The future of Starcraft v2.0 (**SPOILERS** INSIDE)

[sandwich_bird]

We had a thread about this before but now that the story is over, what are you guys thinking?

Storywise, I really don't know what Blizz can do at this point... I mean they can use Alarak and Zagara as antagonists, maybe use Ulrezaj but I wouldn't see a full game made out of this. The way I see it, in a story based around defeating the common evil, each succeeding villains must always be stronger than the previous one(Overmind < Amon in terms of power; also think of DBZ). The problem when you face a ''God'' though is that there really isn't much nice ways to top it off. They'd probably have to bring out the creator of the creators or invent a second "void" with stronger entities inside. All of which are kinda lame. But this is Blizzard, and if WoW is any indication, there is a couple of lame tricks they could use. For example, something that seems to work for them and that they love using is the "appeal to nostalgia". Just like they brought back the orcs as enemy #1 and now the demons, maybe they would revive the Overmind or even Kerrigan. Hell, maybe they would revive the Overmind and make it infest Nova(I actually disgust myself right now)... Another strong candidate for nostalgia would obviously be the UED. I think if they did though, they might do it more in a "Mist of Pandaria" kind of way. What I mean is that instead of the UED coming back and being pissed, the Dominion and friends might send an expedition to Earth where they end up finding out that "something" is going wrong (aka the Sha but, in this case it could be overpowered psionic humans or something).

In any case, we can agree that it's probably gonna be more inconsistent Saturday morning cartoon stuff but meh, it's enjoyable for what it is.

[Robear]

Yeah, now a game just about factional political conflict would seem petty in comparison to infinite cycles and the entire galaxy.

There's definitely room for mini campaigns or a spinoff game in set around any of the events/time periods that have already been established. Maybe another 3rd person shooter / space combat game, if the past couple years' resurgence of space combat games hasn't already exhausted itself. But for a true Starcraft 3 I have no idea. Maybe at that point it'd be better to just focus on an entirely different set of colonies in a different sector of space and essentially do a reboot with a different set of races, though still set in the same conceptual universe. I'd actually be up for that. 10 years from now, that's my suggestion.

[ragnarok]

Yeah, now a game just about factional political conflict would seem petty in comparison to infinite cycles and the entire galaxy.

There's definitely room for mini campaigns or a spinoff game in set around any of the events/time periods that have already been established. Maybe another 3rd person shooter / space combat game, if the past couple years' resurgence of space combat games hasn't already exhausted itself. But for a true Starcraft 3 I have no idea. Maybe at that point it'd be better to just focus on an entirely different set of colonies in a different sector of space and essentially do a reboot with a different set of races, though still set in the same conceptual universe. I'd actually be up for that. 10 years from now, that's my suggestion.

Right now I'm more curious would they just reboot SC2 altogether because of all the lore inconsistencies and everything.

[NikoMyCousin]

The future? It's looking bright. There won't be any more Xel'naga, they've hinted at the UED returning to the sector, The zerg no longer have a half human/zerg with human emotions leading them, there may be some Protoss faction in the future that vows to keep the Khala and could be at odds with the rest of the unified Protoss, and of course there might be a 4th race as hinted at the end of LotV.

There were some really stupid parts of LotV but it ended the way I thought it should.

[Drake Clawfang]

Starcraft 3 should well and simply focus on the UED returning to the sector, bigger and badder and pissed off.

I don't say this as a fanboy, but because it makes logical sense. Presuming the next game takes place in the lifetimes of the current cast, everything is good in the K-sector. Valerian and Matt Horner lead the Terrans, Zagara is an idiot and can easily be outfought if she gets testy, the protoss have taken back Aiur and the Khalai are at least on speaking terms with the Tal'darim, if not buddy-buddy with them. In short, everyone is at least at truce with everyone else. The UED however, is not. Their goal all along in Brood War was to take over the Terrans, enslave and then exterminate the Zerg, and probably do either of those two things to the Protoss once they were able. Their return would shake up the status quo in a huge way and strain tensions. Perhaps Valerian wants to negotiate with them for peace, but others (Horner perhaps?) think it's a fool's errand. Maybe Zagara decides invading and infesting Earth sounds like a grand idea after all. Perhaps Artanis and the Protoss are hesitant to enter a new war after the war with Amon, but some protoss feel obliged to help their Dominion allies that aided them against Amon.

