Can Blizzard top itself with 'StarCraft 2?'

Rob Pardo talks about long development cycles — and keeping secrets

[source: MSNBC]

By Kristin Kalning
Games editor
MSNBC

Blizzard Entertainment is one of the most successful game developers in the world, with an unbroken string of hit games including “World of Warcraft,” the “Diablo” franchise, the “Warcraft” series and “StarCraft.”

The only hitch? The company famously will ship no game before its time, which means fans often have a long wait between new releases.

Ask any game fan which Blizzard sequel they’d most like to see and the answer will inevitably be “StarCraft 2,” even from the most hardcore “World of Warcraft” addict. Released in 1998, the real-time strategy game about a war between three galactic species is considered one of the greatest games of all time. "StarCraft," and the expansion “Brood Wars,” have sold nearly 10 million units.

...

What took so long? The first “StarCraft” shipped nine years ago. Why has it taken so long to circle back to this franchise?

Mainly because we make our decisions on what game we’re going to work on from a creative standpoint. The team that worked on the original “StarCraft” wanted to revisit the “Warcraft” universe, and they went on to work on “Warcraft 3.” When that game finished up [in 2002,] they were excited to go back and work on the “StarCraft” universe.

We did break ground on “StarCraft 2” in 2003, but wasn’t in full production for another year or so.

How’d you manage to keep it secret for so long?

Well, Penny Arcade figured it out!

We keep games under code names and we teach developers to refer to games by their code name. And we’re just really careful about talking about the game internally. We don’t bring external folks through unannounced product areas. But I think even I’m surprised that we were able to keep it under wraps all the way to the end.

Speaking of secrets, what is your timeline for release for “StarCraft 2?”

It’s a secret! I can give you the old Blizzard mantra of: “It’ll ship when it’s ready,” but it’s something that historically, we’ve learned to keep release dates really close to the vest. I think all game developers are extremely optimistic, and we used to give optimistic dates and we’d disappoint our fans when we didn’t hit them. So now, I think we’ve just gotten more gun shy. The only thing I can give you [that’s] concrete is it’s not going to be this year. Some people were hoping, because of how advanced the game looks, that we’d have it out by Christmas, but that’s definitely not happening.

...

Are all of the key roles filled on the “StarCraft 2” team? And what’s the size of the team now that it’s in full production?

All the key roles are filled, and we’re running approximately 40 people.

...

“StarCraft 2”s biggest competitor probably is “StarCraft.” How will you top that game and convince players that this isn’t just “StarCraft” in 3-D?

That’s a really good question. It’s not so much beating “StarCraft” that’s the problem, it’s beating people’s perception and nostalgia of “StarCraft.” “StarCraft” was and is a great game, but it’s certainly an older game. Across the board, “StarCraft 2” is a better game in a lot of ways.

Will it live up to that nostalgia? Time will tell.

What new technologies can players expect to see in “StarCraft 2?”

The first one is an enormous graphical improvement by going to 3-D.

We’ve also added things like a physics system in the game…we’re not really utilizing it for gameplay as much as for graphical improvement. Like, you’ll see things like debris that will actually fall apart, which adds more immersion and a lot more realism.

Online, we’ve learned a lot. In the original “StarCraft,” there was no online matchmaking system. That’s going to be huge…for “StarCraft 2.” In “Warcraft 3,” you had to press the “play game” button and it’d put you in a game with similarly skilled people. We’re going to do yet another improvement on that system for “StarCraft 2,” which is going to be huge for the online market — especially broad market users.

...

Given the popularity of “WoW,” do you have any plans to go to subscription model with “StarCraft 2” or any subsequent releases?

We’re going to do what’s right for the game. We made “WoW” to be a subscription game from the very beginning. With “StarCraft 2” it’s probably going to follow more of a box model. But we’ll decide more of that stuff down the line.

Battle.net is pretty expensive to maintain, isn’t it?

It’s not as expensive as “WoW” to maintain! (Laughs)

...

But no fourth race?

No fourth race. We talked a lot about it. We ultimately decided we wanted to focus on the three races we had.

Will Blizzard remain a PC developer?

