After being 12 years in development, Starcraft II is nearly with us, and as you can expect, expectations for the new game are slightly high, to say the least.
Activision Blizzard has invested more than $100 million into the development of the sequel. To invest so much into a PC-based game could be seen as a little strange when most publishers target the console-based cash cow market for returns. However, this significant investment underscores the confidence that Activision Blizzard has in the enduring popularity and potential profitability of the Starcraft franchise.
The Legacy of Starcraft
The original Starcraft, released in 1998, set a high bar for real-time strategy (RTS) games. It became a cultural phenomenon, particularly in South Korea, where it spawned a professional eSports scene that continues to thrive. The game’s intricate balance between its three distinct races—Terran, Zerg, and Protoss—along with its compelling storyline, made it a favorite among gamers and critics alike. Given this legacy, it’s no wonder that expectations for Starcraft II are sky-high.
Bobby Kotick, Activision’s CEO, last month described StarCraft as one of the company’s seven “pillars of opportunity,” with each pillar having the potential to deliver operating profit between $500 million and $1 billion over its lifespan. This statement highlights the strategic importance of Starcraft II within Activision Blizzard’s broader portfolio. The company is not just banking on the game’s initial sales but also on its long-term potential to generate revenue through expansions, downloadable content (DLC), and possibly even a thriving eSports ecosystem.
Innovations and Expectations
Starcraft II promises to bring several innovations to the table. The game is divided into three parts: Wings of Liberty, Heart of the Swarm, and Legacy of the Void, each focusing on one of the three races. This episodic approach allows for a deeper exploration of each race’s storyline and strategies. Additionally, the game features a robust multiplayer mode, enhanced graphics, and improved AI, all designed to provide a richer and more immersive gaming experience.
Activision Blizzard is hoping that the release of Starcraft II and the last episode of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will help bridge the gap of the declining console games market. The PC gaming market, often overlooked in favor of consoles, has shown resilience and growth, particularly with the rise of digital distribution platforms like Steam and Battle.net. By focusing on high-quality PC games, Activision Blizzard aims to tap into this lucrative market segment.
The anticipation for Starcraft II is palpable. Fans have been eagerly awaiting its release, and the game’s beta testing phase has already garnered positive feedback. The developers have taken this feedback seriously, making adjustments to ensure that the final product meets the high standards set by its predecessor.
You can already download the game before its release on the 27th of July to avoid the rush on release day. Visit the Starcraft website for more details.
Via Gamepron
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