Blizzard, now under the umbrella of Microsoft, has long been synonymous with the iconic Warcraft franchise, which encompasses both real-time strategy (RTS) and massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) genres. However, the classic RTS titles had fallen into relative obscurity until GOG.com stepped in, collaborating with Blizzard to breathe new life into these beloved 90s games for a contemporary audience.
Despite GOG’s commendable efforts to preserve and enhance these classics, Blizzard has recently requested the removal of Warcraft 1 and 2 from the platform, coinciding with its own remaster projects for these titles. This decision has left many in the gaming community feeling frustrated, as GOG had previously introduced several new features to these games, including multiplayer support and improved graphical options.
GOG remains committed to supporting existing owners of Warcraft I and II, ensuring that those who have purchased the titles will continue to receive updates, even as new customers are unable to acquire them. This move comes in light of Blizzard’s announcement regarding remaster patches for Warcraft 1, 2, and 3, which will be available exclusively through Blizzard’s Battle.net launcher.
Blizzard and Microsoft don’t seem to be on the same page yet
The recent developments have sparked questions about the alignment of priorities between Blizzard and Microsoft. While Microsoft aims to expand its gaming portfolio across various platforms, Blizzard appears to be focusing on direct engagement with its customer base. This divergence is particularly evident in the context of Xbox Game Pass, where fans have expressed frustration over the slow introduction of Activision-Blizzard titles.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the remaster patches for Warcraft, their absence from PC Game Pass raises eyebrows, especially given Microsoft’s commitment to making first-party games available on the service. The inconsistency in game availability across platforms has left many puzzled, particularly as titles like Avowed are set to debut on Battle.net.
As GOG navigates this complex landscape, it finds itself in a challenging position, striving to preserve gaming history while contending with the shifting dynamics of major industry players. The situation underscores the need for clearer communication and alignment between Blizzard and Microsoft, as both entities work to define their respective roles in the evolving gaming ecosystem.