I don’t know. If you talk to our biz guys, they like the PC for a lot of reasons, but we don’t make our decisions based entirely on business or even primarily on business. We make our decisions based on the games we want to make. After that point, we make the decision on [what system] that game is going to live. And up to this point, the games we wanted to make worked best on the PC.

Read full article: Can Blizzard top itself with 'StarCraft 2?'

Warning: A Starcraft 2 scam on World of Warcraft

[source: wow.qj.net]

A poster named Goolz on the European World of Warcraft forums gave out some news on a scam that attempts to take advantage of people's anticipation of Starcraft 2. He posted an e-mail that asks for the contact information, CD-key, and even the player's actual name and address.

If you receive an e-mail asking for any of that information, don't respond to it. Blizzard would never ask for that information from you via e-mail. The e-mail came from a Hotmail account, blizzardsales@hotmail.com. Blizzard poster Vaneras spoke about this saying, "Yup, that is a bogus email for sure... I hope nobody falls for it. Just to make sure that everybody knows; We do not use hotmail addresses to send out emails to people."

Personally I believe that poster Pokerfaze said it best in his post about this scam: "A 12-14 year old could and will probably fall for this, all i can say is id like 20 min in a room with the person who made that scam preff alone and without cams."

You should check out the full details on the e-mail via our read link. Be sure to check back for more news on World of Warcraft.

Read full article: Warning: A Starcraft 2 scam on World of Warcraft

SC2 Statue - FAQ

[source: Official StarCraft 2 Statue FAQ]

• How big is the actual collectible?

The dimensions of the product are approximately: 15” W (381 mm), 18” H (457.2 mm), 12” D (304.8 mm). The product weighs approximately 17 lbs. (7.71 kg).


• What other costs are associated with this item?

In addition to the price of the item, buyers will be responsible for paying all applicable taxes as well as shipping and handling.


• Why was this statue created?

We created the Tychus Findlay Limited Edition Statue to commemorate the announcement of StarCraft II. This highly detailed collectible is a great opportunity to own a piece of StarCraft history.


• Does this product come with a pre-order for the StarCraft II game or anything else related to the game?

No, the object of this offer is the Tychus Findlay statue only. The purchase does not include any other products, information, or goods.


• Will each piece be numbered?

Yes, there will be individual numbering on each piece.


• Do I get to choose which number I get?

No, the numbering will be done at random.


• What countries do you ship to?

Below is a list of the countries to which we will ship.

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• UK - Mainland
• UK - N. Ireland Isle of Man & Isles of Scilly
• UK - Scottish Highlands & Islands of Scotland
• United States

Shipping costs will vary depending on the country in which you live.

If you are a resident in North America (US or Canada), please click here: http://us.blizzard.com/sc2collectible/.

If you are a resident in Europe, please click here: http://eu.blizzard.com/sc2collectible/.


• What if I need to change my shipping information?

Please send an email to collectibles@blizzard.com . In the subject line please type in “Change of Shipping Address” and be prepared to provide:

• Name
• Old Shipping Address
• New Shipping Address
• Invoice Number
• Phone Number

Please keep in mind that any shipping address change requests made without providing ALL of the items listed above will NOT be processed.


• On my page I see that it is sold out, but I have heard that there is stock still available in other territories. Why is that?

Individual territories have been granted specific allotments of the production run. The quantities in stock for those territories have been set to ship only to customers residing in those territories.

If you are a resident in North America (US or Canada), please click here: http://us.blizzard.com/sc2collectible/.

If you are a resident in Europe, please click here: http://eu.blizzard.com/sc2collectible/.


• How many collectibles am I able to purchase?

There is a limit of one per person.


• Why is there a limit of one per person?

To make sure that as many people as possible get a chance to purchase this product, we are limiting orders to one per person. (The limitation is one per credit card number.) The collectibles will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.


• I have just received a confirmation that I have successfully pre-ordered the item. How can I check on the status of my order?

Please retain and print the email invoice for your order. The next communication you will receive will be approximately two weeks prior to when the product ships in October. You will be able to track your shipment at that time.


