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[[Image:Starcraftboxes.jpg|250px|right|thumb|The PC version originally launched with 3 different covers. The Terran and Zerg boxes are rare.]]
[[Image:Starcraftboxes.jpg|250px|right|thumb|The PC version originally launched with 3 different covers. The Terran and Zerg boxes are rare.]]


In addition to numerous [[fan fiction]] works taking place in the ''StarCraft'' universe, it has spawned several official novels and [[ebook|eBook]]s, including ''[[StarCraft: Uprising]] (ebook only), [[StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade]], [[StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga]], [[StarCraft: Speed of Darkness]], [[StarCraft: Queen of Blades]]''<ref name="craft">{{cite web | author = | title =Blizzard Online Store| work = Blizzard Entertainment |date = [[2006-01-01]]| url = http://shop.blizzard.com/section3/#starcraft| accessdate = 2006-08-20}}</ref> and ''StarCraft_Ghost:_Nova [[StarCraft Ghost: Nova]]''. [[Simon & Schuster]] has also [http://www.simonsays.com/content/browse.cfm?tab=23&pid=523108,516381 announced] the publication of "StarCraft: the Dark Templar Saga #1: Firstborn" for late May 2007 (ISBN 0-743-47125-3) and the publication of [http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?tab=1&pid=584627 StarCraft: the Dark Templar Saga #2: Shadow Hunters] in the series (ISBN 0-7434-7126-1) for November 2007.
In addition to numerous [[fan fiction]] works taking place in the ''StarCraft'' universe, it has spawned several official novels and [[ebook|eBook]]s, including ''[[StarCraft: Uprising]] (ebook only), [[StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade]], [[StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga]], [[StarCraft: Speed of Darkness]], [[StarCraft: Queen of Blades]]''<ref name="craft">{{cite web | author = | title =Blizzard Online Store| work = Blizzard Entertainment |date = [[2006-01-01]]| url = http://shop.blizzard.com/section3/#starcraft| accessdate = 2006-08-20}}</ref> and ''[[StarCraft Ghost: Nova]]''. [[Simon & Schuster]] has also [http://www.simonsays.com/content/browse.cfm?tab=23&pid=523108,516381 announced] the publication of "StarCraft: the Dark Templar Saga #1: Firstborn" for late May 2007 (ISBN 0-743-47125-3) and the publication of [http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?tab=1&pid=584627 StarCraft: the Dark Templar Saga #2: Shadow Hunters] in the series (ISBN 0-7434-7126-1) for November 2007.


