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Blizzard Releases In-House Design Tools To Starcraft Modders

Posted by timothy on from the opening-the-toolshed dept.

MojoKid writes "Blizzard has released a powerful new suite of tools for Starcraft 2 modders and developers that fundamentally change the nature of what's possible in the popular RTS game. Now, players can use the same architectural and graphics design toolsets that Blizzard has used internally to build new units, tilesets, and models. Furthermore, these tools are now available even with the Starcraft 2: Starter Edition kit. Critically, artists will now be able to incorporate images and effects designed in programs like 3ds Max, Photoshop, or other high-end particle systems. The exciting thing about these releases is that Starcraft 2's modding list is as interesting as the primary game, if not moreso. Fans have faithfully created adaptations of famous Starcraft maps, implemented entirely new rulesets that blend the old, micro-friendly playstyle of Starcraft with the modern engine, and even gone total conversion with Warcraft ported over into the SC2 game."

2 of 96 comments (clear)

  1. Fixing literally everything by i+kan+reed · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Except the one thing keeping me from buying your product. Cut the stupid DRM, idiots.

    1. Re:Fixing literally everything by hendrips · · Score: 5, Informative

      Unlike you (I assume), I play Starcraft II fairly avidly, and I have no idea what you're talking about. You seem to be implying that Blizzard has some sort of consumer hostile activation system that ties your account to a specific PC. This is not true; you can install the Starcraft II client on as many computers as you want*, and play on as many computers as you want, all with the same account.

      In fact, after having lost and repurchased the original Starcraft game twice (computer died, couldn't find the disks), I consider online activation to be a very positive feature. I understand if you oppose online activation in general on ideological grounds, but don't try to tell me that you oppose this particular activation scheme because it's inconvenient. It is absolutely not.

      *As far as I know. I've played on at least 3 or 4 different PCs, but if someone knows better please correct me.