• I have just received a confirmation that I have been placed on the wait list. What do I do now?

If you have been successfully placed on the wait list, you will be contacted if an item becomes available for purchase. If an item does not become available for purchase, you will not receive further communication. Being placed on the wait list does not guarantee you an item.


• What is the wait list? How does the wait list work?

Given the limited quantity of this product, the wait list was designed so that cancelled orders or declined credit card payments could then result in other customers being able to purchase the product. This wait list takes names on a first–come, first-served basis. By placing your name on the wait list, you are not guaranteed a product. Should one become available, the person currently in the top position on the wait list will be notified via email with an opportunity to purchase the item.


• Can I find out what position I am in on the wait list?

We will not be assigning numbers to positions on the wait list and are unable to provide this information.


• I was placed on the wait list and have just received an email saying that an item has become available for me to purchase. What do I do now?

That email notification will have directions on what steps to take in order to purchase the item. You will have one week (starting from when the email is sent) to complete the purchase process. If you do not complete the purchase by that time, the offer to purchase will expire and your position on the wait list will be forfeited. If you are no longer interested in purchasing the product, you do not need to take any action.


• Are there different versions of this collectible for different territories?

There are no plans for different versions or variants based on territory at this time.


• Will this product be available in stores at all?

No. This product is available direct to customers only as a Blizzard online exclusive.


• Do you plan to produce more of this collectible in the future?

This is the only production run that will be done for the Tychus Findlay Limited Edition Statue. There will be no reissues.


• I was too late and was unable to pre-order or get on the waiting list. Will there be another opportunity to sign up and purchase?

Once pre-orders and wait list opportunities have closed, they will not be reopened.


• What happens if I receive my item and it is damaged?

When you receive your item, please save the product, packaging, and shipping carton. Email collectibles@blizzard.com with your problem, and it will be addressed to the best of our ability.


• Do you have plans to create more collectibles based on the Blizzard universes?

Yes, we intend to explore and support all the Blizzard universes with high quality collectible products sometime in the future.


• I have other questions about the collectible. Who should I ask?

If you still have questions after reading this FAQ, please write to collectibles@blizzard.com, and we will answer your question to the best of our ability. Questions about StarCraft II, our other game products, and topics unrelated to the collectible will not be answered at this address.

Read full article: SC2 Statue - FAQ

Starcraft 2: Q&A, Unit Preview

[source: insidemacgames.com]

Gamespot and IGN recently released new articles focusing on Blizzard Entertainment's upcoming StarCraft 2. The Gamespot feature covers a Q&A with some of the Blizzard team, while the IGN article offers a run down of the currently known units.

From Gamespot:

Other questions involved the status of Battle.net, Blizzard's proprietary multiplayer service. While the Blizzard representatives said that yes, the venerable system is due for a needed upgrade, they declined to get into specifics. According to Mike Morhaime, president and co-founder of the company, Blizzard is planning a massive upgrade to the system to support the release of StarCraft II, as the game was designed primarily as a multiplayer title. In fact, the single-player game has not had much beyond theoretical work completed on it. They also declined to answer whether this upgraded Battle.net service would start charging a subscription fee.
In response to a question about the game's storyline, Chris Metzen said that while the company is certainly invested in the storyline and wants to push it forward, the team's initial focus on multiplayer precludes much work being done on the single-player experience until the last year or two of development. He also said, however, that players should expect to see the next chapters of many of their favorite characters such as Jim Raynor, Kerrigan and Zeratul.
One burning question that Rob Pardo was eager to squelch concerned the long-rumored fourth race (the Xel'Naga or the Zerg/Protoss hybrids hinted at in the first game). He stated in no uncertain terms that there will be no fourth race in StarCraft II. The game will contain the Human, Zerg and Protoss factions and the team is completely focused on getting them as asymmetric yet balanced as possible. The game will also ship with a powerful map editor and should be even more moddable than the first.