Blizzard Entertainment authorized two short stories in [[Amazing Stories]] magazine, entitled [[StarCraft: Hybrid]] and [[StarCraft: Revelations]].<ref>{{cite web | author = IGN Staff| title = Starcraft is an Amazing Story| work = IGN |date = [[1999-03-23]]| url = http://pc.ign.com/articles/067/067452p1.html| accessdate = 2006-08-19}}</ref> Blizzard also licensed [[Wizards of the Coast]] to publish ''[[StarCraft Adventures]]'', a supplement for the [[role-playing game]] ''[[Alternity]]'' set in the ''StarCraft'' universe. Even [[manga]] comics<ref>{{cite web | author = UGO Staff| title = Bill Roper, Vice President, on StarCraft: Ghost (Blizzard)| work = Underground Online |date = [[2002-01-01]]| url = http://www.ugo.com/channels/games/features/starcraft_ghost/interview.asp| accessdate = 2006-08-19}}</ref> and action figures have been done in the ''StarCraft'' universe.<ref>{{cite web|author = IGN Staff| title = Blizzard Tackles Toys| work = IGN |date = [[1998-09-22]]| url = http://pc.ign.com/articles/064/064948p1.html| accessdate = 2006-08-19}}</ref> A CD was also released of 2 game tracks and 11 original works by [[South Korea|Korean]] musicians.<ref name="craft" /> A ''StarCraft'' [[board game]] entitled [[StarCraft the Board Game|StarCraft: The Board Game]] is in development.<ref>{{cite web | author =Kevin Wilson | title = Playtest in Minneapolis at the Source on 6/16/06| work = Boardgame Geek |date = [[2006-06-13]]| url = http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/113938| accessdate = 2006-08-19}}</ref>
Blizzard Entertainment authorized two short stories in [[Amazing Stories]] magazine, entitled [[StarCraft: Hybrid]] and [[StarCraft: Revelations]].<ref>{{cite web | author = IGN Staff| title = Starcraft is an Amazing Story| work = IGN |date = [[1999-03-23]]| url = http://pc.ign.com/articles/067/067452p1.html| accessdate = 2006-08-19}}</ref> Blizzard also licensed [[Wizards of the Coast]] to publish ''[[StarCraft Adventures]]'', a supplement for the [[role-playing game]] ''[[Alternity]]'' set in the ''StarCraft'' universe. Even [[manga]] comics<ref>{{cite web | author = UGO Staff| title = Bill Roper, Vice President, on StarCraft: Ghost (Blizzard)| work = Underground Online |date = [[2002-01-01]]| url = http://www.ugo.com/channels/games/features/starcraft_ghost/interview.asp| accessdate = 2006-08-19}}</ref> and action figures have been done in the ''StarCraft'' universe.<ref>{{cite web|author = IGN Staff| title = Blizzard Tackles Toys| work = IGN |date = [[1998-09-22]]| url = http://pc.ign.com/articles/064/064948p1.html| accessdate = 2006-08-19}}</ref> A CD was also released of 2 game tracks and 11 original works by [[South Korea|Korean]] musicians.<ref name="craft" /> A ''StarCraft'' [[board game]] entitled [[StarCraft the Board Game|StarCraft: The Board Game]] is in development.<ref>{{cite web | author =Kevin Wilson | title = Playtest in Minneapolis at the Source on 6/16/06| work = Boardgame Geek |date = [[2006-06-13]]| url = http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/113938| accessdate = 2006-08-19}}</ref>

Revision as of 20:52, 24 May 2007

StarCraft
Front cover of the StarCraft installation CD
Developer(s)Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher(s)(Win), (Mac)
United States Blizzard Entertainment
European Union Sierra Entertainment
(N64)
United States Australia Nintendo
Designer(s)Blizzard Entertainment
Platform(s)Windows, Mac OS, Mac OS X, Nintendo 64
Release(Win)
United States European Union April 1, 1998
(Mac)
United States 1999
(N64)
United States Australia 2000
Genre(s)Real-time strategy
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer

StarCraft is a real-time strategy game by Blizzard Entertainment. It was initially released for Microsoft Windows in 1998; a Mac OS version of the game was released in 1999, and a port to the Nintendo 64 was released in 2000.

The main storyline follows a war among three galactic species: the adaptable and mobile Terrans, who are descendants of Human outcasts from Earth, the hive mind arthropodic Zerg, and the psionic humanoid Protoss warriors.

StarCraft was the best-selling computer game in 1998[1] and won the Origins Award for Best Strategy Computer Game of that year.[2] Nine million copies of StarCraft and its expansion pack, StarCraft: Brood War have been sold since its release.[3] It is especially popular in South Korea, where professional players and teams participate in matches, earn sponsorships, and compete in televised matches.[4]

A sequel, StarCraft II, was announced on May 19, 2007.

Gameplay

File:Zergbase.jpg
StarCraft's overhead perspective during gameplay showing a Zerg base

StarCraft's gameplay centers on the acquisition and control of two resources; minerals and Vespene gas, which are necessary to construct combat units and buildings. Minerals, which are required for all normal units, appear as blue crystalline formations protruding from the ground. They are 'harvested' or 'mined' by worker units (SCV for Terran, Drone for Zerg, Probe for Protoss). Vespene gas, which is required for advanced units and upgrades, appears as a geyser with green clouds erupting from it. A particular structure (Refinery for Terrans, Extractor for Zerg, Assimilator for Protoss) must be constructed before worker units can harvest the Vespene gas.

