Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Blizzcon is back in action Nov. 8, 9 in Anaheim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-is-back-in-action-nov-8-9-in-anaheim/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-is-back-in-action-nov-8-9-in-anaheim/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/blizzcon-is-back-in-action-nov-8-9-in-anaheim/#comments Blizzcon 2013Blizzcon is back with a vengeance this year, scheduled for Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The convention took a vacation last year, making Blizzcon 2013 a super-special occasion.

This year's show will feature all the trappings of previous installments, including panels, tournaments, contests, rare merchandise, demos of the newest Blizzard games and the Global finals of Blizzard esports, all focused on the World of Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo franchises.

There's no word yet on when tickets to Blizzcon 2013 will go on sale, though hotel reservations are live through the Blizzcon portal. Keep in mind that in 2011, tickets to Blizzcon sold out within seconds.

Continue reading Blizzcon is back in action Nov. 8, 9 in Anaheim

JoystiqBlizzcon is back in action Nov. 8, 9 in Anaheim originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2013DiablopcstarcraftwarcraftWorld-of-WarcraftTue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mission to evolve StarCraft 2 with 'Heart of the Swarm']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/mission-to-evolve-starcraft-2-with-heart-of-the-swarm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/mission-to-evolve-starcraft-2-with-heart-of-the-swarm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/mission-to-evolve-starcraft-2-with-heart-of-the-swarm/#comments Mission to evolve Starcraft 2 for Heart of the SwarmIt was nearly five years ago now that we heard Starcraft 2 wouldn't be one game, but three: The long awaited sequel would become a trilogy, cemented into a three-year release schedule, with each iteration following a new race in the series. Though Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty arrived to critical and commercial acclaim in the summer of 2010, Blizzard is only now making its trilogy concept a reality. Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm is almost done, and set to be released this March.

Blizzard showed off the first three missions of Heart of the Swarm this past week (and the studio has been running multiplayer beta additions and features for quite some time), and from our experience it's becoming clear the second release in this trilogy isn't a simple expansion pack. With the Zerg-focused Heart of the Swarm, the Irvine-based company has crafted something new within the renowned Starcraft tradition; a game intensely focused on the Zerg, their units and abilities, and of course the story of their Queen, Kerrigan.

Gallery: Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm

Continue reading Mission to evolve StarCraft 2 with 'Heart of the Swarm'

JoystiqMission to evolve StarCraft 2 with 'Heart of the Swarm' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentdustin-browderkerriganladdermacpcstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmTue, 22 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We require you to Google 'zerg rush']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/we-require-you-to-google-zerg-rush/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/we-require-you-to-google-zerg-rush/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/we-require-you-to-google-zerg-rush/#comments ImageStop reading. Start Googling. Just try to take out a few of the little buggers before you're overrun, okay?

JoystiqWe require you to Google 'zerg rush' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardeaster-egggooglemacpcstarcraftstarcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmzerg-rushFri, 27 Apr 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Monopoly: World of Warcraft, Risk: StarCraft available this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/monopoly-world-of-warcraft-risk-starcraft-available-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/monopoly-world-of-warcraft-risk-starcraft-available-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/monopoly-world-of-warcraft-risk-starcraft-available-this-year/#comments For years, WoW had a monopoly on the MMO market, so why not celebrate that with a board game? Blizzard Entertainment and USAopoly will launch Monopoly: World of Warcraft and Risk: StarCraft before year's end. A Facebook vote will determine what tokens make it into the final version of the Azeroth real estate simulator, which will retail for $39.95 "in specialty stores across North America."

Risk: Starcraft will include 290 custom playing pieces, featuring the Terran, Protoss and Zerg factions, along with six unique heroes. It rushes into specialty stores in North America this summer for $49.45.

For those looking to diversify their Risk portfolio, there are also Metal Gear Solid and Halo adaptations of the game about global conquest. Sadly, the best Monopoly jobs we've seen over the years are custom one-off crafts honoring Mass Effect and Fallout.

Continue reading Monopoly: World of Warcraft, Risk: StarCraft available this year

JoystiqMonopoly: World of Warcraft, Risk: StarCraft available this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentMonopoly-World-of-WarcraftpcRiskRisk-StarCraftStarCraftusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftWoWTue, 14 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm teaser shoots its way onto the Internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-teaser-shoots-its-way-onto-the-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-teaser-shoots-its-way-onto-the-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-teaser-shoots-its-way-onto-the-i/#comments We're not sure what the original distribution plan for the 45-second teaser for Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm was, but we're pretty sure it wasn't "Let it leak onto every video site on the Internet." Regardless, we're glad it's here -- and after watching it below, we wager you will be, too.

Continue reading StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm teaser shoots its way onto the Internet

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm teaser shoots its way onto the Internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardpcstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmSat, 28 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Berkeley Overmind AI wins the 2010 StarCraft AI competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/berkeley-overmind-ai-wins-the-2010-starcraft-ai-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/berkeley-overmind-ai-wins-the-2010-starcraft-ai-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/berkeley-overmind-ai-wins-the-2010-starcraft-ai-competition/#comments In a lengthy piece over on Ars Technica, Haomiao Huang, one of the University of California at Berkeley students responsible for creating the StarCraft-playing AI, Berkeley Overmind, describes how he helped create the virtual wunderkind. Berkeley Overmind was the students' entry in the 2010 StarCraft AI Competition, which -- well, the contest is kind of self-explanatory now, isn't it?

