Blizzard Releases In-House Design Tools To SC2

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. Players can grab them here. Critically, artists will now be able to incorporate images and effects designed in programs like 3ds Max, Photoshop, or other high-end particle systems.

“These tools are going to be a big upgrade for people,” Womack said in a video update. “This is the solution we use internally on the StarCraft team to get our art from source images into the game. And now it’s available to content creators.”

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. There's a side-scrolling platformer, horror-adventure mods, and a universe of other possibilities for the enterprising player who isn't afraid to explore the options. One group of players is working on creating a sequel to Brood Wars 2 (dubbed Starbow) within the SC2 universe.