Players can have only a limited number of units at a time, each of which demands a certain quantity of supplies (Terran, satisfied by building supply depots), control (Zerg, satisfied by breeding Overlords) or Psi (Protoss, satisfied by building pylons) depending on the unit's combat strength. Players must maintain enough unit-supporters (Supply Depots, Overlords, and Pylons) to support their forces, lest they become temporarily unable to produce additional units. In standard games, the maximum amount of supply that can be used at any time is 200.

Players use their resources to construct buildings. Some buildings morph, train, or "warp in" units, while others upgrade the players' forces or allow more advanced units or structures. Resource management, expansion to control resource locations, and effective offensive and defensive combat tactics are key to victory. The unit types available to each species define its racial identity. Protoss marshal powerful and expensive warriors and machinery, while Zerg rely on sheer numbers and speed to overwhelm their opponents. Terrans are the versatile and flexible alternative to both races, providing a compromise between specialization and combined arms. No species is to have an innate advantage over any other. This feature has been the subject of countless gameplay tweaks introduced via infrequent updates.

In order to excel, players must develop skills such as micro and macro management at many levels simultaneously. These skills involve moving units into certain formations and using their units' abilities and numbers to their full advantage. This requirement distinguishes StarCraft from many other, more modern RTS games; the latter performing many of the strategic organizational arrangements using assistance from the AI. Additionally, a new player might find StarCraft unexpectedly challenging despite its apparent simplicity in comparison to newer RTS games.

Multiplayer

Blizzard's Internet service Battle.net grants online multiplayer gaming at no additional charge. Many fans, especially casual players, enjoy playing in groups against computer-controlled opponents, as well as on teams against each other. Games between players with no computer-controlled opponent tend to be a bit more challenging since adding the human aspect makes your opponents' next move unpredictable. Since experienced players generally do not find the artificial intelligence of the game challenging, fans have also created maps that are advantageous to the computer and can be extremely hard to win. Up to eight spots can be filled in a game when played on Battle.net, four with direct cable connection, and two players with modem connections.[5] In cooperative play, several people can play on the same team, controlling the same units, or on different teams that are "allied" so they do not harm each other. Clans gather groups of people for competitive team play.[6] Clan involvement ranges from casual friendship to mandatory meetings and tournaments. In multiplayer gameplay, some players use modified or "hacked" versions of the StarCraft client to gain an unfair advantage. People also use programs (hacks) to gain other unfair advantages such as invulnerability, no fog of war, infinite resources, and other unfair ways of winning. Blizzard attempts to detect and ban those who modify their client software, and several third-party "anti-hack" programs are under constant development to prevent these hacks. In 2003, Battle.net closed over 400,000 accounts for cheating and hacking.[7]

File:Cattlebruiser Heaven.jpg
Two Terran fleets in a multiplayer match.

Most competitive, high-level gaming outside of the Korean professional scene takes place on "private" ladders such as "PGTour" (Pro Gamers Tour) or "WGTour" (World Gamers Tour). These ladders use specific sets of maps (mostly taken from Korean pro leagues like MSL and OSL), hack-preventing third-party programs, teams of administrators, and sometimes even a private server (such as the PGTour's Bnet-X) to enforce fair play. Since the end of July 2006, with the release of patch 1.14, Blizzard has removed the Ladder option on all gateways, save the European gateway, whose Ladder is now held in cooperation with "WGTour".[8]