Further, if they come back, they'll know that DuGalle failed in his orders, so they'll try harder this time. While word of the fleet's destruction never reached Earth, we know they have some way to communicate the K-sector; that's how they found out the Zerg and Protoss were there in the first place, and there was that UED Broadcast at the end of Episode V. When they sent DuGalle and his men, it was a knee-jerk fear reaction to the aliens. So it seems to me they'll be spending their off-time between Brood War and SC2 spying on the K-sector, weighing the situation, studying the technology they seized there, improving it with their likely greater resources and scientific understanding. When they return, it'll be with better technology than the Dominion, their intelligence will be top-notch, and they'll know their enemies better than before, but with all the improvements they'll have made to their arsenal and the new commanders they've sent, the K-sector still won't know much about them.

[ragnarok]

The future? It's looking bright. There won't be any more Xel'naga, they've hinted at the UED returning to the sector, The zerg no longer have a half human/zerg with human emotions leading them, there may be some Protoss faction in the future that vows to keep the Khala and could be at odds with the rest of the unified Protoss, and of course there might be a 4th race as hinted at the end of LotV.

There were some really stupid parts of LotV but it ended the way I thought it should.

In some ways the Zerg still have this problem. Kerrigan designed the broodmothers based on her own template, remember?

The main problems with LotV was a complete spit in the face to the Xel'Naga lore.

[NikoMyCousin]

In some ways the Zerg still have this problem. Kerrigan designed the broodmothers based on her own template, remember?

Eh, there's always Dehaka's thirst for essence left unquenched and Niadra's unwavering assault on the Protoss. There's enough room with the zerg to make their future seem interesting.

[FanaticTemplar]

Some big bad villain will invade, and we'll have to put aside our differences to stop him.

He will probably be the one responsible for turning Amon against the Xel'naga.

[Turalyon]

If there's one rotten Xel'Naga, there's bound to be more hidden away somewhere. Most likely, it will be a host of them next time led by the "god of gods" or something. If they're going for "escalation", that's all I can see them doing. It'll be an excuse to bring back Kerrigan, since her godly powers can't tackle multiple gods.

Going the way of the UED is a safe bet. It will probably bring some grit and less magical Warcrafty feel back but it's a pretty niche appeal considering what we have in Sc2 now and how that sets up different expectations to what we had back when we only had Sc1/BW.

It would be interested in seeing the Protoss being the major antagonist since the Zerg and Terran had their turns. It'll be hard to do without it being contrived though.

Oh, and for something completely out of left field given that not even a god can face up to the combined might of the Terran, Zerg and Protoss, I guess a good opponent would be an invasion of an actual union of the Terran, Zerg and Protoss from an alternate universe, which I would like to call, the Triumvirate. Yeah, it's an arsepull but if Blizz can do it, so can I!

[NikoMyCousin]

It'll be an excuse to bring back Kerrigan, since her godly powers can't tackle multiple gods.

I said this in the other thread but I'm very certain that Kerrigan is just human now. The track played in the background of the final cinematic was titled "Second Chances (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDAVAhk-x2I)", while the cinematic's name was titled "Homecoming". Maybe there's some connection between Kerrigan's power dissipating and the birth of life on barren planets. Maybe it's something a bit less obvious and Amon's power was preventing these planets from harboring life.

I hope that's the direction. The series is better with every character grounded and with their capabilities kept in check. No Xel'naga or ancient prophecies.

[Nissa]

Uh, well, my only concern with bringing back the UED is that it'll be like BW -- a new faction, just because we need an antagonist and haven't got any. It's better than going with a "godlike" being. SC needs to take a hard dive back into science fiction. No fantasy nonsense.

Some options.

- Make SC:Ghost. SC doesn't have to be an RTS (blasphemy!) and from what I heard, the early versions of Ghost were fun. If they just make essentially the same game, then it'll be fun.

