PSU Editorial: StarCraft II's potential addiction on PS3

  • Posted February 4th, 2008 at 09:58 EDT by
  • 48 Comments

(continued from previous page) ...PlayStation Network would allow Blizzard the freedom they want in the development of online/network services. This means that Blizzard could essentially provide BattleNet over the PSN, with custom settings specific to PS3 users. So whether it be a new patch or permitting gamers to host their maps and mods online, Blizzard could run a modified version BattleNet through the flexibility of the PlayStation Network.

So after looking at why the PlayStation 3 fits the mold for StarCraft II, you may ask, does all this even matter? Is it even possible that Blizzard is developing for the PS3? Sadly, all that has been officially announced is PC and Mac versions, however, there is plenty of evidence to make us believe that if not StarCraft II, Blizzard is definitely working on something for console platforms.

To begin, let's start with something small. Back in July of 2006, Blizzard posted a job listing for a Senior Producer. In the job description it was asked that the person have experience in shipping at least one AAA game in a producer role for Xbox, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, or GameCube. Then underneath that, Blizzard posted a preferred plus for job, asking that the producer have localization experience on a shipped console title; Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii production experience.

If you look at the date for the job posting, this would have been during the pre-production of StarCraft II. Now Blizzard has stated they have three projects in the works, two of which are announced (StarCraft II, WoW Expansion), and an unannounced title (rumored to be called "Hydra").

In January 2007, a statement made by Itzik Ben Bassat, VP of Business Development for Blizzard, helps us to believe that Blizzard wants to do more than just PC and Mac developement.

"...We’re talking with Microsoft, we’re talking with Sony and we’re evaluating whether we want each project to be more than PC or not. As consoles provide something increasingly similar to a PC-style online experience, they become closer to what Blizzard is all about," he said.

Now if you look at Blizzard Entertainment's history you will see that they have not always been a PC only developer. Such titles as WarCraft II and Diablo were ported to the PlayStation. Even StarCraft was apparently on its way to the PS1, but Blizzard pulled back and moved it to the N64. Up until Diablo II and WarCraft 3, Blizzard developed for multiple platforms, including everything from the SNES (The Lost Vikings and Blackthorne) to the PS2 and Xbox (StarCraft: Ghost).

Lastly, the recent Activision Blizzard merger may help push console development for Blizzard's future titles. In the official press release, Robert Kotick, Activision's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated how the merger would help strengthen Activision Blizzard to become the world's largest and most profitable publisher.

"With Blizzard’s successful franchises, such as World of Warcraft, StarCraft and an exciting pipeline of yet-to-be announced titles, Vivendi Games’ and Blizzard’s management team will join with Activision’s strong and experienced leaders to become an even more powerful force for innovation in online and offline interactive entertainment across a wide range of platforms," he said.

So even though that may be a stretch, Blizzard is now part of a much bigger organization, they may look at entering the console market to open up new opportunities. Also, with a reported $1.51 billion in 2007 game sales for World of WarCraft alone, it's not like Blizzard doesn't have the money to fund multiplatform development. Yet another thought could be that Blizzard focuses on PC and Mac support, while Activision and other studios provide the ports. It is folly to think that Vivendi and Activision Blizzard wouldn't capitalize on the console market.

Advertisement

Comments

Comment

What are your thoughts?

  1. netherdragon | netherdragon

    • 12:10pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 1

    more rts games for consoles would be good but im not sure if i would buy them (not really my kinda of game). Anyway anything that may provide more ps3 sales is fine yb me

  2. GuitarMaster231 | Cody0705

    • 12:17pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 2

    I would definitely buy it if it came with a bundled keyboard, even for a higher price.

    I would love a RTS game out on the PS3

  3. Maxkiller | Maxkiller0

    • 12:23pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 3

    i liked the 1st starcarft is not the best for me but still a good game kinda like C&C anyhow a ps3 ver of it would be nice and yes it is kinda the best console to play it with the xbox 360 would be nice aswell but of cause without the keyboard and mouse won't be the same but still good aswell and they did do C&C port to the xbox 360 so a port of starcraft could happen to both xbox 360 and ps3 tho i don't think it will bring you the keyboard and mouse but anyhow you can just buy witch ever one you like as long its a usb or bluetooth it will work :)

  4. hush404 | hush404

    • 12:24pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 4

    AHhh, man you're making me drool! StarCraft 2 on the PS3 with Kb/M support AND the ability to make maps and share em just like epic did with UT3 is just.... something I can only dream for. BAhh. I'm already planning on building a new PC for SC2 but... would def consider buying for the PS3 as well... just cuz.