Beginning with version 1.08, StarCraft enables the player to record a game and save it as a replay, which can then be viewed with any other copy of StarCraft, displaying the entire course of gameplay. Replays allow for the studying of game players tactics, and thus pro-level replays are rarely released to protect team secrecy and to comply with the policies of pro leagues. Fans have developed applications such as BWChart and Lasgo's Observer Pack[9][10] to analyze replays in detail and compute statistics such as the number of actions per minute (APM). Some replays are accompanied by an audio commentary recorded by the player or an experienced observer in real time or during later viewing. When the audio files are produced using third-party recording and playback tools, the viewer must manually synchronize the audio with the replay. Alternatively, auxiliary applications such as RWA can ensure synchronization.[10] VODs (from "Video On Demand") are videos showing a commentator or player during a pro-level game. They are sometimes illegally ripped from Korean television or Internet streams. They usually come in the ASF video file format for Windows Media Player or in the WMV format. Because they are compressed with an MPEG-4 codec into a small file, their video quality is poorer than replays.

StarCraft Campaign Editor

The game is packaged with the StarCraft Campaign Editor (also known as StarEdit). The editor's trigger system allows users to change maps radically and create custom map scenarios. The StarCraft community has constructed new editors and functionalities that grant users even more power to modify the game. The company Microstar sold a CD with new levels created with the StarEdit feature, but was forced to stop when Blizzard won their court case against its distribution.[11]

Storyline

File:Starcraftstoryscreen.jpg
Plot exposition takes place in menued screens with only the characters' faces shown and their voices heard.

StarCraft takes place in the distant future. Human exiles fight for survival on the edge of the galaxy, and a unified Terran government has formed through espionage, deceit and military might. Their resources have begun to run out, and they begin to look toward the worlds of their mysterious neighbors, the Protoss. In the midst of these events, the Zerg have begun an invasion of the Terran worlds, and a war against the Protoss.[12]

Episode 1: Rebel Yell (Terran Campaign)

Episode 2: Overmind (Zerg Campaign)

Episode 3: The Fall (Protoss Campaign)

Plot

The plot of the original StarCraft game revolves around the Terran civilization in the Koprulu Sector, which was founded by former prisoners exiled from Earth. The most powerful Terran faction is the Terran Confederacy. It is opposed by other factions, such as the paramilitary organization "Sons of Korhal". The arrival of the Zerg, led by the Overmind and its Cerebrates, greatly complicates matters for the Terrans. The Zerg Swarm is itself closely followed by a Protoss fleet who burn any world the Zerg infest. The Protoss fleet is led by High Templar Executor Tassadar.

The player assumes the role of a colonial magistrate of the Terran Confederacy, and soon meets Jim Raynor, a marshal of Mar Sara. After being arrested by the Confederacy for destroying Confederate property (even though it was infested by the Zerg), the player joins the Sons of Korhal, who free Raynor from prison. Raynor also joins the Sons of Korhal and frequently goes on missions. After the Protoss destroy the Zerg-infested Confederate colony on Chau Sara, the leader of the Sons of Korhal, Arcturus Mengsk, uses psi-emitters to lure the Zerg to Confederate installations and further his own goals. Mengsk acquires the services of General Edmund Duke, a Confederate general, and sacrifices his right-hand woman, the psychic Sarah Kerrigan, to the Zerg after she objects to his morals and tactics. Raynor, outraged over Mengsk abandoning Kerrigan, flees from Mengsk with a small number of soldiers, accompanied by the player. After the Confederacy falls through the use of psi-emitters on the Confederate homeworld of Tarsonis, Mengsk reorganizes what remains of the Terran population under his control into the Terran Dominion, crowning himself Emperor.