- Focus primarily on Terrans (blasphemy!). Note that I mean this only for the single player campaign. The story hangs around the Terrans, but with occasional forays into Zerg/Protoss stuff. I say this because the story of SC2 focused way too much on mystic, unexplained nonsense, and by making things focus on humans, we cut out the potential for nonsense. Also, minimizing Zerg and Protoss makes them more mysterious.

- Reintroduce the Khala. *sigh* I hate that the Khala is gone, because that means the delicious political drama going on between Protoss factions, one that should have lasted at least one full generation, is also gone. Drama between the Protoss ideologies can't disappear in a day. So there needs to be consequenses to actions. Either retcon out Khala's corruption or assume it's clean because Amon's gone, and the Aiur 'Toss aren't so ready to let go of their traditions. Likewise, the Nerazim should be a bit insulted that their beliefs are being adopted by people who had to sever themselves and never would have chosen to do so on their own -- they're just accepting Dark Templar ways because they don't have a choice.

- Add more Zerg stuff. The trouble with the Zerg, once the cerebrates and Overmind were gone, is that they have few compelling characters left. They need to have more peeps that aren't all "essence" or just plain boring. Anyone got any ideas on that end?

[FanaticTemplar]

- Focus primarily on Terrans (blasphemy!). Note that I mean this only for the single player campaign. The story hangs around the Terrans, but with occasional forays into Zerg/Protoss stuff. I say this because the story of SC2 focused way too much on mystic, unexplained nonsense, and by making things focus on humans, we cut out the potential for nonsense. Also, minimizing Zerg and Protoss makes them more mysterious.

Well, 2/3 of StarCraft II focused primarily on the Terrans. Though I did like those 2/3 better than the remaining 1/3, so who am I to complain.

[Nissa]

Well, 2/3 of StarCraft II focused primarily on the Terrans. Though I did like those 2/3 better than the remaining 1/3, so who am I to complain.

Not quite true. It focused mainly on Raynor and Mengsk, bit of Valerian. It didn't actually delve meaningfully into any Terran issues or factions.

[ragnarok]

Eh, there's always Dehaka's thirst for essence left unquenched and Niadra's unwavering assault on the Protoss. There's enough room with the zerg to make their future seem interesting.

I'm more curious if Dehaka would kill Zagara and try to take over the swarm himself. After all, Zagara did not promise him more essence.

[ragnarok]

Some big bad villain will invade, and we'll have to put aside our differences to stop him.

He will probably be the one responsible for turning Amon against the Xel'naga.

We don't need that. Here's what I'm thinking, and this could be related to Ouros being alive.

If you had watched the 2009 Revenge of the Fallen film, you'd know that as long as a Prime was still alive, the Fallen would be forever shackled, unable to do anything himself. Thus when Megatron killed Optimus, the last Prime was dead. This allowed the Fallen to finally free himself and have a free hand in things.

It's possible that the whole reason Amon never killed Ouros is because there's a void entity out there even HE fears. But since he's now impure (having gone against the Xel'Naga's ways), a PURE Xel'Naga is needed to keep this entity sealed up.

Thus when Ouros transferred his essence to Kerrigan, the last pure Xel'Naga was gone, and this "void entity" that even Amon feared is now free.


I said this in the other thread but I'm very certain that Kerrigan is just human now. The track played in the background of the final cinematic was titled "Second Chances (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDAVAhk-x2I)", while the cinematic's name was titled "Homecoming". Maybe there's some connection between Kerrigan's power dissipating and the birth of life on barren planets. Maybe it's something a bit less obvious and Amon's power was preventing these planets from harboring life.

I hope that's the direction. The series is better with every character grounded and with their capabilities kept in check. No Xel'naga or ancient prophecies.

The only way for that to work is if Kerrigan escaped the void dimension, but Raynor never knew about it. Then, as compensation to the Protoss, she seeded worlds to support life, allowing them to have their golden empire back. Won't redeem her, but it will be the right step.

2 years of this however drained a lot of her strength (because Ouros DID say he'd transfer the LAST of his essence to her) By then she realized Raynor was NOT going to move on. With most of her power gone, she decided to come back to Mar Sara for him.