The group would go on to win the competition, only after several trials against Oriol Vinyals, the group's in-house expert player. A PhD student in computer science and top tier player, previously ranked best in Spain and ranked among the top 16 players in Europe, Vinyals would eventually be bested by his AI foe, but the process would teach the team many things -- like how the AI could macro (grow its resources) faster than a human player could, but had difficulties formulating particular strategies against some of the more unorthodox ways to play.

It's a process of evolution far too lengthy to describe here -- the report on Ars Technica weighs in at a whopping four pages, so hit up the source link below to give it a read. If you want to follow the Berkeley Overmind more closely, check out the official site here.

JoystiqBerkeley Overmind AI wins the 2010 StarCraft AI competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berkeley-overmindblizzardpcstarcraftstarcraft-ai-competitionThu, 20 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 demo deployed by Blizzard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/starcraft-2-demo-deployed-by-blizzard/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/starcraft-2-demo-deployed-by-blizzard/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/starcraft-2-demo-deployed-by-blizzard/#comments The Starcraft 2 demo is now -- finally -- available for PC and Mac. The sample includes the first three campaign missions and doesn't require a Battle.net account (so no online, sorry). It's perfect if you're still debating relinquishing all of your free time to the game. Link after the break!

JoystiqStarCraft 2 demo deployed by Blizzard originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzarddemomacpcstarcraftStarcraft-2Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Blizzard suing over Korean StarCraft broadcast rights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/report-blizzard-suing-over-korean-starcraft-broadcast-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/report-blizzard-suing-over-korean-starcraft-broadcast-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/04/report-blizzard-suing-over-korean-starcraft-broadcast-rights/#comments According to a report from The Korea Times, Blizzard CEO Paul Sams is none too happy with Korean channels MBC Game and OnGameNet. They've been broadcasting StarCraft tournaments without the company's consent, Sams revealed in a press conference in Seoul yesterday. Last month, Blizzard filed to sue both networks and he says the company is currently considering filing against the Korea e-Sports Players Association (KeSPA) as well, who manage these tournaments. Bupropion seems to be having little effect on the popularity of the game in the country.

The other side of the argument, uh, argues that games used in public tournaments such as these should be considered part of the public domain and Blizzard has no right to charge licensing fees. "StarCraft is not a public domain offering, as Blizzard has invested significant money and resources to create the StarCraft game and the overall StarCraft universe,'' Sams said. "Classifying StarCraft and other e-sports as part of the public domain deprives developers such as Blizzard of their IP rights. There will be no incentive to do what Blizzard had done to balance the games for competition, which is a more difficult task than creating a normal game." Back in August, Blizzard inked a deal to the broadcast rights for StarCraft 2 with GomTV.

Currently, the company is deciding whether to file a preliminary injunction against the broadcasts, which would legally halt all contests until the dispute could be settled in or out of court.

JoystiqReport: Blizzard suing over Korean StarCraft broadcast rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardkoreakorea-e-sports-players-associationmbc-gameongamenetpaul-samspcstarcraftSat, 04 Dec 2010 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2010: Starcraft 2: Secrets of the Masters panel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-starcraft-2-secrets-of-the-masters-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-starcraft-2-secrets-of-the-masters-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/blizzcon-2010-starcraft-2-secrets-of-the-masters-panel/#comments Yesterday afternoon at BlizzCon, Blizzard's own Starcraft 2 masters Dustin Browder, Greg Canessa, David Kim and Matt Cooper gathered to host the Secrets of the Masters panel. Seasoned Starcraft veterans won't glean much from the information they had to offer, but that's okay -- Dustin Browder himself made it clear that this panel was just for the noobs.

That being said, the panel kicked off with Greg Canessa explaining how the Battle.net leagues and ladders system really worked behind the scenes, which is information even veterans wanted laid out nice and clear. He also went on to explain a few new features coming to Battle.net aimed specifically at the most hardcore of the hardcore Starcraft 2 players.

Continue reading BlizzCon 2010: Starcraft 2: Secrets of the Masters panel

JoystiqBlizzCon 2010: Starcraft 2: Secrets of the Masters panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzconblizzcon-2010david-kimdustin-browdergreg-canessamatt-cooperpcstarcraftstarcraft-2Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft features in University of Florida's '21st Century Skills' course]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/starcraft-features-in-university-of-floridas-21st-century-skil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/starcraft-features-in-university-of-floridas-21st-century-skil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/starcraft-features-in-university-of-floridas-21st-century-skil/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems games are seeping even further into our education system. We've already reported the inclusion of Portal in the coursework at Wabash College, and now we learn that the University of Florida is offering a class in StarCraft -- 21st Century Skills in Starcraft (EME2040). The course, taught by doctoral student Nathaniel Poling, uses Blizzard's classic RTS to impart students with skills in the areas of "critical thinking, problem solving, resource management, and adaptive decision making."

Poling told Technology Review that StarCraft requires players to manage "a lot of different units and groups of different capacities," a skill that translates in real world business. The course -- the university's first fully online class -- requires students to play the game, watch recorded matches, and write papers "which emphasize analysis and synthesis of real/game-world concepts." Oh, the class also has no final exam and does count toward a student's GPA. In other words: enroll in this class now.

