Blizzard's Next-Gen Battle.net Detailed for StarCraft 2, Diablo 3

Battle.net--Blizzard's online matchmaking portal and community for games including the Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo series--is getting some modern touch-ups in time for the releases of Diablo III and StarCraft II.

Fan site DIII.net has compiled a list of new features gleaned from statements from Blizzard higher-ups. Among the new expected features are:

• Achievements

• Clan support

• Advanced friends list

• In-game chat and voice chat

• Enhanced cheat detection and punishment

• Web community overhaul

• Avatars

• eSports support and automated tournaments

Most of these features are clearly the result of lessons learned from Blizzard's online juggernaut World of Warcraft, while new eSports features should satiate a competitive following frothing at the mouth for StarCraft II. The revamped Battle.net is expected to premiere with next year's probable release of RTS sequel StarCraft II.