Blizzard Says Battle.net Isn't Fighting Steam or Epic
Battle.net: Blizzard's Curated Gaming Platform Explained
Battle.net is a digital game distribution platform and online service created by Blizzard Entertainment, the developer and publisher behind franchises such as Diablo and World of Warcraft.
The platform serves as the primary storefront and launcher for Blizzard's own titles, and it has recently expanded to include select third-party games. In contrast to competitors like Steam or the Epic Games Store, which host an extensive and broad catalogue, Blizzard states Battle.net is designed to function as a curated selection of games rather than a "supermassive" storefront.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Platform Name | Battle.net |
| Owner / Operator | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Platform Type | Digital game distribution storefront and online service |
| Core Proprietary Titles | Diablo, World of Warcraft |
| Notable Third-Party Titles | The Witcher 3 (CD Projekt Red), Cyberpunk 2077 (CD Projekt Red) |
| Competitive Positioning | "Handpicked basket of things to play" (per Blizzard) |
| Number of Games | Unknown; Blizzard does not list a specific figure, but describes the catalogue as curated, not massive |
Is Battle.net a Direct Competitor to Steam and Epic Games?
No, according to Blizzard, Battle.net is not intended to compete with Steam or the Epic Games Store for storefront supremacy. The publisher asserts that the platform remains focused on a curated library, despite now hosting major CD Projekt Red titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.
This stance is notable because Blizzard owns blockbuster franchises like Diablo and World of Warcraft, which would typically position a publisher to challenge larger storefronts. However, Blizzard explicitly rejected the idea that its goal is to fight what it calls the "big bosses" of the industry. The company is not pursuing a strategy based on an expansive, indiscriminate game library.
Blizzard's official statement on the matter is direct:
"No siree. We are not trying to fight those big bosses."
Blizzard Entertainment
Battle.net is a curated digital storefront by Blizzard Entertainment, not a rival to Steam or Epic Games, as confirmed by the publisher's own statements.
Why Did Battle.net Add Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077?
Blizzard has not stated that adding The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 signals a strategic shift toward competing with larger storefronts. Instead, these additions are framed as components of a curated experience, where the platform feels like a "handpicked basket of things to play."
The presence of two CD Projekt Red RPGs—The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077—could be seen as an attempt to broaden Battle.net's appeal beyond Blizzard's own universes. However, the company has been explicit that the platform's design is not meant to host an "unknowably girthy hoard of games." The focus remains on quality and selection control rather than volume.
The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 were added to Battle.net, but Blizzard maintains that these selections do not signify a move toward mega-store competition.
Who Is Battle.net For?
Battle.net is designed for players who prefer a curated and controlled game library rather than a vast, open marketplace. It is for users invested in Blizzard's own catalog—such as Diablo and World of Warcraft—who also have access to selective high-profile third-party titles.
The platform serves current Blizzard players who appreciate the integration of the publisher's games, but it is not attempting to convert users who rely on Steam or Epic Games for their primary digital library. By defining itself as a curated experience, Battle.net positions itself as a supplementary storefront for premium, hand-selected titles rather than a comprehensive store for all genres and publishers.
Battle.net is positioned for players seeking a curated library of primarily Blizzard titles, supplemented by selected third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077.
Common Questions
Does Blizzard say Battle.net is fighting Steam and Epic Games?
No. Blizzard has explicitly stated they are not trying to fight Steam or Epic Games. The publisher describes the platform's strategy as focused on providing a handpicked selection of games, not competing for "supermassive storefront supremacy."
Are The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 on Battle.net?
Yes, both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 were recently added to Battle.net. These CD Projekt Red titles are featured on the platform, but Blizzard does not attribute their addition to a strategy of expanding into a large-scale competitor storefront.
How does Blizzard describe Battle.net's game library?
Blizzard describes Battle.net's library as a "handpicked basket of things to play." The publisher emphasizes that the platform is not intended to host an "unknowably girthy hoard of games," and is instead designed to feel curated and intentional.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based exclusively on a single primary source: a report published by Rock Paper Shotgun on the topic of Blizzard's position on Battle.net's competitive strategy. The original article title is "Blizzard Say Battle.net Isn't Fighting Steam or Epic," published at the source URL provided in the input context.
Quotes from Blizzard are reproduced verbatim from the Rock Paper Shotgun report. The specific number of games on the Battle.net platform is not disclosed in the source material; therefore, this figure is reported as unknown. This article was last updated on 22 May 2025.