[Thanks, Kai]

JoystiqStarCraft features in University of Florida's '21st Century Skills' course originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBlizzardcultureeducationmacpcstarcraftUniversity-of-FloridaTue, 24 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft + LEGO = this video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/starcraft-lego-this-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/starcraft-lego-this-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/starcraft-lego-this-video/#comments
 Considering a LEGO StarCraft video game would require some mind-bending collaboration (or buyout) between WBIE and Activision-Blizzard, we'll just have to experience the fantasy through some stop-motion animation.

Created by Kooberz Studios, the animation uses audio from the original StarCraft over some brick-elated visuals. The four and a half minute clip has everything the RTS series is known for: SCV resource collection, base-building, fog of war and a zerg rush by the Protoss that ends the whole thing before your tea even has time to steep. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading StarCraft + LEGO = this video

JoystiqStarCraft + LEGO = this video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardanimationBlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentLEGOpcStarCraftStarcraft-2Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/starcraft-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/starcraft-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/starcraft-2-review/#comments
StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty isn't just traditional, it's a tradition.

If any other company but Blizzard had simply put new graphics over the same old interface, it would have resulted in an interesting novelty at best. But within moments of putting my hands on StarCraft 2 during the open beta, it was clear this was no mere novelty. It's been more than a decade since I played the original, but the sequel feels both instantly fresh and familiar. It's not a game that will be forgotten in the rush of the coming months' releases. It feels timeless.

Gallery: Starcraft 2 (6/29/09)

Continue reading Review: StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty

JoystiqReview: StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle.net-2.0battlenetblizzardmacpcstarcraftStarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-Libertystarcraft-ii-wings-of-libertyWed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard details StarCraft 2 bugs, workarounds and hardware issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/blizzard-details-starcraft-2-bugs-workarounds-and-hardware-issu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/blizzard-details-starcraft-2-bugs-workarounds-and-hardware-issu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/blizzard-details-starcraft-2-bugs-workarounds-and-hardware-issu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We can't imagine why you'd be taking a break from StarCraft 2 right about now but, regardless, you've chosen quite the appropriate post to read while resting. Activision-Blizzard has revealed some of the discovered bugs and issues hassling the game, the majority of which seem to be sound related. There are also some problems with the game crashing on Windows 7 (maybe that's why you're taking that break).

If you're one of those people trying to download StarCraft 2 through Battle.net, you may want to prime yourself with the thread on hardware configurations below. We know, it's all a lot to digest, but keep in mind this is StarCraft 2 we're talking about -- AKA the most important thing ever. We'd hate for you to finally boot up your game after all these years of waiting only to run into a fatal error.

JoystiqBlizzard details StarCraft 2 bugs, workarounds and hardware issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-BlizzardblizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentpcReal-Time-StrategyrtsstarcraftStarcraft-2starcraft-iistarcraft-ii-wings-of-libertyTue, 27 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty launch events spread across the globe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/blizzard-holding-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-launch-events-glo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/blizzard-holding-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-launch-events-glo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/blizzard-holding-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-launch-events-glo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blizzard is giving ravenous StarCraft 2 fans (that's ... all of you?) launch events in London, Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, Moscow, Singapore ... and a mystical place called the Fountain Valley in California. North American details are after the break, along with links detailing the international locations.

Continue reading StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty launch events spread across the globe

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty launch events spread across the globe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentLaunch-EventLaunch-PartypcRTSStarCraftStarcraft-2Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 beta receives major patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/starcraft-2-beta-receives-major-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/starcraft-2-beta-receives-major-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/starcraft-2-beta-receives-major-patch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

European participants in the StarCraft 2 beta -- which shut down exactly one month ago today -- recently found themselves the recipients of a surprising package: a patch for the dormant pre-release of Blizzard's blockbuster strategy game. Blizzard has since announced the patch for the US, and released patch notes for what is now known as Patch 16, which includes Zerg balance fixes, new Achievements and six AI difficulties.

Considering that the beta was supposed to reappear "several weeks" after the first phase ended, we wouldn't be surprised if this patch served as a harbinger for the beta's return -- especially since the retail version of the game is due in just 20 days. We think it's safe to start working on bolstering your APM once more.

JoystiqStarCraft 2 beta receives major patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablizzardeuropepatchpcrtsStarcraftStarcraft-2updateWed, 07 Jul 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 free for WoW players in Korea, loses 18+ rating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/starcraft-2-free-for-wow-players-in-korea-loses-18-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/starcraft-2-free-for-wow-players-in-korea-loses-18-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/starcraft-2-free-for-wow-players-in-korea-loses-18-rating/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blizzard is tweaking the business model for its upcoming StarCraft 2 release in Korea. IGN reports that the RTS will be free for Korean subscribers to World of Warcraft there, as Blizzard reportedly wants to bolster the MMO's player base overseas. Other players will be able to buy the game outright for the US equivalent of about $54, or pick up $8 monthly or even $1.60 daily passes for the game, so Blizzard will still make a googoojillion dollars on the long-awaited sequel in Korea. No word on if these plans will make their way to North America, but we'd bet against it. WoW itself has had different pay models overseas for a while, but just the usual monthly price here in the US.

