StarCraft
News, coverage and analysis tracking StarCraft across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Not So Massively: Reacting to the Not So Massively news of BlizzCon 2026
BlizzCon 2026 featured surprising announcements for several Blizzard titles, including a new hero for Heroes of the Storm and a significant expansion for Warcraft III: Reforged titled The Forsaken Kingdom. The event also revealed Diablo V, signaling a move away from Diablo IV, and a new StarCraft shooter, though details were scarce. Overwatch received a new hero and reworks, while Hearthstone announced a new expansion.
"A dried husk of a product": former Doom producer berates Microsoft for making Halo a "mid-tier" game and mourns the "financialisation" of AAA
Former Doom producer Andrew Willis criticizes Microsoft's management of franchises like Halo, arguing that the "financialisation" of AAA game development leads to a "dried husk of a product" and brand exhaustion. He contrasts this with Nintendo's perceived brand protection strategy and laments the displacement of creatives by executives focused on short-term gains.
The Daily Grind: Do you wish that Blizzard had made a StarCraft MMO?
This article discusses the possibility and player appetite for a StarCraft MMORPG, contrasting it with the upcoming StarCraft open-world shooter. It questions whether the StarCraft franchise would translate well to the MMO genre and if such a project could still happen in the future.
StarCraft creative director says the game and the real-world feel 'very close in terms of themes and characters' — 'When you look at the stories that were told in StarCraft and the characters that you run into, it's remarkably topical'
StarCraft's general manager and creative director, Dan Hay, believes the game's themes and characters are highly relevant to current real-world events. He described the StarCraft universe as a 'frontier' with conflicts over resources, politics, and betrayal, drawing parallels to contemporary headlines. Hay emphasized that the series' strength lies in its exploration of imperfect characters, making the science fiction narrative feel relatable.
StarCraft general manager says 'tension' was the key to designing a StarCraft game from a first-person perspective — 'Every shot matters. Everything you do matters'
StarCraft general manager and creative director Dan Hay discussed the design philosophy behind the upcoming first-person shooter entry in the series, emphasizing the crucial role of 'tension' in creating a dangerous and engaging combat experience. Unlike the original real-time strategy games, this new perspective requires players to actively protect themselves, making every action feel significant.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 579: BlizzCon breakdown
The Massively OP Podcast episode 579 breaks down the major announcements from BlizzCon, including World of Warcraft Forever, Wrath Remix, a StarCraft project, Diablo V, and a Warcraft III expansion. The hosts also briefly touch on news from The Lord of the Rings Online, Final Fantasy XIV, and Skate.
Blizzard says it announced some major games early in order to ‘convey confidence’ in its releases
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries explained that the company announced major upcoming games like StarCraft and Diablo V early to convey confidence in their releases and commitment to shipping on time. This strategy aims to reassure fans and employees amidst recent layoffs and create a healthier company environment.
"What would a WoW 2 give you that World of Warcraft: Forever isn't already giving you?" - Blizzard addresses the MMO elephant in the room
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed World of Warcraft: Forever, a reimagined version of the original game with new content and improved graphics, rather than a direct sequel. Executives Holly Longdale and Kris Zierhut explained that the existing engine and ongoing development of World of Warcraft make a sequel unnecessary and potentially less viable than evolving the current game. The company also mentioned future plans for Diablo 5 and a StarCraft shooter, while acknowledging the challenges and costs associated with creating a WoW sequel.
Blizzard says designing a StarCraft open-world shooter presents specific challenges in scale and perspective — 'If you're 10 feet tall and you're wearing something that weighs 1,000 pounds, doors are a challenge'
Blizzard Entertainment's StarCraft general manager Dan Hay discussed the unique challenges of transitioning the franchise from real-time strategy to an open-world shooter. Specific hurdles included designing for a 10-foot-tall player character and the perspective shift required for large structures like barracks.
Blizzard says StarCraft will have the same 'gritty' atmosphere and be inspired by the 'interstellar western' of the original RTS — 'Our real world has asymmetry to it, and so I think leveraging that and putting that into this world was key for us'
Blizzard Entertainment aims to recapture the gritty, interstellar western atmosphere of the original StarCraft for its upcoming title, which will be a story-driven open-world shooter. General manager Dan Hay emphasized leveraging the asymmetry of the real world to create a more grounded feel, while associate manager Annalee Hartling described the new trailer's reveal as an emotional experience.
