Authentication problems for non-Battle.net users tonight
by Alex Ziebart 
Jul 11th 2009 at 10:48PM
We've started getting a few emails regarding the authentication servers. Apparently there are issues again tonight! None of us on staff were actually running into any trouble, so we assumed it was just an anomaly until we saw this thread. From reading through it, it appears that the reason none of us on staff had problems was because we had all converted to Battle.net accounts, and this time around only those that haven't converted are running into problems. Fancy that!Blizzard is aware of the problem, and seem to be actively investigating it. Keep an eye on the linked thread for updates, and if you want a quick fix to get on and play the game tonight... just convert to Battle.net and you'll be on in no time.
And for the record, when you write in about server outages? If we haven't posted about something yet, it doesn't help you to accuse us of being paid off by Blizzard. We can dream of a bright future where Blizzard showers us with money, but no, that hasn't happened yet. It's much more likely that we just don't know.
Filed under: Realm Status
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Tyrnas Jul 11th 2009 11:02PM
There have also been many posts of users attempting now to create Battle.net accounts having issues with either the account creation, or merging their WoW account with Battle.net.
So please, just report the issue instead of insinuating that those of us who have yet to merge with Battle.net have done something wrong and are being punished because of it.
Tyrnas Jul 11th 2009 11:04PM
Edit: Was able to log on through regular WoW account immediately after posting this.
*prepares himself for incoming and deserving flames/downranking*
Alex Ziebart Jul 11th 2009 11:04PM
I insinuated no such thing.
edward Jul 12th 2009 5:36AM
I got locked out for half to an hour today (Oceanic), login screen stuck at "Authenticating", not even "Connencting", tried everything, reset modem, then worried my account got hacked etc. Then boom, able to login as usual.
Vazpucci Jul 11th 2009 11:10PM
That's nice, two nights in a row >.> So, what is converting my WOW account to Battle.net account do? And does it cost anything?
Malkia Jul 11th 2009 11:34PM
It's free and it links all your blizzard games to one account...should you purchase any others or own any others it makes them available for download. I can download Warcraft 3, diablo 2, and starcraft through my battlenet account.
Other than that it's business as usual you just log in with that account instead.
epsilon343 Jul 11th 2009 11:36PM
It's just a unified account for all of Blizzard's upcoming games. I haven't had any issues aside from some Battle.net authenticator problems about 2 months ago, around the time 3.1 dropped. And it doesn't cost anything, once you create it you (if I remember correctly) just choose what games you have and it converts it over.
Not really sure what the hate is towards the system since I've never had trouble.
Ctmcstomperq Jul 11th 2009 11:09PM
There is a greater than not chance that this is Blizzard making a move to force Battle.net accounts. I'll never switch, a friend of mine lost his account AFTER switching to battle.net and the Blizz rep admitted that it was probably because he switched, intimating that they're security was insufficient.
So, while I have a Battle.net acct, I'll not be switching my WoW over to any time soon.
Yakuko Jul 12th 2009 10:26AM
Yes, it's all one big conspiracy. /rollseyes
If Blizzard wanted to force everyone to switch, they'd force you to switch. Not purposely crash authentication servers and piss off their customer base.
Myself and everyone I know has had zero issues since merging. It's only the rare few that might have had issues (I suspect many of them were because they messed up themselves) and of course they will be the vocal ones.
nih Jul 12th 2009 8:23PM
That's at odds with what you agreed to in order to install and play Lich King.
Regular authentication will be gone soon enough and your account will be deactivated pending your claiming it. So good luck with that rebel attitude.
Ellemir Jul 12th 2009 12:10AM
I am VERY suspicious of the "Just merge your account to battle.net and it will be fine!" I don't *WANT* a battle.net account. And I've seen on the forums comments form people who converted and still were unable to get on - and others who did not and yet got on.
kozom Jul 11th 2009 11:15PM
Is it just me, or can no one else with a battle.net manage their account either?
jeenyus Jul 11th 2009 11:21PM
same as you.... doing my head in
jeenyus Jul 11th 2009 11:22PM
actually just logged in fine. maybe takes time to merge even though it looks instant on website
js96ford Jul 11th 2009 11:14PM
I couldnt get on for nothing then i created a battle net account now i can add time to my account wtf
Gessilea Jul 11th 2009 11:22PM
While I think that a few posters might do to take off the tin foil hat (authentication issues are a scheme to get people to convert to battle.net accounts? WoW.Com is being paid off not to report authentication issues? REALLY?) I've heard of so many issues with those stupid merged accounts that I'm still waiting as long as possible. Which given that I want to get the BlizzCon pet is only another couple of weeks, I suppose.
Alex Ziebart Jul 11th 2009 11:32PM
Not to throw fuel on the fire or anything, but to be completely and 100% honest with you, most of the problems people had with Battle.net have been taken care of. There were a lot of 'early adopter' issues where things were just plain broken, and believe me, those things drove me nuts (I posted about them frequently), but most of it has gone away.
It really won't make my life any better or worse whether you convert or not, I don't really care either way. As one of the people that railed on Battle.net accounts for a really long time, I just wanted to say that they've gotten better and you don't need to be afraid of it anymore.
Gessilea Jul 11th 2009 11:37PM
No WoW related fire here. It's good to know most of the issues have been resolved. Trying to get a sense of things from the forum is like asking a three year old to direct me to the closest place to get a good martini.
Although I must say that I am INSULTED that your happiness isn't dependent on random decisions made by your readers. What on earth are we paying you the big bucks for anyhow?
Ebylon Jul 12th 2009 4:25AM
We're paying them? :O
Gessilea Jul 12th 2009 10:36AM
Wait, then where have my checks been going all this time? *eyes Rossi*