From IGN:

Immortal: This unit activates a near impenetrable shield when under heavy arms fire. During the demonstration at WWI, Blizzard showed how Terran siege tanks were nearly powerless against Immortals, since their heavy tank blasts activated the shields. As a contrast, Terran Reapers' small arms fire made quick work of these guys.
Colossus: Think of the recent film War of the Worlds and you'll have a good idea of how this new unit looks. Their long legs allow them to easily traverse tiers of land. Equipped are a set of dual lasers that can make quick work of smaller, poorly armored units such as Zerglings.

Read full article: Starcraft 2: Q&A, Unit Preview

FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]

[source: Official FAQ]

BASICS

• What is StarCraft II?

StarCraft II is the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game, and the sequel to the hit original, StarCraft. The game will include three completely distinct and balanced races, the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg, which have been overhauled and re-imagined with a number of new units for each, as well as new tricks for some of the classic units that are returning.


• When is the game coming out?

At this point, it's too early to provide an initial estimate on the release date. As with all Blizzard games, we will take as much time as needed to ensure the game is as fun, balanced, and polished as possible.


• How will StarCraft II be different from StarCraft?

StarCraft II will run on a vibrant new 3D-graphics engine that will be capable of rendering beautiful landscapes as well as massive individual units and army sizes.

We're also introducing a number of distinct new units to the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg, and even some of the familiar units that return in StarCraft II will have new tricks up their sleeves, which will give the game its own unique flavor.

In addition, Battle.net will be overhauled with some new and exciting features to enhance online play and competition, while the story-mode campaign will also offer some unique aspects for players who enjoy single-player content. We'll have more details on all these aspects in the months to come.


• Will there be both single-player and multiplayer components?

Yes, StarCraft II will include a unique story-mode campaign, as well as multiplayer capability over Battle.net. We'll provide more detail on both of these aspects a little further along in the development process.


• What will StarCraft II's story line be? Will any of the characters from the original StarCraft make an appearance in StarCraft II?

It's a little too early to get into details on the story. Once we're able to discuss the single-player campaign in detail, we'll also share some exciting information about the story line for the game.


• How many cinematic cut-scenes will be included?

We know that StarCraft II players will expect to see some Blizzard-quality cinematic content in the game, and we have definite plans to include multiple cinematics, starting with a cinematic intro. We'll provide further confirmation once final determinations have been made.


• How many races are in StarCraft II?

In StarCraft II, players will see the return of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg races. Our goal is to ensure that all the factions in the game play even more distinctly from one another than in the original StarCraft, while still maintaining the fine balance that helped make StarCraft such a classic. We're also introducing a number of new units to each race, as well as modifying some of the familiar units returning in StarCraft II. With these design refinements and the new features we have planned for the single-player and multiplayer elements of the game, StarCraft II will offer a next-generation StarCraft experience.


• StarCraft II has some big shoes to fill - is there added pressure in developing a follow-up to one of the most beloved games of all time?

We recognize that the bar is set pretty high, but this type of pressure is not new to us. Warcraft III had to follow in the footsteps of Warcraft II, and Diablo II had to follow the original Diablo. Creating a StarCraft game that's bigger and better than the original is definitely a big challenge, but it's one that we fully intend to meet and exceed.


• Will the game be released in multiple countries? Will the release be simultaneous? Which countries and what languages will the game be localized in?

Our goal is to release the game simultaneously across the world in multiple languages. As we get closer to release, we'll have more details to share.


• Will there also be an expansion, and if so, what features will it contain?

Our focus has been and will continue to be on developing and refining the core StarCraft II experience, so we haven't really had much time to consider what types of things we would include with an expansion for the game if we were to do one.


• Will there be a console version of StarCraft II?

StarCraft II is being developed for the PC. We have no current plans to bring the game to any console platform.

BATTLE.NET

• Will Battle.net be overhauled? Will there be new features?

There will be some exciting new changes and features to Battle.net that will help us ensure that StarCraft II will be the ultimate competitive online real-time strategy game. We're not quite ready to discuss those features at this time, but we look forward to getting into more detail in the future.


• Will we still be able to play the original StarCraft on Battle.net after StarCraft II is released?

Yes, you will.


• Will there be clan management?

We're not quite ready to discuss specifics related to Battle.net at this time, but we look forward to doing so in the future.


• What steps are being taken to prevent cheating in multiplayer games?

