Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
At the 2024 Tokyo Game Show (TGS), Xbox announced thatStarCraft: RemasteredandStarCraft II: Campaign Collectionwould arrive on Game Pass on November 5. Fans can now play these classics as part of their subscription to the Microsoft service.
There have been long-time discussions that Blizzard borrowed heavily from theWarhammer 40Kuniverse. The two franchises have been compared, fueling debates over whetherStarCraftis merely derivative ofWarhammer 40K, or if they share common roots in broader sci-fi traditions.
Game Pass Gets Two RTS Classics From Blizzard
BothStarCraft: RemasteredandStarCraft II: Campaign Collectionare iconic real-time strategy (RTS) games. Released in 1998,StarCraftintroduced players to a futuristic battle across space with three distinct factions: the human-like Terrans, the insectoid Zerg, and the advanced Protoss.
“It’s about damn time…” for@Starcraftand StarCraft II to be on@XboxGamePass! Fight for the future of the universe starting on November 5.pic.twitter.com/2JvZuJU142
While the game’s popularity and influence on esports, live streaming, and the RTS genre are undeniable, fans ofWarhammer 40Koften argue that Blizzard’s iconic game bears an uncanny resemblance toGames Workshop’s dystopian sci-fi universe. The comparison has persisted for years, especially concerning the factions.
From Civilization To Age of Empires, Here Are the 5 Most Complex Strategy Games for Hardcore Gamers To Enjoy
In the early development days, it is said that Blizzard had plans to collaborate with Games Workshop, the creators ofWarhammer 40K(viaKotaku). This deal fell apart, but some believe that remnants of that collaboration carried over into Blizzard’s eventual release of the now classic game.
Whether or not this rumor is true, many players still note that the aesthetic and thematic overlap between the two franchises is hard to ignore. For example, the Zerg and Tyranids share the ravenous hive-mind trope, while the psychic Protoss seem to channel the mysticism of the Eldar.
The Argument Has Already Been Put To Bed Over The Years
Fans ofWarhammer 40Koften accuse Blizzard of borrowing ideas without giving due credit. Discussions aboutStarCraftand its potential connection toWarhammer 40Khave taken place across multiple platforms, where users have debated for years whether the similarities are mere coincidences or deliberate choices.
Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2024• New Look at MGS Snake Eater• Overwatch 2 x My Hero Academia Oct 17• Age of Mythology Retold Expansion• Starcraft Remastered Collection PC GamePass & Ultimate Nov 5th🧵pic.twitter.com/xyQTiQkKe8
While Blizzard has established its games as a standalone franchise, many of its creative elements overlap withWarhammer 40K. These include not only similar factions but also the grim, war-torn atmosphere that defines both universes. While Blizzard’s creation may seem to mirrorWarhammer 40Kin some ways, the studio also brought innovations that distinguished its games within the RTS genre.
Is the PS5 Pro Not for You? Former Blizzard President Reveals Who He Thinks Is the Target Audience for Sony’s Latest Abomination Priced at $700
Blizzard introduced new dynamics into the game, such as its emphasis on balanced multiplayer gameplay and asymmetry between factions. Each race in the game felt distinct in both mechanics and lore, providing unique strategies and playstyles that helpeddefine the competitive esports scene.
For instance, the rise of esports and live streaming owes a great deal toStarCraft II, which was one of the first games to dominate competitive gaming. In fact, the game’s beta release in 2009 helped shape the future of Twitch as a platform for gaming content.
Will you be diving back into the RTS world? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