[Turalyon]

Reintroduce the Khala. *sigh* I hate that the Khala is gone, because that means the delicious political drama going on between Protoss factions, one that should have lasted at least one full generation, is also gone. Drama between the Protoss ideologies can't disappear in a day. So there needs to be consequenses to actions. Either retcon out Khala's corruption or assume it's clean because Amon's gone, and the Aiur 'Toss aren't so ready to let go of their traditions. Likewise, the Nerazim should be a bit insulted that their beliefs are being adopted by people who had to sever themselves and never would have chosen to do so on their own -- they're just accepting Dark Templar ways because they don't have a choice.

I doubt that the Khala is gone forever. It's gone for the current generation of Protoss for sure due to the cut nerve cords, but that doesn't mean new baby Protoss won't have nerve cords. Since the epilogue has Amon being defeated once and for all, there is no need to continue cutting those nerve cords/denying themselves access to the Khala.

[Gradius]

I'm actually cool with more DLCs, which means more worldbuilding and less end-of-the-universe crap.

[The_Blade]

I am really interested in seeing what was the real impact of the "end of the universe" on the Terran factions. I hope they know nothing about the real thing, because Raynor disappeared. At least this is hinted in the ending cinematic/slideshow.

I also want to see how the Protoss/Terran coalition restricts the Zerg. I would really like to see Zagara fleshed out as an independent character that is in a way still restricted by her Broodmother design and mandates from Kerrigan (like Amon's taint on the Overmind); and how she deals with this. Eventually, though, I want to see Abathur take over.

As for the Protoss, some civil unrest might be nice. Without the impending doom to link them together, I want to see true bonds form between each of the factions.

The Tal'darim can wait in the shadows, preventing direct combat with the Unified Protoss Empire-Protectorate-Force. If they are involved in some sort of conflict it should be related to internal affairs and a path of ascension through Xel'naga objects.

Kerrigan and Raynor can continue fucking around the universe never to be seen again. Please...

[ragnarok]

I'm actually cool with more DLCs, which means more worldbuilding and less end-of-the-universe crap.

That'll depend on what the story they'll give. They may have to explain the future of all 3 races, and is merely starting with the Dominion

[ragnarok]

I am really interested in seeing what was the real impact of the "end of the universe" on the Terran factions. I hope they know nothing about the real thing, because Raynor disappeared. At least this is hinted in the ending cinematic/slideshow.

I also want to see how the Protoss/Terran coalition restricts the Zerg. I would really like to see Zagara fleshed out as an independent character that is in a way still restricted by her Broodmother design and mandates from Kerrigan (like Amon's taint on the Overmind); and how she deals with this. Eventually, though, I want to see Abathur take over.

As for the Protoss, some civil unrest might be nice. Without the impending doom to link them together, I want to see true bonds form between each of the factions.

The Tal'darim can wait in the shadows, preventing direct combat with the Unified Protoss Empire-Protectorate-Force. If they are involved in some sort of conflict it should be related to internal affairs and a path of ascension through Xel'naga objects.

Kerrigan and Raynor can continue fucking around the universe never to be seen again. Please...

It'll be hard for a Protoss/Terran alliance to hold out. I still feel they just don't hold the terrans in very high regard even after everything that's happened. I still find Zagara will adopt Kerrigan's principles for conquest and will have to be forcibly put down.

Civil unrest for the Protoss is still inevitable, despite the loss of the Khala. I still don't see the Nerazim and the former Khalai getting along because of the different traditions. I expect Alarak to maybe stand aside to observe, maybe waiting for the right moment for a takeover or something.

Raynor and Kerrigan's story is done, the book closed. Unless SC3 or SC4 (if it ever gets that far) decides to open it again, we won't be hearing from them anytime soon. I'd expect at least another 15 years or something, unless Blizzard decides that SC2 isn't canon and remakes the whole trilogy.

[Drake Clawfang]

Ya know, when you think about it: until SC3 several years down the road, do we even need more games? The map editor is so powerful and we've seen what it can do now, I think any potential game Blizzard might make for Starcraft, they can just make in the SC2 engine and release it as DLC.