Evening Reading - September 14, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of gaming news, including reviews for Marvel's Wolverine and Final Fantasy 7, details on Diablo 5's release window, and the shelving of The Last of Us Part 2 multiplayer mod at Sony's request. It also touches on the Steam Deck pre-order availability and mentions the use of AI in content creation.
Diablo 5, StarCraft Were Announced Early Because Blizzard Wants to “Ship Big, and Ship on Time”
Blizzard Entertainment announced Diablo 5 and a new StarCraft game early to demonstrate confidence in their ability to deliver large titles on time. President Johanna Faries stated this new approach aims to assure fans of the company's commitment to shipping major projects successfully. While Diablo 5 is slated for 2030 and the StarCraft shooter for 2029, Blizzard is also focusing on seasonal content for Diablo 4.
Hearthstone devs discuss Reign of the Black Empire, the Monk, and that one StarCraft mini-set
Hearthstone developers Nathan Lyons-Smith and Brenden Sewell discussed the upcoming expansion Reign of the Black Empire, the new Monk class debuting in March 2027, and the 'Assemble' keyword. They also touched on the new 'Journey' feature for storytelling and the possibility of future StarCraft-themed mini-sets.
World Of Warcraft: Forever beta starts this week - here's how to get access
Blizzard Entertainment has announced that the beta for World of Warcraft: Forever will begin on September 17, 2026. Access to the beta can be guaranteed through pre-ordering specific editions of the game, or players can sign up for a chance to receive an access key. World of Warcraft: Forever is an evolution of World of Warcraft Classic, featuring improved visuals and new content.
StarCraft: Release Date, Gameplay, And Everything We Know
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a new StarCraft game, shifting from its real-time strategy roots to an open-world shooter. The game is targeting a 2030 release and will focus on single-player and co-op experiences, with players stepping into the role of a Dominion Marine. While platforms are unconfirmed, PC is a safe bet, with potential for next-generation consoles like PlayStation 6 and its Xbox successor.
BlizzCon 2026: StarCraft confirms a single-player focus but is also seeking devs with multiplayer know-how
Blizzard Entertainment confirmed that the upcoming StarCraft shooter will primarily focus on a single-player experience with a defined beginning, middle, and end. While job postings suggest potential multiplayer or live service elements, the game is currently slated for a 2030 release with a focus on the 'Marine fantasy'.
In a big change for Blizzard, it sounds like the new StarCraft shooter won't be a live-service game
Blizzard has revealed that the new StarCraft game, slated for release in 2030, will be a narrative-driven, open-world shooter with a definitive beginning, middle, and end, departing from the company's recent focus on live-service titles. Project leader Dan Hay described it as a 'box product' that players can purchase and experience fully, with opportunities to explore the world and engage in activities at their own pace between story missions. While acknowledging StarCraft's legacy as an RTS, Blizzard is carefully considering future directions for the franchise.
Blizzard's new StarCraft shooter is "not a seasonal game," says lead: "The story has a beginning, a…
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed that its new StarCraft game will be a narrative-driven, open-world first-person shooter, not a seasonal live-service title. Lead Dan Hay stated the game will be a 'box product' with a definitive beginning, middle, and end, drawing comparisons to Far Cry and Borderlands.
A StarCraft open-world shooter that's "Deadwood in space", Diablo 5, and a new classic-ish World of Warcraft branch out this year make up Blizzard of reveals
Blizzard Entertainment revealed several upcoming titles at BlizzCon, including a StarCraft open-world shooter set for 2030, Diablo 5 in 2029, and World of Warcraft: Forever, a new branch of the MMO launching November 4th. The StarCraft game, led by former Far Cry producer Dan Hay, is described as "Deadwood in space," while Diablo 5's announcement aims to gather early fan feedback. Support for Diablo 4 will continue, but no further expansions are planned.
New StarCraft title to launch in 2030, will be an open-world FPS
Blizzard Entertainment announced at BlizzCon 2026 that the next StarCraft title will be an open-world first-person shooter, scheduled for release in 2030. This marks a significant departure from the franchise's real-time strategy roots. The game will feature a standalone story with a definitive ending, and Blizzard also revealed Diablo 5 for Spring 2029 and World of Warcraft: Forever.
