Although there is no confirmation about it yet, the possibility of the Starcraft II multiplayer getting a free-to-play model has definitely got gamers worked up. The title has been available through retail and via digital download since 2010, and is all set to receive a new expansion named Heart of the Swarm which is currently in its beta stage and is slated to arrive soon.
According to PCGamesN, a panel about eSports at the Valencia eSports Congress had the game’s lead designer Dustin Browder talking about the possibility of going free-to-play. He was asked whether Blizzard currently has any plans for the same as it will open up the game to a larger audience, thus extending its reach to new talent on the professional eSports scene.
He replied by saying that the developer is indeed looking at free-to-play as an option for the popular title’s multiplayer. This game currently sells at a price of 39.99 USD (approx. Rs. 2,135). And if other regulars at eSports tournaments are to be looked at, most of them like League of Legends and the new CS: GO are either free-to-play or carry small price tags. This has perhaps led Blizzard to consider the option.
In other news related to Starcraft II, the multiplayer beta of Heart of the Swarm is live now for a select number of gamers. Others who want to participate will have to register using their Battle.net accounts, following which they will be contacted if selected. As far as the question of the game turning into a free-to-play one goes, nothing is sure as of now. We’ll have more on it when proper information is out.