Starcraft
News, coverage and analysis tracking Starcraft across the outlets.
Latest coverage
RTS games aren't dead yet - but nothing hits quite like Starcraft 2
Despite the rise of newer RTS titles and the enduring popularity of Starcraft 2, the genre's current state is questioned, with many modern games failing to match Starcraft 2's campaign quality. The article highlights Starcraft 2's exceptional mission design, narrative integration, and accessible free-to-play model as reasons for its continued relevance, while acknowledging the struggles of newer RTS projects like Stormgate and Battle Aces.
A new Starcraft 2 patch continues taking wild swings at the meta, but it's leaving me hungry for more
Blizzard Entertainment has released a new patch for Starcraft 2, continuing to make significant balance changes to the real-time strategy game. The update focuses on calibrating Protoss and Terran units to better counter Zerg, including a notable price reduction for Terran Command Centers. While the author appreciates the ongoing attention to game balance, they express a desire for more open communication from the development team regarding their decision-making process.
Blizzard isn't done with Starcraft 2 yet, and it seems committed to big changes
Blizzard Entertainment is continuing to implement significant balance changes to Starcraft 2, focusing on refining the meta established by recent overhauls. The latest patch notes address feedback from the Public Test Realm, with adjustments to Zerg early game buffs, Terran Ghost nerfs, and Protoss unit warp-in times. The controversial shift to eight starting workers remains in place as developers aim to find an optimal balance for the real-time strategy game.
Secretlab's CEO is getting tough on copycat chairs and doesn't feel pressure to adopt AI: 'If we were owned by outside investors, you can bet that AI will be somehow jammed down our throats'
Secretlab CEO Ian Ang discusses the company's approach to product development, emphasizing innovation and quality over adopting trends like AI or the metaverse. He highlights their focus on combating copycat designs and their ability to innovate due to not having outside investor pressure. Ang also touches on the inspiration behind their premium features, often driven by the needs of professional esports players.
"We're not competing with Dawn of War 1, we're competing with people's memory" says DoW 4 lead creative
KING Art Games' Creative Director Jan Theysen discusses Dawn of War 4, stating the team is competing with players' memories of the original game rather than the game itself. Theysen emphasizes recreating the feelings of the first Dawn of War with modern design standards, focusing on base-building, map control, and large-scale battles within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. He also notes the resurgence of the Real-Time Strategy genre and the importance of strong campaigns and universes to attract both long-time fans and new players.
Missing in action for ten years, deception-driven WW2 RTS game RUSE is suddenly back on Steam
The World War II real-time strategy game RUSE has returned to Steam after a decade-long absence, now fully managed by developer Eugen Systems. The updated version includes all DLC and Steam Deck compatibility. RUSE is known for its unique deception mechanics, allowing players to mislead opponents with fake information and camouflage.
Diskutera – Ditt drömspel från Blizzard
This article invites readers to discuss their dream game from Blizzard Entertainment, considering options like a sequel, remake, or a completely new IP. It highlights Blizzard's popular franchises such as World of Warcraft, Diablo, Starcraft, and Warcraft, acknowledging the strong desire for a new hit title from the developer.
Vad hände med Starcraft?
The Starcraft series, once a defining title in real-time strategy and esports, has seen a significant decline. Factors contributing to this include controversies surrounding Starcraft II's launch, the rise of MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2, and a shift in Blizzard Entertainment's focus towards other projects and live service models. Despite efforts to revitalize the franchise with expansions and free-to-play models, Blizzard officially ceased content development for Starcraft II in 2020, leaving the series in limbo, though rumors of an FPS spin-off persist.
Blizzard – toppar, floppar och omöjliga förväntningar
Blizzard Entertainment has a storied history marked by both critical acclaim and fan disappointment, from the groundbreaking Warcraft, Diablo, and Starcraft series to the monumental success of World of Warcraft. Despite challenges with titles like Diablo 3 and Warcraft 3: Reforged, and a shift towards monetization, the company continues to be a significant force in the gaming industry, with its legacy often judged against its past triumphs.
Tre guldkorn från Blizzards tidiga år
This article looks back at the early years of Blizzard Entertainment, when the company was known as Silicon & Synapse. It highlights three Super Nintendo Entertainment System titles: The Lost Vikings, Blackthorne, and Rock n' Roll Racing, showcasing Blizzard's early genre diversity and design philosophy before their major success with PC titles like Warcraft and World of Warcraft.
Diablo, Starcraft, Warcraft – Blizzard-vecka på FZ!
In anticipation of the Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred expansion release, FZ is dedicating a week to Blizzard Entertainment's games and history. The coverage will include discussions on early titles, Blizzard's successes and failures, the future of Starcraft, and a review of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred.
First impressions of Diablo IV Lord of Hatred and the Paladin class
This preview of Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred focuses on the return of the Paladin class and the expansion's narrative progression. The author found the gameplay smoother and more engaging than the base Diablo IV, with improved itemization and new systems like the horadric cube and warplans. While the Paladin class is a strong addition, the article suggests the game still needs to forge a more distinct identity within the ARPG genre.
15 years ago, anyone could send PC Gamer magazine text messages. We got some weird ones
This article looks back at the early 2010s when PC Gamer magazine allowed readers to send text messages for a fee. It highlights humorous and unusual messages received, contrasting them with modern communication methods. The piece also includes reader reviews submitted via text.
Blizzard is hiring for an 'open-world shooter' using Unreal Engine, which is more evidence that a new Starcraft game could be on its way
Blizzard Entertainment is hiring for a new AAA open-world shooter project, which is reportedly being developed using Unreal Engine. This marks a departure from the studio's typical use of in-house engines. While the project is unnamed, speculation suggests it could be a new Starcraft game, though past canceled projects and industry layoffs cast uncertainty on its future.
"A balancing paradigm I often look at is Starcraft": Total War: Medieval 3 won't lean too hard on rock-paper-scissors combat, says creative director
Creative Assembly's Total War: Medieval 3 will move away from rigid rock-paper-scissors combat mechanics, according to creative director Leif Walter. The game will instead focus on contextual and situational counters, drawing inspiration from games like Starcraft. Walter emphasized that while countering is important for strategy, authenticity and immersion will be prioritized over strict unit-vs-unit advantages.
