The news of Starcraft II closed beta commencing might not mean much to those who didn't get an invitation to become one of the beta testers, but it does show that we’re nearing the actual launch, and that’s pretty much everything we need to know. That and the trailers, we really want to see more trailers.

It appears that the beta was actually put on hold until the work on the new Battlenet 2.0 is done, and Blizzard’s online service will come with all the bells and whistles it the new iteration. Touted features include new auto-matchmaking system, achievements and unlockable awards, in-game text and voice messaging, social networking-like friend relations, etc. Furthermore, you'll be able to see your online character's friends even if they're logged into and playing WoW, for instance.

The new Battlenet 2.0 will retain all of the players info and accomplishments and offer what Blizzard calls a Cloud file storage, where users will be able to upload saves, game replays published maps and access them at any time from any computer.

What’s pretty interesting is that the auto-matchmaking system will analyze, calculate and learn/adapt to your skill and will, after a few carefully observed matches, put you in one of the leagues. There will be five leagues: Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum leagues, with each league splitting into separate divisions holding about 100 players, making competition all the much sweeter.

In fact, the league system will make the game all the more enjoyable to both hardcore and occasional gamers, as their trip to Battlenet 2.0 won’t leave them baffled at “how in the world did that guy just beat me, I haven’t even started playing”. The players will be matched according to their skill levels, making the game all the more enjoyable for both parties. And yes, the first scenario pretty much sums up my first trip to Battlenet.

We will also see seasons, after which results will be reset and tournaments held for the winners of the leagues, and such. Cheating will be nicely addressed, as users who do it will risk their account as well as all their accomplishments.

You can find out more here (video).