That money can also come from children as young as age 12 -- after the game was originally rated for adults only, an edited version of the game has brought the rating back down to a 12+ age rating. The edit changes Zerg and Terran blood to black from red, and removes all profanity and smoking from the game. Blizzard is reportedly still thinking about releasing the "mature" version in Korea separately, although it'll be after next month's worldwide release.

Gallery: Starcraft 2

JoystiqStarCraft 2 free for WoW players in Korea, loses 18+ rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardbusiness-modelsdaily-passkoreammomodelmonthly-subscriptionpaypcstarcraftStarcraft-2Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:05:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 TV spot wants you to know 'war is coming']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/starcraft-2-tv-spot-wants-you-to-know-war-is-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/starcraft-2-tv-spot-wants-you-to-know-war-is-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/starcraft-2-tv-spot-wants-you-to-know-war-is-coming/#comments Blizzard wants the masses to know that something big is on the horizon -- even if this extremely pretty CGI teaser airing on TV might have people thinking StarCraft 2 is really a sci-fi movie. For the rest of us, it's a taste of the epic cinematics we'll be treated to when the game ships July 27.

Continue reading StarCraft 2 TV spot wants you to know 'war is coming'

JoystiqStarCraft 2 TV spot wants you to know 'war is coming' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardCommercialpcStarCraftStarCraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyTVFri, 11 Jun 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 beta extended to June 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/starcraft-2-beta-extended-to-june-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/starcraft-2-beta-extended-to-june-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/starcraft-2-beta-extended-to-june-7/#comments As if your Zerg rushes needed any more fine-tuning, Blizzard has gone ahead and announced an extension to the StarCraft 2 beta, to June 7. Originally set to conclude on Monday, this gives players an extra week to see which race is the most dominant. Protip: it's totally the Protoss.

StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty lands at retail on July 27.

[Thanks, David]

JoystiqStarCraft 2 beta extended to June 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablizzardblizzard-entertainmentstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-betaStarcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyFri, 28 May 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: DRM a 'losing battle' for developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/blizzard-drm-a-losing-battle-for-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/blizzard-drm-a-losing-battle-for-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/blizzard-drm-a-losing-battle-for-developers/#commentsUbisoft is the latest company to attach DRM to its PC games in an effort to curb piracy -- an initiative that has had basically the opposite of its intended effect in keeping out people who bought the games. Blizzard's Frank Pearce told VideoGamer that it's not the strategy Blizzard intends to implement in StarCraft II, with the company opting instead for a compelling Battle.net that will make people want to stay online in single-player, rather than requiring it. It's still a form of DRM, requiring online authentication, but it's also meant to serve other, gameplay-enhancing purposes.

"If we've done our job right and implemented Battle.net in a great way," the StarCraft II producer said, "people will want to be connected while they're playing the single player campaign so they can stay connected to their friends on Battle.net and earn the achievements on Battle.net."

Pearce called DRM "a losing battle for us," noting that the group of people who want to crack DRM is always "larger than our development teams." Pearce said "We need our development teams focused on content and cool features, not anti-piracy technology" -- something with which those of us patiently waiting for StarCraft II will agree.

JoystiqBlizzard: DRM a 'losing battle' for developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddrmfrank-pearcepiracyrtsstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiThu, 27 May 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[We really wish 8-bit StarCraft was a thing we could play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/we-really-wish-8-bit-starcraft-was-a-thing-we-could-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/we-really-wish-8-bit-starcraft-was-a-thing-we-could-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/we-really-wish-8-bit-starcraft-was-a-thing-we-could-play/#comments StarCraft 2 may be one of the most anticipated titles of this year, but after checking out this 8-bit recreation of the game that started it all, we're inclined to cancel our pre-order and spend the rest of our days praying for a playable version. It takes us back to our elementary school days, when we thought getting to play Oregon Trail in school was about the best thing ever. Can you imagine if we had this instead? Zerg rushing would be at, like, a whole 'nother level.

But we digress. Instead of pining for what could've been, you should head past the break to watch the game in action and hope for what could be: an actual playable release of this charming 8-bit recreation. What else could you possibly want in life?

Continue reading We really wish 8-bit StarCraft was a thing we could play

JoystiqWe really wish 8-bit StarCraft was a thing we could play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bit8-bit-starcraftblizzard-entertainmenthomageparodyspoofstarcraftvideoFri, 21 May 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More than a dozen implicated in South Korean StarCraft scandal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/more-than-a-dozen-implicated-in-south-korean-starcraft-scandal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/more-than-a-dozen-implicated-in-south-korean-starcraft-scandal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/more-than-a-dozen-implicated-in-south-korean-starcraft-scandal/#comments
[Image source: MTV]
According to StarCraft forum Team Liquid, 16 South Koreans are being implicated in the StarCraft match-fixing scandal that we heard about earlier this year. The site claims that three brokers, 11 professional StarCraft players and two others (for making bets with insider knowledge) have been indicted thus far. The match-fixing is said to have taken place in December of last year, when brokers corroborated with players to intentionally lose matches.

One of the players named in Team Liquid's report, Moon Sung Jin, has issued a rather grave formal apology via his Cyworld (South Korean social networking service) account. "I am sorry. Due to a hasty mistake, I have disappointed many people. I have nothing to say on this matter, and I do not have any intention of being forgiven," Jin wrote, according to 1UP, adding, "I will be entering military service on the 31st of May, and it seems like I am running away from the truth. I can only say that I will do my best to reflect on my actions and to be discharged as a better, more rational person. I am truly sorry once again."

