Play’s Republic

(YAY, Kerrigan! I don’t know why but anyway I love Zerg, I love Undead.)

Alright, now it seems to be clear that I’m a Blizzard fan, but I can’t stop talking about Blizzard. There’s a rumor; Blizzard will be introduce Starcraft 2 (!!!!!!!) at 2007 Blizzard Worldwide Invitational (2007 WWI). Even though all Blizzard said is that there’s nothing they can tell except that they’ll officially announce their next project at May 19^th. (Did I get the right date?) 

Of course I’m so wondering about their new project. Will it be a traditional RTS package game? Or even more interestingly…… online game?! 

Here’s my thought, 

<Package game>

Clue 1: I know. Starcraft was released 10 years ago. But even though they didn’t make any significant move, it’s quite noticeable that they are paying attention to ‘e-sports’ market these days. (Did you know? Korea has been running professional game leagues for more than 9 years and it’s so popular, especially among teenager boys and young guys. We also have cable channels ONLY for the games. I think maybe it’s the only country like that.) And Blizzard has just announced the new patch for Starcraft –it’s been 1 year!- and the patch supports user centered league. Incidentally, Starcraft takes the biggest part in Korean pro-game leagues, in terms of the amount of prize money.  

Clue 2: WOW can’t be popular now! Actually it is still rising up. And they don’t need to make another online game to compete WOW.  

<Online game>

Clue 1: Last week, ‘Computer and video games’(CVG) of UK reported that Blizzard will introduce the new MMO (with the worldview of Starcraft) at 2007 WWI. CVG has been quite correct. They reported some important news about ‘Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction’ for the first in the world. And there was an ad on Blizzard official website last month. “For new generation MMO project: engine programmers, tool programmers, and technical artists wanted!”  

Clue 2: Blizzard used to commercialize their new game at least 2 years after the announcement. Now the timing seems to be a great possibility that their new product will be online game. Moreover, usually the online games are much more profitable than package games. 

What’s your opinion?  

p.s. for WOW players: Enjoy Darkmoon Faire now! Just outside of Thunder Bluff!!