Starcraft - Gaming

A real-time strategy classic that has retained its immense popularity over a decade since having been released. Starcraft in some places isn’t so much a game as an institution.

Blizzard’s creation is known for having revolutionized the real-time strategy genre through the use of three distinct races. The rugged Terrans, the insectioid Zerg, and the mysterious Protoss have all become part of the gaming lexicon. Each with their own unique military units and buildings, gamers were forced to adapt tactically and strategically to countless possible scenarios owing to their race’s strength. Resource management in addition, took on greater importance as no one race consumed them equally. Along with online game play and a detailed storyline, the combination proved addictive creating a hardcore fanbase that has kept the franchise alive since first released in 1998. In some parts of the world, notably South Korea, professional gamers continue to hold Starcraft tournaments that even attract corporate sponsorships as would a professional athlete. If the event is especially big, it might even be televised for the whole country to see.

Fans are currently salivating over the upcoming release of the long awaited (and some say overdue) sequel, Starcraft II in 2009, eleven years after the original.