  5. sorrow880 | Sorrow880

    • 12:38pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 5

    I'd buy it.  Only if it had keyboard & mouse support obviously.  I hate gaming on my pc  (only play RTS games & a few SRPG's on my pc anymore)...much prefer consoles.

  6. BD_BLACKAZZ | BD_BLACKK

    • 12:39pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 6

    i've played this game was the first one good .....

  7. McGriddles | McGriddles

    • 12:54pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 7

    for the love of god, PORT IT!!! please...for me? i loved the original starcraft and cant wait for the sequel, and i hope it finds its way to my ps3 cuz plaing SC2 on my 52' hdtv would make me have nerdgasms of epic proportions.

  8. FireSol | FireSol(EU)/FireSolus(US)

    • 1:36pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 8

    i dont care about this game...GIMME Supreme Commander and WH:40K on PS3!!!!

  9. DeadOnArrival06 | DeadOnArrival06

    • 1:49pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 9

    what?!

  10. NC360

    • 1:54pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 10

    Nice, and intelligent topic for discussion. I have thought awhile about how the Xbox 360 is getting alot of strategy games; however, their system doesn't support a mouse! This and other strategy games in general should come out for the PS3. Again, good topic and I hope there are more better ones like this in the future.

  11. Deldwen | Deldwen1

    • 2:27pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 11

    looks mediocar to me... if u ask me.. ever sence rome total war all other rts's looked boring and COMPLETLY THE SAME

     

    and gahh.. WITH ALL THAT MONEY WHY DO THEY INTEND ON MAKING CRAPPY GAMES.... but yeah they barryly make games.. sept there stupid warcraft crap.... people are using the term ADICTIVE as GOOD.... i see games as art, others see it as a way to waste time playing the same 234223 billion games that look and play and are compused the same... i'm f*kin sick of it.... and YES i get defencive over games and there desent to unoriginallity and crappyness....

     

    not saying this game wont be fun cuz i havent played it.. but im just ranting in genral..

     

    any way ps3 good for you..

  12. humanputting

    • 2:35pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 12

    omg you know how much money this would save me if it was ported to the ps3!!!@!#!@  i was gonna upgrade my comp when this game came out but man i could actuallly pay off some bills with the money id be saving.  

    @deldwen

    youve got to be kidding me right???  total war over starcraft?  all rts players would laugh at you for even thinking such a notion.  the only thing that can trump starcraft is starcraft 2 and warcraft 3.  there is just so much more strategy and managment involved in sc than in tw you cant even compare, plus tw is so damn slow

  13. H3LiX

    • 2:49pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 13

    Nice read Justin. The original Starcraft STILL has an absolutely phenomenal active fanbase, predominantly in South Korea (!) who offer sponsorships, televised matches etc etc. Would be very cool indeed to have this title for the PS3.

  14. infernox92

    • 3:45pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 14

    endwar is the best rts for ps3

  15. SilentHillSam | SilentHillSam

    • 4:02pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 15

    yeah hope they port starcraft II to ps3!

  16. Xdeth | Xdeth

    • 4:23pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 16

    I'm a huge SC fan. The only way they could make it enjoyable would be with a keyboard. They will probally never port it though. @ Deldwen, your a jag dude. SC2 looks amazing.. The only thing I agree with you on is that games are a form of art. Other then that your a pos who is better and was touched by daddy as a child.

  17. Limanima | Limanima

    • 4:31pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 17

    I really hope this never happens. I would hate to see developers start to optimize games for mouse and keyboards, and put the duashock in second place. I really don't want to play console games with anything but the controller. If I want to use a keyboard and mouse I would rather play on the PC.

  18. snake_eater | MetalGearHMN

    • 4:38pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 18

    This is one of the best articles I've read on PSU. Although I have my doubts about Starcraft being released on PS3, The informative and investigative journalism in this article is leaps and bounds ahead of the average "This is what was said in the forums 1 week ago" postings we receive so often. I think it would be great if Starcraft 2 was ported to PS3, and why not? It only serves to increase the market for Blizzard. Thanks for opening our eyes to the possibility Justin.

