StarCraft (video game)

StarCraft is a real-time strategy video game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment for Microsoft Windows. Released in 1998 as the first entry in its series, it was followed by a Classic Mac OS version in 1999 and a Nintendo 64 port, co-developed with Mass Media and published by Nintendo, in 2000. Development began shortly after the 1995 release of Warcraft II, another Blizzard real-time strategy title. The game’s initial public showing at the 1996 Electronic Entertainment Expo received unfavorable comparisons to Warcraft II, prompting a complete overhaul. When it was re-revealed in early 1997, the response was far more positive. Set in the 25th century within the Koprulu Sector of the Milky Way, the story follows three intelligent species: the Terrans, exiled humans skilled at adaptation; the Zerg, insectoid aliens seeking genetic perfection through assimilation; and the Protoss, a humanoid species with advanced technology and psionic abilities striving to preserve their civilization. The game is widely credited with revolutionizing the real-time strategy genre by introducing three distinct, balanced races, each with unique units and tactics. The Protoss rely on powerful but costly units and energy shields, the Zerg produce weaker units quickly in large numbers, and the Terrans offer versatile, flexible technology including tanks and nuclear weapons. Resource management requires minerals and vespene gas, while supply mechanics differ thematically but function similarly across races. The single-player campaign features thirty missions, ten per race, with artificial intelligence that scales in difficulty. The multiplayer scene became especially prominent in South Korea, where professional players and teams compete in televised tournaments with sponsorships. By February 2009, over 11 million copies had been sold worldwide, and the game has been praised for its compelling story and pioneering faction design. Its storyline expanded through novels, the expansion StarCraft: Brood War, and two authorized add-ons. A sequel, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, launched in 2010, followed by expansions and a remastered edition in 2017. The original game and its expansion were released for free in April 2017.