Back in December, Blizzard released the StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty demo much after the game entered the realm. Though the title has been alluring gamers across several parts of the world, some regions are left without a taste of this real time strategy narrative. To extend a glimpse of StarCraft II to those located in Mainland China, Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase.com have unleashed the game’s open beta testing.
Gamers can participate in the StarCraft II open beta testing by signing up for an account on the official Battle.net website. Following the registration process, they can download the game client for immersing in this galactic escapade. With this, players can dive into the online universe which is engulfed in the clash between three factions dubbed protoss, terrans and zerg. They can also access the game’s multiplayer modes without paying a single penny through this beta testing period.
“We’re excited that players across mainland China will soon be able to experience the intense strategic gameplay and cinematic storytelling of StarCraft II,” beamed Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’ve been continuing to balance and make improvements to the game since its global release last July, and we think Chinese players will agree that StarCraft II has been worth the wait.”
A sequel to the 1998-hit StarCraft, this real-time strategy title has been powered by a vibrant 3D-graphics engine. Featuring a dynamic map editor, it has been designed to enable gamers design and share customized maps. It also boasts of numerous enhancements and features including voice communication, leagues and ladders as well as achievements. Comprising 29-mission campaigns and varied challenge-mode mini-games, the title allows players to plan distinct strategies for crushing their opponents.
“The original StarCraft is considered to be one of the classic real-time strategy games, which are highly popular among Chinese players, and we believe that StarCraft II will bring even more exciting competitive action to the Chinese gaming community. We are currently focusing all of our efforts on the final phase of preparation for the launch of the open beta, and we look forward to welcoming Chinese players into the game and onto Battle.net soon,” explained William Ding, Chief Executive Officer of NetEase.
It has been announced that subsequent to the conclusion of the open beta phase, the game will be released across the country. This will enable enthusiasts to lay their hands on 30-day increments-based game time, unlocking the access for both single player and multiplayer campaigns. Although the release date is still under the wraps, the companies have revealed that the title will be available with the 30-day increment period at 20 RMB (approx. Rs. 137).
The StarCraft II open beta testing has been scheduled to kick off from March 29, 2011 in Mainland China.