Starcraft endures as one of gaming‘s most beloved and highest skill ceiling real-time strategy franchises. As someone passionate about the RTS genre, you need to know Starcraft‘s origins, evolution, and gameplay intricacies. Read on for a comprehensive overview of this landmark series spanning over 20 years and still going strong.
From Failed Warhammer Bid to Sci-Fi Gaming Blockbuster
Let‘s rewind to 1995 – Blizzard Entertainment sought to develop a new RTS based on the Warhammer 40,000 universe but negotiations crumbled. Rather than abandon their efforts, Blizzard refocused development around crafting a distinct sci-fi world centered on three warring species – scrappy ex-con humans (Terrans), an ancient psionic alien race (Protoss), and a rapacious hive-minded insectoid swarm (the Zerg).
When Starcraft released for PC on March 31, 1998 it sold over 1.5 million copies in its first year – record breaking at the time. Its pioneering real-time strategy mechanics like fog of war, squad control, resource gathering, tech trees and more set benchmarks for multiplayer depth and balance. Brood War‘s expansion extended success.
South Korea Propels Starcraft‘s Rise as an eSport Juggernaut
But Starcraft‘s true crowning glory emerged through South Korea‘s gaming scene embracing the title with incredible fervor – 2005 estimates pegged 25% of Korea‘s 40 million population as regular Starcraft players! The country‘s early broadband infrastructure supported online multiplayer and local area networks powered frenzied all night gaming sessions at ubiquitous "PC Bang" gaming lounges.
Enthusiasm and infrastructure combined to thrust Starcraft into a national eSport spanning tournament circuits and television coverage. Top players like "The Terran Emperor" BoxeR became household names, amassing fame and seven figure career earnings during their peaks. Starcraft‘s legacy endures today in South Korea through leagues like AfreecaTV.
Starcraft 2 Trilogy Advances Storyline and Competitive Play
Fans awaited a sequel for years until Starcraft 2‘s trilogy released between 2010 through 2015, modernizing visuals and mechanics while continuing the epic saga. Each chapter focused around one faction and added new units plus multiplayer modes supporting eSports:
- Wings of Liberty (2010) – Terran rebel Jim Raynor seeks ancient Xel‘Naga artifacts while battling the Terran Dominion
- Heart of the Swarm (2013) – Sarah Kerrigan embraces primal Zerg essence to exact revenge against Emperor Arcturus
- Legacy of the Void (2015) – Protoss face extermination from the dark god Amon and his zerg swarm
New structures like an in-game tournament spectating system promoted the professional scene. By 2017, over $24 million in prize money had been awarded across 1,700+ events since Starcraft 2‘s launch.
Data sourced from e-Sports Earnings. View an interactive version here.
Getting Started with Starcraft Gameplay Basics
As an RTS classic, Starcraft calls upon familiar mechanics like worker units gathering resources to spend on new structures and military forces. But with dozens of unit types across three factions – each with strengths and weaknesses – pitted against human opponents, the chaotic micromanagement can overwhelm new players.
Follow these tips to get comfortable:
- Play the single player campaigns first – great way to ease in while enjoying the epic sci-fi story
- Lean on build order guides to hit economic and military benchmarks
- Start with one race to deeply learn before expanding your repertoire
- Save replays for review to improve decision making
Take things slow by playing against the AI to incrementally ramp up challenges while building skills. Deep diving into build strategies and tactics will keep your mind engaged for hundreds of hours.
Celebrating Over 20 Years of Starcraft Fandom
Very few titles in gaming history achieve Starcraft‘s monumental reputation and longevity thanks to its gripping gameplay, competitive scene, mods and custom games. Later remasters and releases like 2017‘s Starcraft: Remastered keep the classic thriving on modern systems.
Reddit communities like /r/Starcraft boast over 200,000 members currently – a testament to fans‘ passionate connection despite the last expansion launching 7 years ago. Theorycrafting, spectating tournaments, playing user-made Tower Defense mods in the Arcade and more activities fill countless hours.
Starcraft carved an enduring legacy few accomplish. For those seeking intense, rewarding real-time strategy challenges, accept no substitutes and dive into this masterclass. With hearty competition and limitless science fiction lore still captivating players 20 years later, Starcraft won‘t fade any time soon.
Glhf! (Good luck, have fun)