We don't want to tip our hand to the people who may try to cheat on Battle.net, so we can't go into too much detail, but rest assured that security is one of our top priorities as we redesign and overhaul Battle.net, and we will take every precaution to ensure fairness in our online games. We've taken an aggressive stance against cheating in all of our games, and our players have overwhelmingly supported us in that, so we don't have any intention to make any changes in that regard.

COST, RATING, BETA / TRIAL VERSIONS

• How much will StarCraft II cost? Where can I buy this game?

Pricing and availability will be determined and announced much closer to the release date.


• What will StarCraft II's rating be?

We are aiming for a T-rating in the US, and similar ratings elsewhere in the world, but those details won't be finalized until we get closer to release.


• Will there be a closed or open beta? How about a trial or demo version?

Decisions related to beta testing and trial or demo versions are usually made further along in the development process. We don't have any details available on these topics at the moment, but we will be happy to share the news once final decisions have been made.


• Will there be a collector's edition?

Decisions related to the types of retail packages available will be made much closer to the game's release date.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

• What are the system requirements for StarCraft II?

We'll have more details on specific system requirements closer to the release date.


• Will the game run natively on Windows Vista?

StarCraft II will be fully compatible with Windows Vista, as well as XP. We'll have more details on system requirements closer to release.


• Will StarCraft II be available on Mac simultaneously with PC?

As with all of Blizzard's recent releases, StarCraft II will ship on both PC and Mac simultaneously.


• Will StarCraft II take advantage of DirectX 10? What other graphical goodies are included?

The game will be compatible with DirectX 10, and we're still considering whether there will be exclusive DirectX 10 graphic effects, but the graphics engine will also be very scalable to ensure that a wide range of different systems will be capable of running StarCraft II. The new engine is also capable of rendering very large units, as well as large numbers of units on screen together. Havok physics have been integrated into the engine for added realism as well.

Read full article: FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]

Gameplay

[source: starcraft.wikia.com]

StarCraft II retains some units from the original game, although some of these units have been given new abilities. Due to story events from the previous game, some units have been phased out or replaced. For example, the conquest of the Protoss homeworld of Aiur has prevented the creation of more Dragoons - the transplanted souls of Protoss warriors in exoskeletons - resulting in the remaining Dragoons to be redesigned with different weaponry and a shield that absorbs heavy damage and renamed to "Immortals".


Screenshot of StarCraft II gameplay

The demo reveals new abilities that involve more complex interaction with the game environment than StarCraft. Terran units known as Reapers can swiftly leap over cliffs, and Protoss Stalkers are capable of short-range teleportation to pursue fleeing enemies. Additionally, new abilities have been extended to structures. The Protoss are able to warp prefabricated units within range of their Pylons, and also possess the Phase Prism, a unit that acts as a mobile Pylon, providing power to Protoss buildings in the absence of conventionally built Pylons.

The number of units in the game will not change. For every new unit added, one "underused" unit has been removed.

Observations

Several interesting things are seen briefly in the recently released gameplay video. In the beginning of the video, what appears to be a new Terran structure can be seen mining minerals with a laser-like beam and extracting them without the involvement of SCV's or similar mining units. Also interesting is that no Command Centers are seen in the vicinity, indicating that these structures are independent and self sufficient. The use of an advanced shadowing engine is also apparent, allowing shadows to behave realistically and stretch or compress according to the curvature of the texture they are falling upon. Debris and doodads also appear to cast their own dynamic shadows.

It is also interesting to note that a sign doodad seen partway through the video advertises the name Mengsk, feasibly in reference to Arcturus Mengsk whose inclusion in the plot of StarCraft II is the subject of much speculation.

Races
The sequel introduces no new playable races and keeps the three original races Protoss, Terran, and Zerg.

New units

Terran

• Reaper: Uses dual pistols, can jet pack across terrain.

Protoss

• Colossus: A large quad-legged vehicle that fires strong dual lasers in a "wave-like" pattern well-suited to destroying swarms of weaker units. Shown in the video destroying a large wave of Zerglings. This unit can also traverse differences in terrain height due to its long legs. The Colossus has no anti-air weapons.


