In a significant update that rekindles a partnership with Blizzard Entertainment, NVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service has reintroduced several beloved Blizzard titles, including those from the StarCraft and Diablo franchises. This marks a notable return of Blizzard games to GeForce NOW after their absence since the platform's beta phase.
The Return of Blizzard Games to GeForce NOW
A few years ago, during the GeForce NOW beta, NVIDIA featured Activision Blizzard games on its service. However, due to a request from Activision Blizzard, these games were removed before the service's official launch. This week, NVIDIA celebrates the return of these titles, enhancing the GeForce NOW library and delighting fans worldwide.
New Blizzard Titles on GeForce NOW
StarCraft: A Legendary Series Remastered
The addition of StarCraft: Remastered and StarCraft II to GeForce NOW brings a classic real-time strategy experience to the cloud, allowing veterans and newcomers alike to enjoy these seminal games with enhanced graphics and modern controls.
Diablo: Resurrected and Beyond
Joining the lineup are Diablo II: Resurrected and Diablo III, expanding the service’s RPG offerings. These games are renowned for their deep narrative and engaging gameplay, and they can now be enjoyed on GeForce NOW, with Diablo II: Resurrected featuring controller support for a versatile gaming experience.
Gameplay Considerations
While the reintroduction of these games is a boon for fans, it's important to note that except for Diablo II: Resurrected, the other titles currently only support mouse and keyboard inputs. This might restrict some players from enjoying the games on mobile devices unless they adapt with a wireless mouse and keyboard setup.
Expanding the GeForce NOW Library
Additional Titles Added This Week
In addition to the Blizzard classics, GeForce NOW has added an array of other games across various genres:
- Dead Island 2 (Steam version)
- Bellwright
- Phantom Fury
- Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure
- Age of Water
- Manor Lords
- 9-Bit Armies: A Bit Too Far
- Dragon’s Dogma 2 Character Creator and Storage
- Islands of Insight
- Metaball
- Stargate: Timekeepers
- Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale
Furthermore, the 'The Forgotten Kingdom' expansion for Remnant II is also available, enhancing the game's depth and providing new challenges for players.
Technical Enhancements and Future Prospects
AV1 Support Update
NVIDIA is also rolling out an update to enhance the AV1 streaming capabilities on GeForce NOW, extending support to additional devices including the new Mac M3 line-up. This update is set to improve streaming quality and performance, ensuring a superior gaming experience.
Anticipation for More Blizzard Titles
While the addition of these games is a significant step, many fans are hopeful that more Blizzard titles, such as World of Warcraft, will eventually be available on GeForce NOW. With NVIDIA's continued expansion of the service, the future looks promising for broader game availability.
Conclusion
NVIDIA's latest update to GeForce NOW not only brings back cherished Blizzard titles but also introduces a variety of other games, catering to a wide array of tastes and preferences. This expansion underscores GeForce NOW’s commitment to providing a diverse and dynamic gaming environment, accessible on numerous devices and optimized for the best possible user experience.
With continuous updates and enhancements, GeForce NOW is poised to remain a top choice for gamers looking to enjoy a high-quality gaming experience across multiple platforms.