StarCraft 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking StarCraft 2 across the outlets.- MMO Week in Review: EverQuest risingThis week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
- Not So Massively: Blizzard’s reckless experimentation on StarCraft II and Heroes of the StormThe article criticizes Blizzard Entertainment's recent balance patches for StarCraft II and Heroes of the Storm, suggesting reckless experimentation with minimal testing and communication. The author argues that these drastic changes, particularly to core mechanics, are detrimental to the games and their communities, drawing parallels between the two titles under Blizzard's classic games team.
Heroes of the Storm esports is back, but it's just for one dayBlizzard Entertainment is bringing back Heroes of the Storm esports for a special one-day event as part of the Blizzard Classic Cup at BlizzCon 2026. The event will feature a rerun of the 2018 HGC finale and include legacy matches for StarCraft, StarCraft 2, and Warcraft 3, alongside Overwatch World Cup and other Blizzard esports tournaments.
Blizzard’s Unannounced StarCraft Title: The Hard FactsEvidence suggests Blizzard Entertainment is developing a new AAA open-world shooter set in the StarCraft universe, moving away from its Real-Time Strategy roots. The project is built on Unreal Engine and led by former Far Cry executive producer Dan Hay, indicating a significant shift in franchise direction and development strategy.- Buffs, Nerfs, and BugsMarathon players are experiencing an excessive amount of loot in Season 2, a phenomenon the developers are actively investigating. Separately, StarCraft 2 developers are addressing game balance issues.
StarCraft 2 devs take another swing at getting the RTS game's surprise new update right, but Blizzard still hasn't rolled back the one change fans most want undoneBlizzard Entertainment has released a public test patch for StarCraft 2 addressing player feedback on recent balance changes, including adjustments to spawn rates and costs. However, the developer has not yet reverted the controversial reduction of starting workers from 12 to eight, a change that remains unpopular with a significant portion of the player base.
State of Decay 3 “Nails the AAA Feel”, Might Show Up During June 7th XBOX Showcase – RumorAccording to a rumor from Jez Corden of Windows Central, State of Decay 3 is expected to be featured at the upcoming June 7th Xbox Showcase. The game is reportedly in private alpha testing and has achieved a polished 'AAA' feel, a significant improvement over its predecessor. While other Xbox Game Studios titles like those from Ninja Theory and Double Fine are unlikely to be shown due to early development stages, potential reveals include projects from Toys for Bob and InXile Entertainment, as well as a possible new Xbox Elite Controller.
StarCraft 2’s Biggest Update In Years Will “Shake Up Everything”Blizzard Entertainment is releasing a significant update for StarCraft 2, patch 5.0.16, which aims to fundamentally alter the game's economy and race dynamics. This update, which will be tested on the PTR before going live, introduces changes to starting workers, mineral nodes, and race-specific units, with the goal of extending early and mid-game strategies and increasing overall diversity. Player reactions suggest the changes are substantial enough to be considered a "new game" or "StarCraft 3."
Blizzard surprises with meta-shaking StarCraft 2 update after years of quieter support and fixes - "Some of these changes are wild"Blizzard Entertainment has released a significant update, version 5.0.16, for StarCraft 2 on the Public Test Realm. The update aims to extend the early and mid-game by reducing starting workers and altering resource node counts, while also overhauling the Protoss Warpgate. This meta-shaking change is intended to increase strategic diversity across all three races.
StarCraft 2 development ended 6 years ago, but Blizzard still won't stop messing with itBlizzard Entertainment has released a new update for StarCraft 2, six years after ending new content development. The patch focuses on extending the early and mid-game experience by reducing starting workers, making Gateway play more viable, and increasing strategic diversity. The update also includes numerous bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements.- StarCraft 2 Fans Shocked After Blizzard Launches Major Balance Changes for the First Time in YearsBlizzard Entertainment has announced significant balance changes for StarCraft 2 in update 5.0.16, marking the first major adjustments to the game in years. The news has generated considerable shock and discussion among the player base.
Blizzard casually drops new StarCraft 2 update out of the blue, completely shaking up the classic RTS to the surprise of…Blizzard Entertainment has released a significant new update for the 2010 real-time strategy game StarCraft 2, which fundamentally alters gameplay mechanics. The patch focuses on extending the early and mid-game experience, increasing strategic diversity across all races, and includes numerous quality-of-life improvements. Key changes include reducing starting workers, altering Warpgate research, and adjusting resource management.
StarCraft Shooter’s Art-Style is Closer to StarCraft 2 Cinematics Than Overwatch – RumorRumors suggest Blizzard Entertainment is developing a StarCraft shooter with an art style closer to StarCraft 2's cinematics than Overwatch 2. Industry veteran Drew Murray is reportedly involved, and footage seen by Jez Corden indicates a realistic graphic style. The game may be in early development, potentially with South Korean developer Nexon.- Massively Overthinking: Are you looking for a ‘forever game’ in your MMORPGs?This article discusses the concept of 'forever games,' particularly within the MMORPG genre. While some developers aim to create infinitely replayable experiences, others argue for self-contained, satisfying single-player games. The staff shares their personal definitions of 'forever games,' with some seeking long-term MMO homes and others valuing quality over sheer quantity of content.
- Vague Patch Notes: No, Epic Games is not the bellwether of the game industryThis article critiques the notion that Epic Games is a bellwether for the game industry, arguing that its success is primarily tied to the battle royale mode of Fortnite, a cash-in on a trend rather than a creative vision. The author contends that Epic's over-reliance on Fortnite and the underperformance of the Epic Games Store, coupled with questionable business strategies, led to recent layoffs, contrasting this with more diversified companies like Blizzard and Square Enix.
- Turns out I’m a better typist than most at the New York Times, and it’s probably thanks to video gamesThe author reflects on their typing speed, which exceeds that of average New York Times journalists, and attributes this skill to playing video games. They discuss how games like Final Sentence and StarCraft 2, along with extensive writing experience, have honed their ability to type quickly and accurately. The article also touches on generational differences in typing skills within the journalism industry.
The best strategy games on PC 2026: clever tactical planningThis article provides a comprehensive list of the best strategy games available on PC, covering various sub-genres like grand strategy, turn-based, and real-time strategy. It highlights titles such as StarCraft 2, Manor Lords, Solium Infernum, Against the Storm, and Total War: Warhammer 3, among others, detailing their unique mechanics and appeal to different player preferences.