StarCraft Sequel Unveiled
By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter
Blizzard Entertainment unveiled the much-rumored sequel to StarCraft, the hugely successful real-time strategy game, at the 2007 Blizzard Worldwide Invitational event held in Seoul on Saturday (See page 2 of The Korea Times May 8 edition).
Blizzard said StarCraft II features a three-dimensional graphics engine to progress from the original, which adopted two-dimensional graphics.
However, involved species remain at three _ Protoss, Terran and Zerg _ unlike widespread expectations that a new race would be added.
Included in other changes is that StarCraft II will have no limit when grouping units, which will make things simpler for those with not so good micromanaging skills.
Blizzard, which started developing the much-hyped next-generation StarCraft in 2003 with a battalion of high-end engineers, hopes that the new edition will make online game fans happy.
``With StarCraft II, we'll be able to do everything we wanted to do with the original StarCraft and more,'' Mike Morhaime, president and cofounder of Blizzard, said in a statement.
``We recognize that expectations are high following the long-running popularity of the original game, but we plan to meet those expectations and deliver an engaging, action-packed, competitive experience that StarCraft players and strategy gamers worldwide will enjoy,'' he said.
Blizzard didn't specify the release time of StarCraft II or its price.
Although Blizzard seems to be upbeat about the prospects of StarCraft II, some are pessimistic about its commercial viability.
For example, Korea's famous professional gamer Kang Min said StarCraft II appears to be less exciting than the original after seeing a cinematic trailer and a demonstration.
Some observers take issue with the 3D engine of StarCraft II as 3D games have suffered setbacks here for some reason.
Since its debut in 1998, the original StarCraft has been a slam dunk with sales topping 9.5 million copies across the world.
In particular, the game is the rage here with upside of 4 million copies of the series being sold over the past decade.
StarCraft tournaments continue throughout the year here televised by local cable TVs around the clock and top-notch professional gamers earn a six-digit income.