In the second episode, the player assumes the role of a newly created Zerg Cerebrate and is entrusted to the care of the Chrysalis which contains Kerrigan, who is being infested and prepared for rebirth into the Swarm. She soon awakens, and adds great power to the Zerg, effortlessly destroying her enemies. Meanwhile, Tassadar has discovered that the Zerg Cerebrates can be near-immediately reincarnated by the Overmind unless they are killed by the Dark Templar, whose energies match those used by the Overmind. Tassadar allies with them, and while he distracts Kerrigan, the Dark Templar Zeratul assassinates the Cerebrate Zasz. This disrupts the Overmind's control over the Garm Brood (causing chaos as this brood goes rampant), but also allows the minds of Zeratul and the Overmind to come into contact for a brief second, allowing the Overmind to learn the location of the Protoss homeworld of Aiur, for which it has been searching for a considerable amount of time. The Zerg soon invade, despite heavy Protoss resistance, allowing the Overmind to embed itself into the crust of the planet.

In the third episode, the player takes the role of the newly appointed Protoss fleet Executor, replacing Tassadar, who has been branded a heretic by the Conclave (the Protoss ruling council) for working with the Dark Templar. The player at first serves the Conclave to fight the Zerg on Aiur, but while on a mission to arrest Tassadar the player rebels and joins Tassadar. This results in a Protoss civil war with Tassadar, his unlikely Templar allies, and the Dark Templar pitted against the Conclave and the Khala. Tassadar and the Dark Templar prove themselves to the Conclave by having Zeratul slay two Zerg Cerebrates. The Conclave then ally with Tassadar and the Dark Templar, along with the Terrans led by Jim Raynor, who all launch an all-out offensive against the Overmind, destroying its nearly impervious shell. Tassadar then channels Dark Templar energies into the hull of his ship, the Gantrithor, before crashing it into the vulnerable form of the Overmind, killing it and sacrificing himself in the process.

Characters

Development

Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, an earlier Blizzard production, had been criticized for the similarity between its two races with the only exception being minor differences in spells and upgrade costs. Similarly to the Strategic Simulations game War Wind, StarCraft implemented decisive asymmetries among its races. Further improvements included pre-rendered sprites and backgrounds using 3D Studio Max. An isometric view was used, unlike Warcraft II's top down perspective. CD quality music and professional voice acting were also utilized.[13]

Operation CWAL (Can't Wait Any Longer) was formed in 1997 as a writers' group in the StarCraft Suggestions Forum to try to "liberate" an early, unauthorized final copy of StarCraft, which appeared obviously completed despite numerous delays on the part of Blizzard Entertainment. Blizzard Entertainment went so far as to give special thanks to this group in the StarCraft manual and use their name as a cheat code.[14]

The Brood War expansion released by Blizzard in 1998 provided several new units and a new campaign for each race, continuing the original StarCraft storyline and changing the gameplay. Brood War allowed the production of units, such as "Dark Templar," which StarCraft had only made available at the beginning of single-player missions, and created exclusive unit upgrades for all three species.[15] Though the three races in StarCraft were slightly unequal in power when the game was first released, the expansion pack and twenty two patches, four of which affected the gameplay, are thought by most players to have fixed this.[16]

Versions and sequels

In 2000, StarCraft 64 was released for the Nintendo 64. The game featured all of the maps from the original game and the Brood War expansion, as well as some exclusive missions, such as two different tutorials and StarCraft Resurrection IV.[17] The game also required the use of an Expansion Pak.[18] The game was not as popular as the PC version, perhaps because of the difficulty controlling the cursor compared to a mouse and the lack of online multiplayer capabilities (split-screen multiplayer option was included, however). Also, speech during mission briefings was omitted[17] and the cut scenes were shortened. Blizzard previously considered a PlayStation port of the game, but it was decided that the game would be released instead on the Nintendo 64.[19]

Blizzard had been working on a third-person shooter, StarCraft: Ghost, originally slated for a 2003 release, but repeatedly postponed through to 2006, and eventually delayed indefinitely. Although some players welcomed the concept, the change in genre from real-time strategy to stealth action,[3] and the absence of a PC version, aroused protests among fans. In March 2006, StarCraft: Ghost development was put on hold indefinitely, while the producers considered next-gen consoles.[20]

