In a significant development for gaming enthusiasts, the iconic StarCraft franchise has made its debut on PC Game Pass, marking a noteworthy moment in the gaming landscape.
Exciting Announcement from StarCraft
Earlier today, the official StarCraft Twitter account shared the exciting news: “READY TO RAISE SOME HELL? StarCraft: Remastered and StarCraft II: Campaign Collection are now live on @XboxGamePassPC!” This announcement was also echoed by Xbox Wire, which highlighted the arrival of these classic titles for a new generation of players, while acknowledging the unique context of this release.
The original StarCraft, which launched on Windows back on March 31, 1998, predates the existence of Steam and set a new standard for real-time strategy games. With its innovative gameplay, compelling narrative, and impressive presentation, it became a cornerstone of the genre. Blizzard’s decision to utilize pre-rendered sprites crafted with 3D Studio Max, transitioning to an isometric view, was a masterstroke that showcased their forward-thinking approach.
While Xbox’s messaging may emphasize the sequel, it is essential to recognize the original title’s monumental impact. StarCraft ignited a gaming phenomenon in Korea, laying the foundation for one of the most enduring and successful esports communities in history. The remastered version was released by Blizzard in 2017, breathing new life into this classic.
For those who remember, StarCraft II has often been viewed through the lens of its predecessor’s legacy. Despite Blizzard’s ambitious efforts to expand the franchise, including the trilogy released between 2010 and 2016, the shadow of the original loomed large. The announcement of the sequel dates back to 2003, and even at its zenith, Blizzard faced the challenge of matching the groundbreaking success of the first game.
Fast forward to 2024, and the gaming landscape has evolved significantly. The ambitious attempt by Blizzard to bring StarCraft to the Nintendo 64 in 2000 has been realized with successful adaptations of PC RTS games to consoles, as seen with titles like Company of Heroes, Age of Empires, and Tropico.
Currently, however, these beloved games from the 2000s and 2010s are exclusively available on PC Game Pass. While this may not signal a full revival of the StarCraft franchise just yet, it represents a pivotal step in the integration of Activision Blizzard titles into Xbox’s services.
With Microsoft’s successful transition of franchises like Age of Empires and Age of Mythology to console, there is potential for collaboration between World’s Edge and Blizzard to adapt StarCraft for console players as well. The future of new StarCraft titles may hinge on the level of interest generated by this latest release.
For now, Game Pass subscribers on PC are in for a treat. As Microsoft continues to expand its gaming portfolio, this announcement serves as a promising indication that the gradual influx of Activision Blizzard games to Game Pass is well underway.
