Blizzard looks to 'evolve' Battle.net with new social features

Blizzard is bringing a handful of new social features to the beta version of its Battle.net desktop app, including user profiles, avatars, and group chats. 

It's a notable move that indicates the Overwatch and World of Warcraft creator is trying to reinvigorate the recently revived brand by turning it into a full-fledged social platform. 

The addition of customisable profiles lets users choose an avatar, share links to their various social media accounts, and tell the world what's on their mind by posting an 'about message.' 

A new group chat feature is being rolled out under the 'Blizzard Groups' moniker, and lets users connect with friends by creating and joining groups based on their common interests. From there, they'll be able to keep in touch, share strategies, and catch up on conversations they might've missed will offline.

Each group can have multiple text and voice chat channels, while group admins will get a variety of tools to help manage membership and fire out invites. 

All of those various social interactions can be managed via the aptly named Social Tab (shown below), which essentially serves as the new hub for Battle.net's fresh-out-of-the-oven social features. 

"These features are designed to give Blizzard players even more ways to stay connected," explained the company, "and we’re looking forward to continuing to evolve the app and build even more ways for you to stay in touch and join forces for your next adventure."

Every single Battle.net user can try out the new social features for themselves by switching over to the beta version of the app. To do that, just go to the Battle.net app settings, click on the 'Beta' tab, and then hit 'Switch to Beta Version.'