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Blizzard to integrate Facebook login and social functions into PC games

Popular games from World of WarCraft to Overwatch will be able to more easily share and browse social content.

David Craddock

June 6, 2016 7:00 AM

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In an effort to give its millions of players more ways to connect and share their gaming experiences, Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with Facebook to integrate the social media giant's sign-up and login functionalities. Beginning later this month, players will be able to register for and log in to Blizzard's PC games via Facebook beginning with 2004's World of WarCraft through last month's Overwatch.

Per a press release from Blizzard, "Adding Facebook Login will pave the way for new social functionality in Blizzard games while highlighting Facebook as a platform of choice for sharing, viewing, and discussing AAA game content."

One example of that new social functionality will be made possible through Facebook's Live API, which Blizzard will utilize to let players easily livestream gameplay. "For the first time, our players will be able to livestream their Blizzard-gaming sessions directly to their Facebook timelines, and friends will be able to subscribe and be notified when new streams are available."

Blizzard's ultimate goal is to make it as easy as possible for its players to share gaming experiences. This initiative actually began months ago, when the publisher/developer teamed up with Facebook to host livestreams of the Heroes of the Dorm college tourney, where players competed for cash prizes in Heroes of the Storm.

As a more recent example, Blizzard hosted an Overwatch livestream on Facebook to ring in the squad-based shooter's launch. Facebook proved an able and willing partner, working closely with Blizzard to roll out various marketing tools made possible by Instagram and other Facebook services.

Facebook's global games partnerships director, Leo Olebe, is just as pleased by the relationship as the managers at Blizzard. "Our collaboration on Overwatch demonstrates Facebook's commitment to partnering with AAA game companies, while further empowering Blizzard gamers to connect and share the content they're most passionate about with the friends they play with around the world."

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.