Reports of the amount each player received varies, from between two to six and a half million won ($2,000 to $6,000) for the calculated losses, which were then allegedly pooled and used to bribe a host of other players.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqMore than a dozen implicated in South Korean StarCraft scandal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardbribelegalsouth-koreastarcraftWed, 19 May 2010 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 beta ends May 31, returning 'several weeks' later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/starcraft-2-beta-ends-may-31-returning-several-weeks-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/starcraft-2-beta-ends-may-31-returning-several-weeks-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/starcraft-2-beta-ends-may-31-returning-several-weeks-later/#comments If you didn't make it through the entire headline and simply started panicking when you read "StarCraft 2 beta ends," the first thing you need to do is relax. Now breathe. It should help you to calm down knowing that the beta will start back up again after "some hardware and software configuration changes" from Blizzard are made "in preparation for the final phase of the beta test and the release of the game [on July 27]." That said, you've still got another two-ish weeks of gameplay left before the beta goes on hiatus. That's like ... 200 Zerg rushes or something!

JoystiqStarCraft 2 beta ends May 31, returning 'several weeks' later originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbetablizzardstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-betaTue, 18 May 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Starcraft 2 offering subscription plans in Latin America, Asia and Russia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/starcraft-2-offering-subscription-plans-in-latin-america-asia-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/starcraft-2-offering-subscription-plans-in-latin-america-asia-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/starcraft-2-offering-subscription-plans-in-latin-america-asia-a/#comments Plans for a subscription-based StarCraft 2 are in the works for Latin America, Asia and Russia. While US gamers will only pay a one-time fee to start harvesting Vespene Gas on July 27, players abroad will be offered two different ways to play: subscription or an all-access fee.

A press release detailing plans for localization in Latin American Spanish for Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Chile covers the subscription model. By picking up the title for $299 MXN / $119 ARS / $13,900 CLP -- about $30 USD -- gamers will be given access to the single-player and multiplayer portions of the game for 60 days. Once that period ends, they can re-up their subscription for a fee (which hasn't been disclosed yet). The other option is to download the game directly from Blizzard for a one-time fee of $59.99 USD, granting permanent access to the title.

During Activision's annual investors call yesterday, Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime confirmed that Blizzard would pursue a similar pricing structure for Asian and Russian territories.

Source - Official press release
Source - Big Download confirms Asia and Russia inclusion

JoystiqStarcraft 2 offering subscription plans in Latin America, Asia and Russia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionargentinablizzardchilelatin-americalocalizationmexicoreal-time-strategyrtsstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iisubscribesubscribersubscriberssubscriptionsubscriptionsFri, 07 May 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 and Battle.net to integrate Facebook features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/starcraft-2-and-battle-net-to-integrate-facebook-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/starcraft-2-and-battle-net-to-integrate-facebook-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/starcraft-2-and-battle-net-to-integrate-facebook-features/#comments
Just when you thought your masterful Zerg Rushes couldn't get any more social -- you are reaching out and obliterating someone, after all -- Blizzard has announced that the new Battle.net and StarCraft 2 will soon sport Facebook features. The only feature mentioned in the announcement, however, is the ability to add StarCraft playing Facebook friends to your Battle.net friends list. The new feature will be added to the StarCraft 2 beta in "the near future" and should be available to all players when the full game hits retail this July.

It's worth noting that the press release refers to the friend finding feature as "the first step in integration," so it sounds like there will be more Facebook features added over time. As long as we're not flooded with status updates every time someone gets "pwned," we're all for it.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqStarCraft 2 and Battle.net to integrate Facebook features originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbattle-netblizzardfacebookstarcraftstarcraft-2Wed, 05 May 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty Zerg rushing retail July 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-zerg-rushing-retail-july-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-zerg-rushing-retail-july-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-zerg-rushing-retail-july-27/#comments You know all those summer plans you have? Well StarCraft 2's first piece -- the human-based Wings of Liberty -- was just given a July 27 release date for "stores throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Mexico, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau." What, no Kyrgyzstan?

Allergic to stores? Unfortunately, Blizzard won't be offering the game directly to consumers through its website until "shortly after retail launch." Seems like you might wanna rethink those summer plans, eh? Remember, this is Blizzard, so ... maybe not.

JoystiqStarcraft 2: Wings of Liberty Zerg rushing retail July 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentq3-2010release-datestarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-wings-of-libertyMon, 03 May 2010 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's Dustin Browder talks StarCraft 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/blizzards-dustin-browder-talks-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/blizzards-dustin-browder-talks-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/blizzards-dustin-browder-talks-starcraft-2/#comments Dustin Browder isn't just the lead designer on Blizzard's StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty -- he's also in the game! Well, sort of. According to a Blizzard spokesperson, "There are a few examples of Blizzard employees making it into the game. The portrait of the Vulture pilot was based on the likeness of Jason Huck, a level designer. Brian Sousa, a senior 3D artist was the inspiration for the regular Goliath pilot. A running joke amongst the team is that Brian and Dustin look similar enough to be brothers - so the extension of that joke was to make the mercenary goliath pilot (Spartan Company) look like Dustin."

