In the past 12 months Blizzard has integrated Facebook login [1], Facebook Live streaming [2], and Facebook friend lists [3] into their revamped Blizzard App (previously known as the Battle.net Launcher). The live streaming functionality was particularly a shot across the bow [4][5] against someone like Twitch/Curse, so it's interesting to see that Amazon has now responded and forged this new deal with Blizzard. I'm curious if it's just about the content (driving viewers to the platform) or if there's more in the works between these two.
When they announced integrated streaming, I was excited- until I saw I had to link Facebook, which was a huge disappointment. I use Facebook for sharing pictures of my kids and family stuff, and I have no interest in either sharing my stream with my family or sharing my family with anybody I game with (random people I meet online.) Facebook, at least for me, is far too personal to use as a broadcasting platform, and it seemed like a weird choice that limits potential users to pro teams rather than casual streamers.
Also noticed they are headlining Destiny 2 (from Activision+Bungie) in the Blizzard App store, and that it will be launched from the Blizzard App ("Blizzard Desktop app and registration required to play")
Activision and Blizzard are both owned by Activision Blizzard, so by putting Destiny 2 in Battle.net they can keep the share Valve would take for selling it on steam.
Warning, slow links: [1] https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/06/facebook-to-provide-login... [2] http://www.wowhead.com/news=255393/blizzard-and-facebook-str... [3] http://www.wowhead.com/news=260084/battle-net-and-facebook-f... [4] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12371440 [5] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12381447