StarCraft II was officially announced on May 19, 2007, at Blizzard's Worldwide Invitational in Seoul, South Korea. Blizzard has not confirmed a release date.[21]

Prior to announcement

Many Easter eggs can be unlocked during and after completion of Warcraft III which relate to StarCraft, leading many to sequel speculation.[22] There was also a leak about a 2007 release from HanbitSoft, the Korean publisher of StarCraft.[23] Job advertisements on Blizzard.com looking for a "Game Balance Designer" with experience in StarCraft and Warcraft III,[24] and the fact that there are several unannounced titles also being developed, suggested that Blizzard was working on another real-time strategy game, possibly StarCraft II.

Prior to the sequel's announcement, nearly 17,000 players had signed an online petition in support of a sequel's creation.[25] A group of fans operating under the name Snowflake Entertainment are creating a mod to create StarCraft using the Warcraft III game engine, titled Project Revolution. Although not a sequel, Project Revolution will transfer the game from two to three dimensions.[26] On January 16, 2007, Blizzard hinted at StarCraft II at the Burning Crusade expansion launch night for World of Warcraft.[27] On May 13, 2007, a timeline was added at www.blizzard.com, documenting the three flagship series. The timeline ended on May 19, 2007, when Blizzard Entertainment announced that StarCraft II is in development.[21][28]

Reception

StarCraft was the number-one selling PC Game of 1998, selling over 9.5 million copies worldwide.[1] As of 2006, over a third of total sales, or 3.5 million copies, have been sold in South Korea, population of 45 million.[4] Blizzard's Battle.net online gameplaying service grew over 800 percent after StarCraft's release.[29] StarCraft remains one of the most popular online games in the world.[30]

StarCraft received a star on the floor of the Metreon as part of the Walk of Game in San Francisco in early 2006.[31] IGN rated the game as the 7th best on its Top Games of All Time in both the 2003 and 2005 editions, calling it the "best real time strategy game ever made". It also placed #2 among PC games, behind Sid Meier's Civilization II.[32][33] GameSpot named StarCraft one of the greatest games of all time.[31]

Not without criticism, the game suffers from "coarse resolution".[34] It was also noted at release for the problem of "rushing" during multiplayer mode (allowing players to swiftly conquer one another by attacking first instead of allowing time to build up forces). However, over time, rushing has developed into a standard gameplay strategy.[35]

Legacy

After its release, StarCraft rapidly grew in popularity in South Korea, establishing a successful pro-gaming scene.[36] Pro-gamers in South Korea are TV stars. StarCraft games are broadcast over three television channels dedicated to the professional gaming scene.[37] Pro-gamers in South Korea have gained television contracts, sponsorships, and tournament prizes, allowing the most famous player, Lim Yo-Hwan (known in-game as SlayerS `BoxeR`),[38] to gain a fanclub of over half a million people.[4] Professional gamers dedicate a lot of time playing StarCraft to prepare for the highly competitive leagues. Lee Yun-Yeol, a Terran player known as [Red]NaDa, reported earnings in 2005 of US$200,000 .[30]

Merchandise

File:Starcraftboxes.jpg
The PC version originally launched with 3 different covers. The Terran and Zerg boxes are rare.

In addition to numerous fan fiction works taking place in the StarCraft universe, it has spawned several official novels and eBooks, including StarCraft: Uprising (ebook only), StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade, StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga, StarCraft: Speed of Darkness, StarCraft: Queen of Blades[39] and StarCraft Ghost: Nova. Simon & Schuster has also announced the publication of "StarCraft: the Dark Templar Saga #1: Firstborn" for late May 2007 (ISBN 0-743-47125-3) and the publication of StarCraft: the Dark Templar Saga #2: Shadow Hunters in the series (ISBN 0-7434-7126-1) for November 2007.