• Immortal: Replaces the Dragoon. Strong defense against powerful attacks, but vulnerable to weaker attacks.


• Mothership: A powerful flying unit which consumes an extreme amount of resources to produce, but is a unique unit (1 at a time). Has the Timebomb ability, which slows all enemy missile attacks, and the Earth Cracker, a large laser that obliterates anything in its path, in the style of Independence Day. Also has an ability to create a black hole that can suck in ships as large as Battlecruisers. Looks like a floating sand dollar.


• Phase Prism: A dual-purpose unit, able to transport units or act as a mobile Pylon.


• Phoenix: This anti-air unit can overcharge its guns for a multiple projectile blast, but after the blast the ship is rendered inert for a short period. The Phoenix is very weak versus large enemy air units such as a Battlecruiser, but is powerful versus small and medium air units.


• Stalker: A Dragoon-like unit of the Dark Templar, able to blink (short-range teleport) and deliver ranged attacks against air and ground units.


• Warp Ray: Flying unit that deals damage with a blue laser that does more damage as it focuses on the same target. Good versus heavily armored targets like Battlecruisers and buildings, weak against small arms fire.

Zerg

• Nydus Worm: Can be used to transport small units such as Zerglings underground.


• Succubus: Special ground unit. "Infect" ability allows takeover of hostile organics for a limited amount of time, ending in the target unit exploding and damaging everyone around it.

Updated units

Protoss

• Zealot: Will have a new charge ability, allowing a zealot unit to quickly close the distance between itself and an enemy unit.


• Gateway: Has the ability to turn into a Warp Gate that can transport troops around the map.

Zerg

• Zergling: New ability to mutate into suicidal "Banelings", that can roll across the terrain.

New racial abilities

• Protoss: will be able to warp prefabricated units close to any Pylons or deployed Phase Prisms, possibly due to upgrading the Gateway to a Warp Gate.

Hybrids
The Hybrid does not appear to be available as a playable race in StarCraft II, but a strange creature which may be a Hybrid is portrayed in a StarCraft II trailer. The Hybrid may appear in the single-player storyline.

Read full article: Gameplay

Features

[source: wikipedia.org]

StarCraft II will support DirectX 9 (pixel shader 2.0) and the development team is considering adding DirectX 10 as well. The game will feature the Havok physics engine, allowing "debris [to] roll down a ramp", as well as improved 3D graphics.

Read full article: Features

Introduction

[source: wikipedia.org]

StarCraft II is a sequel to the real-time strategy game StarCraft, announced on May 19, 2007, at the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational in Seoul, South Korea. StarCraft II is being developed for concurrent release on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X. It has been stated that development on the game began in 2003, shortly after Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. While there is currently no release date, the game development is in the pre-alpha stages and is "very far along and already playable in multiplayer with all three races". Its lead designer is Dustin Browder.

Read full article: Introduction

About

[source: starcraft2.com]

StarCraft II continues the epic saga of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg. These three distinct and powerful races will clash once again in the fast-paced real-time strategy sequel to the legendary original, StarCraft. Legions of veteran, upgraded, and brand-new unit types will do battle across the galaxy, as each faction struggles for survival.

Featuring a unique single-player campaign that picks up where StarCraft: Brood War left off, StarCraft II will present a cast of new heroes and familiar faces in an edgy sci-fi story filled with adventure and intrigue. In addition, Blizzard will again offer unparalleled online play through Battle.net, the company's world-renowned gaming service, with several enhancements and new features to make StarCraft II the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game.

Features:

* Fast-paced, hard-hitting, tightly balanced competitive real-time strategy gameplay that recaptures and improves on the magic of the original game
* Three completely distinct races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg
* New units and gameplay mechanics further distinguish each race
* Groundbreaking single-player "story-mode" campaign
* Vibrant new 3D-graphics engine with support for dazzling visual effects and massive unit and army sizes
* Full multiplayer support, with new competitive features and matchmaking utilities available through Battle.net
* Full map-making and scripting tools to give players incredible freedom in customizing and personalizing their gameplay experience

Read full article: About