  19. Michael2k5 | Nemphiz

    • 4:45pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 19

    I love starcraft!!!

  20. NoUseMercenary | NoUseMerk_PSU

    • 5:00pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 20

    Hey guys, this is Justin from the article if you don't already know. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that there is something I left out of the article, for particular reasons...mainly cause PSU is trying to stay away from "unnamed sources" rumors.

    But for those of you who would like to take it for what it is. I have an insider source, that told me StarCraft 2 is Definitely coming to the PlayStation 3 and possibly the Xbox 360, however it is not being developed by Blizzard.

  21. Prayer350z | Prayer350z

    • 5:02pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 21

    i would buy it the second it came out if they did it, i would own it for both pc and ps3.

  22. NoUseMercenary | NoUseMerk_PSU

    • 5:04pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 22

    Hey guys, this is Justin from the article if you don't already know. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that there is something I left out of the article, for particular reasons...mainly cause PSU is trying to stay away from "unnamed sources" rumors.

    But for those of you who would like to take it for what it is. I have an insider source,  that told me StarCraft 2 is definetlely coming to the PlayStation 3 and possibly the Xbox 360, however it is not being developed by Blizzard.

  23. Uncool | Admodistrator

    • 5:18pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 23

    Hmm not sure if this will bemaking a big impact on PS3 when its roots are from the PC realm.

  24. Undying_Darkness

    • 5:42pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 24

    Diablo 3, Starcraft 2 and World of Warcraft3 would be awesome on the ps3.

  25. markwesker

    • 6:07pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 25

    totally agree,id love for games like command n conquer,sim city,roller coaster tycoon 2(not 3 its crap).rail road tycoon,age of empires etc.

  26. Jackobinen

    • 7:00pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 26

    Blizzard games for the PS3 would be a dream come true... Please make it come true Blizzard, Please!

    Undying_Darkness said:
    "Diablo 3, Starcraft 2 and World of Warcraft3 would be awesome on the ps3."
     
    World of Warcraft 3? Shouldnt there at least be a "2" before we start talking about nr 3?

  27. circlethesky | circlethesky

    • 7:48pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 27

    @deldwen

    wtf kid, what are you chatting ?

    warcraft was a benchmark in rts and mmo's probably more so on the latter, before you go off on a little whining rant at least get your facts right about what you are whinging about. if you didnt like starcraft or any other RTS games, why read this article and why write a comment, seems like a complete waste of time.

    come to think of it, this is a complete waste of time replying to you.....

  28. GreyFox666 | GreyFox666

    • 8:17pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 28

    why do i have to zoom in on page 1 in order to read it... mind brightening those words up buddy... thanx... and that isn't the Bluetooth keyboard... Bluetooth keyboard is black & chrome like the PS3... the silver one is wireless but not Bluetooth... it takes up a USB Port with an adapter... i know cuz i own.. but nontheless this game looks amazing... and giving the fact that the PS3 has the capabilities to play PC "type" games it would be an awesome add-on to any collection... i can only look foward to this game hitting our platform...

  29. ChildOfIllusions | FirstAmongEquals

    • 8:50pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 29

    Keep the dream alive brother im right there with ya.

  30. Hububla | Hububla

    • 11:32pm GMT - February 3rd, 2008
    • 30

    starcraft2 is gunna RULE!! i am 20 now wich means i grew up in starcrafts prime!! easily the best game of the generation! i mean how many years ago did the game realease!? like almost 12 or something now and if you go online there is still more ppl online then playing most ps3 or CrashBox games online right now!!! now tell me that isnt epic!??? lets see halo pull that one off!!

  31. willisc89 | liquidsoap89

    • 12:27am GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 31

    RTS was born and will die on the pc. No console can equal what a pc can do for rts'. The more you do to make an rts better on consoles, the more the consoles become computers, which defeats the purpose of having a console. Consoles are supposed to be basic, you're supposed to be able to buy a console and play games with no hassle, not get keyboards and mice and have cords and things goin everywhere. Maybe this is just my opinion but when starcraft 2 (and any other rts) comes out I know I'll be buying them for PC only.

  32. stennex | stennex

    • 1:28am GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 32

    Bring it! With the power of the PS3 and its tolerance for different input devices it is definitely a great time to bring Starcraft to the console, since PC gaming is not looking that great. UT3 is a testament to the PS3s ability to run a PC title in all its glory minus the ridiculous graphic card upgrades.