Blizzard Entertainment authorized two short stories in Amazing Stories magazine, entitled StarCraft: Hybrid and StarCraft: Revelations.[40] Blizzard also licensed Wizards of the Coast to publish StarCraft Adventures, a supplement for the role-playing game Alternity set in the StarCraft universe. Even manga comics[41] and action figures have been done in the StarCraft universe.[42] A CD was also released of 2 game tracks and 11 original works by Korean musicians.[39] A StarCraft board game entitled StarCraft: The Board Game is in development.[43]

References

  1. ^ a b IGN Staff (2000-01-20). "StarCraft Named #1 Seller in 1998". IGN. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "sales" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  2. ^ "The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design". Game Manufacterers Association. 1998-01-01. Retrieved 2006-08-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ a b "StarCraft Ghost FAQ". Blizzard Entertainment. 2005-01-01. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "onlineplay" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b c Kevin Cho (2006-01-15). "Samsung, SK Telecom, Shinhan Sponsor South Korean Alien Killers". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "pop" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Multiplayer-Mayhem". Blizzard Entertainment. 2003-10-01. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ Cavin Smith (2001-08-13). "Gaming in Korea (Part 1)". Gaming Age. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Andrew Burnes (2003-10-01). "Blizzard Bans Battle.net Accounts". IGN. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ "Changes in StarCraft version 1.14". Blizzard Entertainment. 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "VOD Maker Program Release". Team Liquid. 2003-12-30. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ a b "Replay with Audio (RWA)". Team Liquid. 2003-01-01. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "liquid" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  11. ^ IGN Staff (1998-11-10). "Blizzard Wins in StarCraft Case". IGN. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ "A Galaxy in Chaos..." Blizzard Entertainment. 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2006-09-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ Al Giovetti (1997-01-01). "Interview by Al Giovetti". The Computer Show.com. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ "The Official CWAL FAQ". Operation CWAL. 2004-02-20. Retrieved 2006-08-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ StarCraft Expansion Set: Brood War Instruction Manual. Blizzard Entertainment. 1998. pp. 10–16.
  16. ^ "StarCraft Patch Information". Blizzard Entertainment. 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ a b Joe Fielder (2000-05-12). "StarCraft 64". Gamespot.com. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "Nintendo" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  18. ^ IGN Staff (1999-11-16). "Starcraft Needs Some Expansion". IGN. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ IGN Staff (1998-04-06). "StarCraft on PlayStation?". IGN. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ Gamespy Staff (2006-03-24). "Blizzard Postpones StarCraft: Ghost Indefinitely (Xbox)". Gamespy. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ a b Onyett, Charles (2007-05-18). "StarCraft 2 Officially Announced". IGN. Retrieved 2007-05-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "IGN" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  22. ^ "StarCraft in Warcraft III". StarCraft Legacy. 2006-06-11. Retrieved 2006-08-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ "Starcraft Sequel Rumor". QuickJump. 2007-04-11. Retrieved 2007-05-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ "Game Balance Designer". Blizzard Entertainment. 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ Kenny Marshall (2003-01-01). "Starcraft 2". Petition Online. Retrieved 2007-3-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  26. ^ "Project Revolution Q&A - Starcraft to Warcraft 3 Total Conversion". Snowflake Entertainment. 2006-05-24. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ Blizz exec hints at Starcraft 2 "Blizz exec hints at Starcraft 2". Eurogamer. 2007-01-16. Retrieved 2007-01-17. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ "StarCraft 2 Official Website". Blizzard. 2007-05-19. Retrieved 2007-05-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ "Blizzard Entertainment Press Release". Bloomberg.com. 1999-02-04. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ a b Mark Donald (2005-04-01). "Sex, Fame and PC Baangs: How the Orient plays host to PC gaming's strangest culture". PC Gamer UK. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ a b "Developer Awards". Blizzard Entertainment. 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2006-08-19. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ "IGN's Top 100 Games". IGN.com. 2003-01-01. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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