So there you have it. If you want your face in a multimillion dollar game, just get a job working on it. Easy enough, right? We talked to Dustin about StarCraft 2 last year, and this time he gives us more details about the development of this eagerly awaited title, and not just his vanity unit portrait. He discusses multiplayer plans, balancing, Blizzard's hardcore fans, and more, just beyond the break.

Gallery: Starcraft 2 (04/19/2010)

Continue reading Blizzard's Dustin Browder talks StarCraft 2

JoystiqBlizzard's Dustin Browder talks StarCraft 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardDustin-BrowderstarcraftStarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertySun, 02 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Chris Metzen talks StarCraft 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/interview-chris-metzen-talks-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/interview-chris-metzen-talks-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/interview-chris-metzen-talks-starcraft-2/#comments
click to enlarge
Chris Metzen, Blizzard's VP of Creative Development, has a lot of things to keep in his head as the loremaster / worldbuilder / storymaster at Blizzard, and he's been busy utilizing all of those titles on the Terran-heavy StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty and its two planned expansion packs that will focus on the Zerg and Protoss races. Ensconced in an office that overlooks the bustling Blizzard campus, Metzen's office is packed with enough action heroes, statues, and toys to open his own store, which is (for some unknown reason) a requirement in the gaming industry.

We talked with Chris about how Blizzard is spreading this story out, what the expansions packs hold in store, how he feels about offending South Korea, and more. If you're done searing your retinas with the newly released game footage, then jump on by and read the full interview just after the break.

Gallery: Starcraft 2 (04/19/2010)


Continue reading Interview: Chris Metzen talks StarCraft 2

JoystiqInterview: Chris Metzen talks StarCraft 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardChris-MetzeninterviewStarcraftStarcraft-2Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: New StarCraft 2 single-player missions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-new-starcraft-2-single-player-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-new-starcraft-2-single-player-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-new-starcraft-2-single-player-missions/#comments
click to enlarge
Blizzard has been handing out Starcraft 2 beta keys like free lunch, but it's not just for the benefit of starved-craft fans. "Oh, we don't think of this as a demo," Blizzard's Dustin Browder told me during a recent studio visit, "It's a beta test." So-called testers are contributing piles of feedback data, which has led to nine game patches so far, with more surely in the works. "The Archon has been on my chopping block for months," Browder muttered, referring to the powerful Protoss ground unit.

The focus of my recent visit to Blizzard HQ was not to talk beta, however. It was to preview three new single-player missions from StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty. In doing so, I learned more about how the developer is incorporating at least one other race into the Terran-centric game and tried out some new game-altering mechanics and the new tech upgrade process.

Gallery: Starcraft 2 (04/19/2010)

Continue reading Hands-on: New StarCraft 2 single-player missions

JoystiqHands-on: New StarCraft 2 single-player missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blizzardhands-onStarcraftstarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertystrategyFri, 23 Apr 2010 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[New StarCraft 2 gameplay footage: This is not a drill ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/new-starcraft-2-gameplay-footage-this-is-not-a-drill/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/new-starcraft-2-gameplay-footage-this-is-not-a-drill/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/new-starcraft-2-gameplay-footage-this-is-not-a-drill/#comments It's a Laser Drill! Check out the awesome power of this anti-Zerg Rush weapon, featured in this new footage from the most eagerly awaited "Adults Only" game in South Korea. Don't worry -- it's just StarCraft 2 and the video's totally Safe For Work.

We'll have our hands-on impressions of three new single-player missions posted later today. In the meantime, enjoy the gameplay video above and the new screenshots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Starcraft 2 (04/19/2010)

JoystiqNew StarCraft 2 gameplay footage: This is not a drill ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blizzardgameplay-footageStarcraftstarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyvideoWings-of-LibertyFri, 23 Apr 2010 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 beta invite with GameStop pre-order [update: Amazon too]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/starcraft-2-beta-invite-with-gamestop-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/starcraft-2-beta-invite-with-gamestop-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/starcraft-2-beta-invite-with-gamestop-pre-order/#comments If you've yet to snag an invitation to the StarCraft 2 beta, then this news post is for you! A tipster has alerted us to the StarCraft 2 product page on GameStop, which notes that pre-ordering the game will net players their own invitations to join the Zerg-stomping fun. The offer applies to both the $60 regular edition and the $100 collector's edition and can be redeemed either in-store or online. One quick note to the sneaky types out there: The product page states that orders cannot be canceled once your beta code has been received.

But hey, you were going to buy it anyway, and It's not like anyone would game the system just for a free beta ticket, right? Of course not.

Update: According to tipster Aaron and one of our commenters, Amazon pre-orders are now receiving StarCraft 2 beta invitations as well. We've contacted Amazon to confirm but, in the meantime, have any other Amazon customers out there received their beta key already?

Update 2: Amazon has confirmed that its StarCraft 2 pre-orders do come with beta access. The first wave of invitations was sent out today. Future pre-orders should receive their beta invitation "within a few days."

[Thanks, Chris]

JoystiqStarCraft 2 beta invite with GameStop pre-order [update: Amazon too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardgamestoppre-orderstarcraftstarcraft-2Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Map editor coming to StarCraft 2 beta this week, Mac beta a few days later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/map-editor-coming-to-starcraft-2-beta-this-week-mac-beta-a-few/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/map-editor-coming-to-starcraft-2-beta-this-week-mac-beta-a-few/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/map-editor-coming-to-starcraft-2-beta-this-week-mac-beta-a-few/#comments Tired of all that free StarCraft 2 beta you've been playing lately? Blizzard's upcoming patch should help to stir you from your pit of doldrums, adding the "Galaxy Editor" (read: map editor) for beta users. According to a report at Shacknews, we could be seeing the release by as early as today and as late as this Friday. Three or four days after the patch's release, lead producer Chris Sagaty says, the Mac Beta client will become available.

