Diablo II: Resurrected, a modernized iteration of Blizzard's classic, has officially launched on Steam. This marks a significant expansion beyond its previous exclusive availability on Battle.net, bringing the title to a wider audience, particularly those utilizing the Steam Deck. The game has received a 'Steam Deck Verified' badge, signifying its compatibility and optimized performance on Valve's portable gaming device.

This transition to Steam, however, does not entirely sever ties with Battle.net. Players will still be required to have the Battle.net desktop application installed and possess a Battle.net account to access the game. Furthermore, a persistent internet connection remains a prerequisite for gameplay, mirroring the requirements of the Battle.net version. Despite these continued dependencies, the Steam launch simplifies the game access process for many, eliminating the need to primarily use Blizzard's proprietary launcher.

The timing of this Steam debut coincides with the release of a significant expansion for Diablo II, its first in a quarter-century. This new content introduces a Warlock character class and brings much-anticipated enhancements to the game's inventory management system, addressing a long-standing point of feedback from the community. These updates, coupled with the increased accessibility offered by Steam, aim to revitalize the player experience for both returning veterans and new adventurers.

The move by Blizzard to bring Diablo II: Resurrected to Steam reflects a broader industry trend where major publishers, including giants like EA and Ubisoft, are increasingly opting to distribute their titles on Valve's platform. This shift is largely driven by player preference for a unified gaming library and the growing popularity of hardware like the Steam Deck, which benefits from seamless integration with the Steam ecosystem. The game's verified status on Steam Deck positions it well to capture the portable gaming market, and its potential compatibility with forthcoming Steam Machine iterations further underscores this strategic direction.

While Battle.net loyalists still have the option to purchase Diablo II: Resurrected and its new expansion, 'Reign of the Warlock,' directly from Blizzard's platform, the availability on Steam represents a notable step towards greater player convenience and platform interoperability within the PC gaming landscape. This development is poised to offer a more streamlined experience for a significant portion of the gaming community, reinforcing Steam's role as a dominant digital distribution platform.