create a Battle.net account.  Signing up is a 5-step process and includes selecting your country and then going through the account creation step.  Check out the images below for steps 1 through 3.  Step 4 is confirming the information you entered, and the final step is to check your email for a verification link.

NOTE:  The WoW account merge portion appears to only be available in the United States at the moment.  Expect Blizzard to roll this out to other countries soon.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

 

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Once you've gone through the process of either retrieving your old Blizzard account info, or setting up your new account, you're presented with the account management page.  From here you can-

• Merge your World of Warcraft account into the Battle.net account (Screenshot)
  
• Add other Blizzard games like StarCraft, Warcraft III, etc. (Screenshot)
  
• Opt-in for future Blizzard betas
  
• Enter payment, contact, and shipping information so you can quickly purchase merchandise at the Blizzard Store
  
• Add a Blizzard Authenticator or Moble Battle.net Authenticator (Screenshot)
  
  • You must first merge a WoW account for this option to be available

So now you must be asking, why is Blizzard doing this?  Well, Vjeux at SC2Lead.com posted some interesting information, which leads me to believe that StarCraft II's beta is closer than we might think.  This makes sense that Blizzard is introducing the new Battle.net account now, as the system will be deployed for StarCraft II at launch as well.

Be sure to keep an eye out for further announcements regarding this new account system, and of course take a look at the new Battle.net FAQ for more information.

Quote from: Zarhym (Source)

We’re pleased to introduce the Battle.net account -- a brand-new way for players to manage their Blizzard Entertainment games, make online Blizzard store purchases, log in to World of Warcraft, and more using just one set of login information.

World of Warcraft players now have the option to create a Battle.net account, merge a World of Warcraft account (or multiple accounts) with it, and begin logging in to the game, the Armory, and the forums using their new Battle.net account login information.

Some of the benefits of the Battle.net account include:

• Fewer passwords to remember. One single login lets you access World of Warcraft, the online Blizzard store, and more -- including upcoming games such as StarCraft II and Diablo III.
  
• Opt in to upcoming Blizzard Entertainment beta tests. Put yourself in the running to be invited to test upcoming games.
  
• Easy access to your classic games. Store your CD keys for classic Blizzard Entertainment titles, and then download the games whenever you wish.
  
• And more to come… We’re planning to add more features in the future, including tools to help friends communicate between games and bring players closer together.

At this time, signing up is completely optional -- but if you’re interested in taking advantage of the benefits of the Battle.net account today, check out the FAQ for more information, or create an account now.

FAQ- http://us.battle.net/faq/index.html
Create an account- https://us.battle.net/account/creation/tos.xml

[Chrono]

Let's hope they roll out the EU version soon..

[Erobern]

This looks very sleek, I registered and added all my blizzard games to here, its a very nice layout they have going.

[DracoDragon09]

Erobern said:

This looks very sleek, I registered and added all my blizzard games to here, its a very nice layout they have going.

I've done the same. The website is really nice and I look forward to future betas! Bring them on!

[blitzseed]

this is great, i lost alot of my old blizz games but still had the keys and now i can re DL them! sweet love it!

[lihab]

man, this makes me wish i knew where all my old game keys were.

[rhorle]

I wish I still had my starcraft cd key, have the game but not the key. Friend stole the case a couple of years ago and recovered the game but never the case with they key. Cool options, but they should reward an in-game pet or something for doing it =p

[Marooned]

So how is my warcraft III or starcraft account has been transferred to the new battle.net? I got EU wow account but i remember on those days accounts could play on all servers there was no regional distiction between CD keys.
And another off topic question, does blizzard sell any one its lore books in electronic (pdf) versions anywhere online?

[ZadiasStark]

This seems like a nice idea, tho I don't like the fact that it would force you to change your login and password for WoW to the battle.net one.
My current username for WoW is very unique and battle.net will force you to use your email address, which in my case alot of people have.
Also my WoW password is very secure and battle.net will not allow any special characters except for !"#$%.
So the whole idea of merging the WoW account into battle.net is now less desirable in my eyes.

Hopefully that will improve the options and allow selection of a unique username and stronger passwords

[ShadoFall]

im wondering what happens if you try to merge more then one wow account...

[Kody]

ShadoFall said:

im wondering what happens if you try to merge more then one wow account...

The way it worked in the early testing of Wrath when Blizzard accounts were used, was you were prompted with which account you wanted to log in to after logging in with your Blizzard account.

[ShadoFall]

Kody said:

The way it worked in the early testing of Wrath when Blizzard accounts were used, was you were prompted with which account you wanted to log in to after logging in with your Blizzard account.

yup works same i found that section of the faq. bout same time i asked on wow's forums

now i patiently wait to see if chilly makes a cheerful return

[Leviathonlx]

ZadiasStark said:

This seems like a nice idea, tho I don't like the fact that it would force you to change your login and password for WoW to the battle.net one.
My current username for WoW is very unique and battle.net will force you to use your email address, which in my case alot of people have.
Also my WoW password is very secure and battle.net will not allow any special characters except for !"#$%.
So the whole idea of merging the WoW account into battle.net is now less desirable in my eyes.

Hopefully that will improve the options and allow selection of a unique username and stronger passwords

With the current settings you can make a password that is more than strong enough to resist any brute force hacking.

[Lans]

Leviathonlx said:

With the current settings you can make a password that is more than strong enough to resist any brute force hacking.

You can also set up an authenticator to protect all of your games. Im guessing Diablo III and the "next gen" MMO will make the most use of that.

[icehunter]

The hackers are going to love that, one password to steal all your stuff - much easier for them.

As for loving the layout, what browsers and resolutions and monitors are you using? Looks like rubbish here.

[indelible]

icehunter said:

The hackers are going to love that, one password to steal all your stuff - much easier for them.

As for loving the layout, what browsers and resolutions and monitors are you using? Looks like rubbish here.

As has been pointed out, this really doesn't give the hackers any more advantage or disadvantage. The methods most hackers use to get your login information has as much chance of succeeding on your old login as it does on your Blizzard Account login. They also aren't interested in your copy of D2, SC or WC3 - they just want WoW ;-) On top of that, you can still use an Authenticator and soon enough, you will be able have that very application on your mobile phone, iPhone or iPod Touch.

[roxsand]

indelible said:

As has been pointed out, this really doesn't give the hackers any more advantage or disadvantage. The methods most hackers use to get your login information has as much chance of succeeding on your old login as it does on your Blizzard Account login. They also aren't interested in your copy of D2, SC or WC3 - they just want WoW ;-) On top of that, you can still use an Authenticator and soon enough, you will be able have that very application on your mobile phone, iPhone or iPod Touch.

Don't forget that Diablo III will be available on Battle.net (at least I believe it's safe to bet my life on it). Gold farmers get 2 for 1 on your password. The new authenticator to forums thing is really annoying. They should not have rolled this out until they were ready with the US/EU mobile apps.