Unlike in the retail release of SC2, beta users won't be able to upload their maps/scenarios to Battle.net 2.0 for sharing with other users. However, maps created during the beta will presumably be sharable when the game arrives on PCs and Macs sometime in the first half of 2010.

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqMap editor coming to StarCraft 2 beta this week, Mac beta a few days later originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetablizzardblizzard-entertainment.chris-sagatygalaxy-editormap-editorstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-betaTue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 given 'Adults Only' rating in South Korea]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/starcraft-2-given-adults-only-rating-in-south-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/starcraft-2-given-adults-only-rating-in-south-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/starcraft-2-given-adults-only-rating-in-south-korea/#comments According to a report by the Korea Times, Blizzard's upcoming StarCraft sequel has been given an Adults Only rating by the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, effectively relegating the game to those 18 years old or older. Given the game's enormous popularity in the country -- and the previous "over-15" rating Blizzard received from the same board for SC2 earlier this year with an older build of the game -- the decision comes as a bit of a surprise. Apparently, the company was seeking an "over-12" in the country, and thusly resubmitted the most recent build of the game for rating. The ratings board says of the decision, "Considering that the RC version of the game is closer to what will be sold on the shelves compared to the beta versions, we looked more carefully at the content," allowing that, "this rating is not final, as Blizzard will get the chance to object to it."

For its part, Blizzard's South Korea reps told the paper that an immediate course of action has yet to be decided. "We have nothing to say at this point. We are discussing our official position on the matter as well as what would be the right reaction." We've reached out to Blizzard's US representatives and will update this post if we hear back.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqStarCraft 2 given 'Adults Only' rating in South Korea originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadults-onlyblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzard-koreakoreasouth-koreasouth-korea-ministry-of-culture-sports-and-tourismstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiSun, 18 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korea rocked by StarCraft gambling scandal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/south-korea-rocked-by-starcraft-gambling-scandal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/south-korea-rocked-by-starcraft-gambling-scandal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/south-korea-rocked-by-starcraft-gambling-scandal/#comments An ongoing investigation has made headlines in South Korean media over the past few days, thanks to an alarming scandal involving StarCraft. Overseas, Blizzard's RTS is played professionally and broadcast on national television. And, like most sports leagues, the competitions have drawn a following from the illegal gambling market.

The growing controversy surrounds a number of professional gamers, including some famous and top-ranked players, accused of intentionally throwing matches to exploit the illegal gambling operations. The Korean police are currently investigating the accusations. However, considering the underground nature of the scandal, it's clear that it will take a long time before all potential suspects are apprehended.

For further coverage, Team Liquid offers a recently updated and extensive overview of the scandal.

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqSouth Korea rocked by StarCraft gambling scandal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardgamblingkoreascandalsouth-koreastarcraftWed, 14 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard 'hoping' to release StarCraft 2 Mac beta client in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/blizzard-hoping-for-starcraft-2-mac-beta-client-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/blizzard-hoping-for-starcraft-2-mac-beta-client-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/blizzard-hoping-for-starcraft-2-mac-beta-client-in-april/#comments This month, it's finally good to be a Mac-based gamer. In addition to the reveal that Valve will be moving Steam (and the Source Engine) over to Apple's OS, we discovered this morning that Blizzard is hard at work on a StarCraft 2 beta client for Mac. According to recent Twitter Q&A with the game's devs (catalogued here), the studio is "currently working on a Mac version of the beta and hope to release it sometime in April."

Unfortunately, it seems that if you didn't register many moons ago, you still might not be eligible for inclusion, as the developers also reveal that "We have no plans to make an open beta at this time." Considering the game is still planned for release in the first half of this year, though, it would seem that even without a beta invite you'll be playing the game fairly soon.

Gallery: Starcraft 2 (6/29/09)

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqBlizzard 'hoping' to release StarCraft 2 Mac beta client in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebattle.netbetablizzardstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-betatwitterSun, 14 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 release still targeted for first half of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/starcraft-2-release-still-targeted-for-first-half-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/starcraft-2-release-still-targeted-for-first-half-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/starcraft-2-release-still-targeted-for-first-half-of-2010/#comments The StarCraft II beta is currently underway and already has us pining for the full release. As for exactly when that will happen, all we've known is that Blizzard plans to release the game in the first half of 2010. According to the latest BlizzCast, that's still the plan. During the podcast, production director Chris Sigaty stated that the beta should last "three to five months" and added that Blizzard is "still targeting the first half of this year."

With a three to five month beta window, that puts the end of the test somewhere between May and July. Of course, there's no telling how soon the game will release after the close of the beta, but hopefully it won't take too long. The universe won't save itself, after all.

