Blizzard Releases In-House Design Tools To Starcraft Modders 96
MojoKid writes "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. Critically, artists will now be able to incorporate images and effects designed in programs like 3ds Max, Photoshop, or other high-end particle systems. 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."
Re:Fixing literally everything (Score:1, Interesting)
The 'DRM' is actually something a lot of people like about Starcraft 2, even if they don't know it.. Everyone having a single account allows Blizzard to easily maintain the ladder, which is arguably one of Starcraft 2's main selling points.
Why not tie this to account ownership in an attempt to deter piracy and trolls?
I'm calling the future of gaming (Score:5, Interesting)
a: Company releases an okay game in a genre, RTS/PLATFORMER/RACING/WOW style RPG/ETC
b: Company makes their development tools polished and user friendly, and releases them.
c: Players can make levels or entire games with tools(Thus you don't need to be a programmer to make a video game)
d: Players publish their games on the company's website.
e: Company takes 50% cut for all games the players sell. Players themselves make 50% of the cut.
f: Rating system on various factors in the game so people can try the best levels first.
g: Game lives on because of so much content.
h: Congratulations, genre cornered, make a new game in a new genre and repeat
Re:I'm calling the future of gaming (Score:4, Interesting)
or Garry Newman (Garry's Mod)
or the 2.5 billion dollar corporation: Valve if this is a viable way to do business...
Don't call it a come back, Valve/Steam has been doing it for years.
Re:Fixing literally everything (Score:4, Interesting)