“StarCraft and StarCraft II Now Accessible on PC Game Pass”

"StarCraft and StarCraft II Now Accessible on PC Game Pass"

“StarCraft and StarCraft II Now Accessible on PC Game Pass”

# StarCraft and StarCraft II Set to Join PC Game Pass: A Fresh Chapter for RTS Enthusiasts

In an exciting revelation during the Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft disclosed that two of the most legendary real-time strategy (RTS) titles ever—**StarCraft** and **StarCraft II**—are on their way to **PC Game Pass**. This development introduces these cherished RTS classics to a new wave of players, while offering devoted fans a chance to revisit the monumental campaigns and expansions through Microsoft’s subscription model.

## What’s Arriving on Game Pass?

Although **StarCraft** and **StarCraft II** have been accessible for free multiplayer experiences on PC for a while, their inclusion in Game Pass will grant subscribers access to their **single-player campaigns** and **expansions**. This is a notable advancement, as the single-player features in both games are celebrated as some of the finest in the RTS realm.

Here’s what subscribers can anticipate on Game Pass:

1. **StarCraft Remastered**: This is the 2017 updated edition of the classic **StarCraft** (1998), featuring enhanced graphics, refined audio, and contemporary functionalities while keeping the foundational gameplay that solidified its status as a timeless classic.

2. **StarCraft II Campaign Collection**: This package encompasses all 70+ single-player missions from **StarCraft II**’s trio of expansions—**Wings of Liberty**, **Heart of the Swarm**, and **Legacy of the Void**—alongside the **Nova Covert Ops** mission expansion. These narratives present a rich and engaging storyline, with diverse and intricate missions that have captivated gamers for countless years.

The games are set to debut on **PC Game Pass** and **Game Pass Ultimate** on **November 5**, granting subscribers access to the entire **StarCraft** universe.

## A Sentimental Journey for RTS Enthusiasts

For countless players, **StarCraft** and **StarCraft II** epitomize the apex of real-time strategy gaming. The original **StarCraft**, launched in 1998, was a revolutionary game that established the benchmark for the genre, with its complex equilibrium among three unique factions—**Terran**, **Zerg**, and **Protoss**—and its compelling single-player narrative. The game swiftly morphed into a cultural sensation, particularly in South Korea, where it played a pivotal role in the formation of esports on a global scale.

**StarCraft II**, which debuted in 2010, elaborated on its forerunner’s achievements with upgraded graphics, new gaming mechanics, and an even grander narrative. Its expansions—**Heart of the Swarm** (2013), **Legacy of the Void** (2015), and the **Nova Covert Ops** mission pack (2016)—further enriched the universe and polished the gameplay, making **StarCraft II** one of the most revered RTS titles ever.

While both games’ multiplayer components have stayed free-to-play, the addition of the single-player campaigns to Game Pass allows a new batch of players to dive into the epic narratives and strategic intricacies that established these games as legends.

## Phil Spencer’s Tokyo Game Show Briefing

This announcement was made during a short video message from **Phil Spencer**, head of Xbox, at the Tokyo Game Show. Sporting a **StarCraft** T-shirt, Spencer sparked intrigue about potential new **StarCraft** content, though the principal focus remained on the games’ addition to Game Pass.

While some fans might have anticipated news regarding a new **StarCraft** installment—especially considering it’s been over ten years since **StarCraft II**’s launch—this development is still a meaningful progression for the franchise. By bringing the games to Game Pass, Microsoft is making sure that **StarCraft** remains within reach for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

## A Broader Audience for StarCraft

One of the most thrilling elements of this announcement is the opportunity for **StarCraft** and **StarCraft II** to connect with a wider audience. Numerous younger gamers may not have experienced these titles when they initially launched, either due to being too young or concentrating on different genres. With the games now part of Game Pass, a fresh generation of players will have the chance to enjoy the strategic excellence of **StarCraft**.

Additionally, the integration of **StarCraft** into Game Pass could help reignite enthusiasm for the RTS genre, which has seen a dip in mainstream appeal in recent years. Although titles like **Age of Empires IV** and **Company of Heroes 3** have sustained the genre’s presence, the introduction of **StarCraft** to Game Pass might encourage more developers to delve into RTS games and introduce new innovations to this captivating genre.

## Blizzard Titles on Game Pass: An Expanding Movement

This isn’t the first occasion that **Blizzard** games have found their way to Game Pass following **Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard**. Earlier in 2024,