  33. solbaid | Solbaid

    • 1:42am GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 33

    they forgot about the SNES and SEGA Genesis game Rock & Roll Racing    wish theyd bring that series back

  34. killercop | killercop

    • 2:06am GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 34

    I would buy it. And besides it's easy to play RTS games on PlayStation, as long as they are made properly. Take for an example the old C&C: Red Alert, it's had truly awesome controls. So it depends on the game, not the player.

  35. frank_magnet | Frank_Magnt

    • 4:33am GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 35

    Age of Empires 3 please! cheers.

  36. ChildOfIllusions | FirstAmongEquals

    • 4:41am GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 36

    At post # 20 and 22 lol the same post, Your word works for me but see if you cant squeeze some more ifno from that sorce most importantly why have someone else develop it and secondly will we be seeing any ps3-PC connectivity?

  37. leeman99 | Bedsidelee

    • 6:35am GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 37

    I think this game has been in development for as long as duke nuke em, this will never see the light of day on the ps3, why because it's a (RTS) you will need a mouse and keyboard as stated although it's compatible with the ps3 but how many people apart from (RTS) fans, and not only that but how many people apart from hardcore gamers use a mouse and keyboard not many that's why they play console gaming, not pc gaming, so given that i don't think (Blizzard) would risk losing money, because in pc gaming theres more of a fanbase in (RTS), and with (RTS) games really it's never really found a home in console gaming unfortunatel.

  38. Nosferatu

    • 10:09am GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 38

    When they created scII for n64 ive played it with my nephew back in the day and it was sorta ok but i think for the ps3 it would be superb on par at least with the pc version. I think sony should try to get it on their platform. Especially after reading this article it makes me think it should be created on Ps3 if they wanted to do it months after the PC & Mac versions released thats fine too.

  39. markwesker

    • 12:43pm GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 39

    does anybody remember streets of rage for the mega drive and battle toads lol,now they would be games id like to see on ps3

  40. Master_Man

    • 7:15pm GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 40

    meh, its much easier for me to just buy the pc version than to wish for a port and then get another keyboard

  41. Dwenny | Dwenny

    • 8:40pm GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 41

    definately get it with keyboard.  Always liked it, would like to see it on PS3

  42. Alpha2

    • 9:10pm GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 42

    The number of patches required for SC alone should be reason to think it would never come to PS3. The time needed for Sony to approve some patches will be lengthy and there will be many of them. Blizzard would find the red tape involved in console patching to be more trouble than it's worth.

  43. InfernoReaper | GrimDarkling

    • 9:35pm GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 43

    That mutalisk on page 2 looks sick.  My friends and I spent our last year in high school playing StarCraft in class.  Can't wait to get my hands on SC2.

    ---

    Unless you don't have a computer that can't run StarCraft, I don't see any reason to buy the PS3 version.  RTS just feels right with face face right in the monitor, though it WOULD look sick on a 46" 1080p TV.

  44. nevertell | nevertell

    • 10:44pm GMT - February 4th, 2008
    • 44

    starcraft was and still is a great game.  now with the ability of the ps3, porting it to this console would be the best idea EVER!!!  i hope the people making these decisions truly understand the excitement they could bring to so many like myself.

  45. Hazzer

    • 12:18pm GMT - February 5th, 2008
    • 45

    I've never played (or even heard of) starcraft before, but it looks quite good and i'll give it a try.

  46. Kydd Charley | Kydd Charley

    • 2:05am GMT - February 6th, 2008
    • 46

    wow hazzer you just made me feel really old. now i have to go out and blow my money on a sports car rather than saving up for the the keyboard and mouse ill need to play this game with any skill. thanks.

  47. French | French

    • 2:10am GMT - February 6th, 2008
    • 47

    Why would we describe Starcraft on N64 as a flop?  sales?  I remember the N64 version of Starcraft being one of my all-time favorite games.  Of course I've never played the PC version so I have no basis of comparison.

  48. Fazer-dude | Fazer-dude

    • 5:04am GMT - February 15th, 2008
    • 48

    I would love this, with KB/M support!!!!! 

    Bring it, pleeeeease

Article navigation

More

eXTReMe Tracker