[ragnarok]

Ya know, when you think about it: until SC3 several years down the road, do we even need more games? The map editor is so powerful and we've seen what it can do now, I think any potential game Blizzard might make for Starcraft, they can just make in the SC2 engine and release it as DLC.

You don't know if SC3 would be several years down the road. I expect 3 to 5 years from now Blizzard would still be looking back at the SC2 trilogy and think if the whole trilogy was a good idea or not, or should they reboot the whole thing.

[The_Blade]

Ya know, when you think about it: until SC3 several years down the road, do we even need more games? The map editor is so powerful and we've seen what it can do now, I think any potential game Blizzard might make for Starcraft, they can just make in the SC2 engine and release it as DLC.

I have been thinking the same for quite a while now. There are some changes they can make to the engine and some more optimizing. However, I really do not think the RTS genre has the demand for higher end graphics.

When thinking about the future of Blizzard RTS games I see them at least 5 years apart from each other. So now we have to wait 5 more years for WarCraft 4 or the next RTS for that matter. The Arcade should also get a revamp with each new game. SC3 won't be released until at least a decade has passed since LotV's release.

In my ideal world the Arcade, StarCraft 2, and Warcraft 4 can all be launched independently from the B.net Launcher.

[Visions of Khas]

I said this in the other thread but I'm very certain that Kerrigan is just human now. The track played in the background of the final cinematic was titled "Second Chances", while the cinematic's name was titled "Homecoming".
It's also quite possible that Kerrigan is using her abilities as a Xel'Naga to take on the form of a human being, like Samir Duran did. Leading the life she never had an opportunity to live with Raynor.

[sandwich_bird]

We are much more likely to see a non-RTS Starcraft game before another RTS imo. I'd like a FPS or TPS RPG but I'm not sure that's the path they'd take.

I'm really wondering what's the next game after Overwatch to be honest. Asides from expansions for D3, WoW and Overwatch, a SC:G revival would make sense in their lineup but I have a feeling something else is brewing. Maybe a diablo mobile game? (I doubt they'll do a SC mobile game cause I don't think that would sell well but I could be wrong)

[NikoMyCousin]

We are much more likely to see a non-RTS Starcraft game before another RTS imo. I'd like a FPS or TPS RPG but I'm not sure that's the path they'd take.

Unfortunately Blizzard is a business and they'll follow trends. One can hope that Fallout/Elder Scrolls, MGS, and the Witcher would show companies that games with a focus on single player could still be highly profitable.

[ragnarok]

We are much more likely to see a non-RTS Starcraft game before another RTS imo. I'd like a FPS or TPS RPG but I'm not sure that's the path they'd take.

I'm really wondering what's the next game after Overwatch to be honest. Asides from expansions for D3, WoW and Overwatch, a SC:G revival would make sense in their lineup but I have a feeling something else is brewing. Maybe a diablo mobile game? (I doubt they'll do a SC mobile game cause I don't think that would sell well but I could be wrong)

That's why I had hoped the Nova DLC would be like third person shooter or something. THEN it'd be ok to show off Nova's strength and everything because it'd be all about her.

[KaiserStratosTygo]

I hate how they always need to raise the stakes and over-escalate things to the maximum X-treme.

Return to a grounded factionated conflict of manipulators and liars.

[Gradius]

I'm way more disappointed with the epilogue than I originally was. Like, it's probably one of the worst endings I've seen in video games. It's a testament to how far SC2 has deviated from sci-fi considering how Kerrigan is basically SoL from SMITE, a fantasy moba: http://smite.gamepedia.com/File:T_Sol_Default_Card.png

[DarthYam]

the phoenix things were at least in shadow of the xel'naga. IT's not that out of left field. Starcraft has NEVER been hard sci fi (what with the psychics, the mystical crystals etc.) Drake summed it up perfectly. Anyway I think it's implied that we WILL just get faction conflicts now. Amon's gone, Kerrigan and Raynor have moved on and their story is done. I think LOV was as high as it got

[sandwich_bird]

Faction conflicts get repetitive after a while; you do need to escalate or bring massive changes at some point. Plus, Alarak and Zagara are extremely one dimensional cartoon villains. Though I find Alarak entertaining, him and Zag as antagonists are bound to produce mediocrity in terms of story.

