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Blizzard Entertainment has posted a web page detailing many of the new features planned for their online gaming service, Battle.net, when used with their upcoming real-time strategy game, Warcraft III.

Here are just a few of the features mentioned:

Anonymous Matchmaking

• Players are anonymously matched based on skill level.
  
• The AMM randomly selects maps based on the players' preferences.
  
• Players can choose which race to play, or they can let the service choose for them.
  
• Players can also select the game type, which indicates the number of allies and opponents.
  
• The top-ranked players from each gateway will be listed on our Web site.

Arranged Team

• Players can team up with friends, and team records are tracked.
  
• Arranged team games count toward the ladder.
  
• Team members are automatically allied and set to allied chat.

New Ladder System

• The AMM prevents win trading and ensures that high-level players face opponents of similar skill.
  
• Ladder-play prerequisites have been eliminated (everyone who uses the AMM earns a ladder rank).
  
• Top-ranked players can compete in seasonal tournaments to determine who really is the best of the best.

Custom Games

• Play with or against computer players.
  
• Play on the map of your choice, including user-made custom maps.
  
• Anyone that you permit can join, so you can play against opponents of your choice.
  
• Allow/restrict observers, toggle fog of war on/off, adjust game speed, and adjust diplomacy settings.

New Built-in Friends System

• Players can easily join a friend's channel or a game ready to start.
  
• Players are notified when a friend enters or leaves Battle.net (this notice even appears in-game).

Advanced Battle.net Icon System

• Play your favorite race often to earn better icons, and earn upgraded icons by gaining more wins.
  
• Icons reflect the race you play most, your ladder rank, and if applicable, your clan affiliation.

IMG Preview: WarCraft III

IMG Preview: WarCraft III Multiplayer Beta

Blizzard: WarCraft III Features

WarCraft III (add to watch list)

Buy WarCraft III

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