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.
I remember many saying that Blizz would put the screws to mods attempting to replace their core game. Looks like they are doing the opposite with free arcade and now advanced tools. This is good news for things like Starbow.
I don't expect them to go much farther than this though. We won't see true Free To Play or LAN... they have to make money somehow.
Does this mean modders can put anything in the game now copyrights be damned or you think blizzard will police that? I remember seeing LoL china mods with anime/video game characters, etc. Would be sweet to see marines as the one piece navy and stuff.
I want to see stuff like this. This isn't lol though I think, but a chinese knockoff.
I really just want someone to put out a fire fighter mod using the included maurader + water bombs. Possibly modify the hellbat to shoot water as well. Make zerg and/or protoss the enemy that moves around fast and you have to keep up putting out fires with enemies every now and than that you fight, run from (and lead into traps), etc. . . How long can you last?
About the only thing I see this useful for is maybe prototyping but with all of the EULA restrictions I would be concerned about that prototype having a copyright claim by Blizzard if/when I went to produce the full game. Than again -- it does not hurt for portfolio work. just FYI for anybody considering it, the normal timeframe for any static piece sets is ~160 hours assuming you know your stuff.
On January 29 2014 04:48 Canucklehead wrote: Does this mean modders can put anything in the game now copyrights be damned or you think blizzard will police that? I remember seeing LoL china mods with anime/video game characters, etc. Would be sweet to see marines as the one piece navy and stuff.
I want to see stuff like this. This isn't lol though I think, but a chinese knockoff.
When they talked about their plans for the arcade years ago, I never thought they'd actually get around to it. I think Blizzard is starting to understand though that they NEED the modding and creative gaming communities and they can lure them in with amazing new tools and features like this.
The academic circles will be all over this, i WISH I could have used SC2 to test out my 3DSMAX models when i was in college.
EPT
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/mY1ykY2.jpg)