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I'd find the story pretty boring. Even if they bring back the UED, I'd still wouldn't be that interested. I'd just have that feeling of ''been there, done that''. It's like in Game of Thrones; once Daenerys saves the world(assuming that this is it how it ends), do you really want a followup story about the Lannisters(or some other faction) backstabbing her and starting a new round of chaos? I sure don't. The only way that you can keep things interesting if you follow that path is by switching your story delivery method. If we return to starcraft, that would mean not doing a RTS. Telling the story of Alarak/Zag attacking Artanis/Valerian through the eyes of a soldier in a fps would at least show the universe through a different lens. But, if you want to stay with the RTS genre AND you want to keep the faction conflicts story... your best bet is probably to change the entire cast by setting the story 500 years in the future or something.

[KaiserStratosTygo]

the phoenix things were at least in shadow of the xel'naga. IT's not that out of left field. Starcraft has NEVER been hard sci fi (what with the psychics, the mystical crystals etc.) Drake summed it up perfectly. Anyway I think it's implied that we WILL just get faction conflicts now. Amon's gone, Kerrigan and Raynor have moved on and their story is done. I think LOV was as high as it got

Yeah, but there's a differnce in being "Soft-Sci Fi" and being total "Space Fantasy" that's even less science based then Star Wars.

SC1 (and BW to a lesser extent) were the former, SC2 is quite obviously the latter.

[ragnarok]

Yeah, but there's a differnce in being "Soft-Sci Fi" and being total "Space Fantasy" that's even less science based then Star Wars.

SC1 (and BW to a lesser extent) were the former, SC2 is quite obviously the latter.

You have to introduce SOME fantasy elements into sci-fi because not everything can be explained with scientific tech. The problem with SC2 was they did this too much, and almost every explanation ended up along the lines of "Deus Ex Machina."

[Nissa]

the phoenix things were at least in shadow of the xel'naga. IT's not that out of left field. Starcraft has NEVER been hard sci fi (what with the psychics, the mystical crystals etc.) Drake summed it up perfectly. Anyway I think it's implied that we WILL just get faction conflicts now. Amon's gone, Kerrigan and Raynor have moved on and their story is done. I think LOV was as high as it got

Ugh, Shadow of the Xel'Naga is the single worst book I've ever read. The characters were terrible, the writing was awful, the Judicator was a joke, and two of the three factions in it were there for no real reason. That SC2 was based on that tripe is the worst.

[ragnarok]

Ugh, Shadow of the Xel'Naga is the single worst book I've ever read. The characters were terrible, the writing was awful, the Judicator was a joke, and two of the three factions in it were there for no real reason. That SC2 was based on that tripe is the worst.

One good point did come out of it, Nissa: Xerana DID have a point in that the Khalai understood so little, yet commanded so much.

[KaiserStratosTygo]

Faction conflicts get repetitive after a while; you do need to escalate or bring massive changes at some point. Plus, Alarak and Zagara are extremely one dimensional cartoon villains. Though I find Alarak entertaining, him and Zag as antagonists are bound to produce mediocrity in terms of story.

I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I'd find the story pretty boring. Even if they bring back the UED, I'd still wouldn't be that interested. I'd just have that feeling of ''been there, done that''. It's like in Game of Thrones; once Daenerys saves the world(assuming that this is it how it ends), do you really want a followup story about the Lannisters(or some other faction) backstabbing her and starting a new round of chaos? I sure don't. The only way that you can keep things interesting if you follow that path is by switching your story delivery method. If we return to starcraft, that would mean not doing a RTS. Telling the story of Alarak/Zag attacking Artanis/Valerian through the eyes of a soldier in a fps would at least show the universe through a different lens. But, if you want to stay with the RTS genre AND you want to keep the faction conflicts story... your best bet is probably to change the entire cast by setting the story 500 years in the future or something.

Nah, I rather have faction conflicts that evolve over time rather then some new big bad we need to team up against every season.

I just can't be bothered to care.