Finally, for those out there lucky enough to be in the beta, you should know that the first patch is now available. You can check out the list of changes on the Battle.net forums.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqStarCraft 2 release still targeted for first half of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-betaStarcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyFri, 26 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 beta keys being auctioned for around $300]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/starcraft-2-beta-keys-being-auctioned-for-around-300/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/starcraft-2-beta-keys-being-auctioned-for-around-300/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/starcraft-2-beta-keys-being-auctioned-for-around-300/#comments We've received a ton of emails asking how one might get up on the StarCraft 2 beta if they didn't apply for access last year. Kotaku recently turned our attention to a possible solution, though ... well, you're not going to like it. More than 50 beta keys, most of which came in the form of coupons handed out at BlizzCon 2008, are now being auctioned off on eBay. The prices range from around $120 on the low end, averaging out at about $300, and reaching as high as $450.

If you're as independently wealthy as you are impatient, this may be your only channel for instant gratification. Of course, keep a watchful eye out for scammers, and keep in mind that purchasing Battle.Net accounts linked to World of Warcraft accounts is against Blizzard's Terms of Use. We'd also advise you to take a good look into that deep, dark, truthful mirror, and think about all the other things $300 can buy. (Hint: It can buy a lot of things.)

JoystiqStarCraft 2 beta keys being auctioned for around $300 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardauctionbetablizzardebaystarcraftstarcraft-2strategySat, 20 Feb 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: StarCraft II beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-beta-preivew/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-beta-preivew/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-beta-preivew/#comments Here's the thing about the StarCraft II beta: you've played this game before. In the time I've spent with the beta over the past 24-plus hours, I've been Zerg rushed, I've had my buildings annihilated by a group of Reapers that snuck through the back of my fortified area, and I've had Protoss ships lay waste to countless heavy Thor units -- which looked like they could have taken on anything and survived. And here's the other thing: I absolutely loved every minute of it, as familiar as it was.

The StarCraft II beta is hopefully indicative of what the final multiplayer product will be like: fast, pick-up-and-play games where resource management down to the millisecond can spell your doom or provide you that one squad of units that brings you back from the brink of annihilation. It's an incredibly polished experience, helped along through a clean and efficient UI that doesn't clutter the screen and by a simple matchmaking system that only requires a few clicks to get into a match or join a group of players.

Gallery: Starcraft 2

Continue reading Hands-on: StarCraft II beta

JoystiqHands-on: StarCraft II beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablizzardstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiFri, 19 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Beware of StarCraft 2 beta scammers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/psa-beware-of-starcraft-2-beta-scammers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/psa-beware-of-starcraft-2-beta-scammers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/psa-beware-of-starcraft-2-beta-scammers/#comments
As you may have heard, the StarCraft II beta is now officially underway. Right now, beta invites are streaming to email inboxes everywhere. As a result, scammers are out in full force as well, hoping to phish some account details from unsuspecting Blizzard fans. In order to help you avoid this potential trick, our friends at WoW.com have provided a simple guide for determining if a beta invite is legitimate (the one shown above is a gag made by us, incidentally). Simply follow the steps below to see if your beta invite is the real deal:
  • Type battle.net into your browser (no typos) and it will go to the secure battle.net site appropriate to your region.
  • Enter your account info.
  • Under Manage My Games, choose Add or Upgrade a Game.
  • Enter the Beta Key provided in the email where it says Enter Game Key.
  • Press Add Game.
If the beta is properly added to your account, you're good to go. If the beta key doesn't work, or if the email directs you somewhere else to obtain a key, it's not a real invite. WoW.com advises users to forward any fake invites to hacks@blizzard.com.

JoystiqPSA: Beware of StarCraft 2 beta scammers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardphishingscamstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-2-betaThu, 18 Feb 2010 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard: StarCraft II beta due this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/starcraft-ii-beta-due-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/starcraft-ii-beta-due-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/starcraft-ii-beta-due-this-month/#commentsThough we put little stock in any date relating to pretty much any Blizzard game (except for "later",) Blizzard CEO Michael Morhaime just announced in an investor conference call that a beta of StarCraft II will be out this month! The game is currently on track for "mid-2010."

"The beta test will be conducted on a global scale," he said, specifying that the beta will operate in North America, Europe, Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia. We suggest you zerg rush to the beta and get all the enjoyment you can out of it, because what Blizzard learns from the test will no doubt result in several more years of work on the game.

JoystiqBlizzard: StarCraft II beta due this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetablizzardmichael-morhaimestarcraftstarcraft-2Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Protoss 'mini-campaign' invades StarCraft 2's 'Wings of Liberty']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/protoss-mini-campaign-invades-starcraft-2s-wings-of-liberty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/protoss-mini-campaign-invades-starcraft-2s-wings-of-liberty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/protoss-mini-campaign-invades-starcraft-2s-wings-of-liberty/#comments
Although it still intends to release three versions of StarCraft 2 -- each featuring on a single-player campaign for the Terran, Protoss or Zerg races -- Blizzard has revealed that the first, the Terran-specific Wings of Liberty, will also feature "a Protoss mini-campaign that lets you control Protoss units," this according to an employee post on the game's official forums.

Not wanting to get anyone's hopes up too high, Blizzard says that the component is "way shorter than the Terran part," adding that it "will not prepare you for the multiplayer as Protoss, you won't be using all units or getting to know buildings and upgrades." The multiplayer component of StarCraft 2 will let players control all three races when Wings of Liberty hits this year someday.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqProtoss 'mini-campaign' invades StarCraft 2's 'Wings of Liberty' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiMon, 04 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST