StarCraft 2 Multiplayer Could Go Free-To-Play

Blizzard might be considering how to further monetize the StarCraft brand with a free-to-play multiplayer component. According to the lead designer of StarCraft II, it's a route that Blizzard seems to be investigating, however they're running into a bit of a problem with the monetization model for the game since microtransaction units could completely throw the game's balance off.

Speaking at a panel during the Valencia eSports Congress, Dustin Browder, the lead designer of StarCraft II revealed that Blizzard is “looking at free to play as an option for the multiplayer”, reports PC Games N.

By no means is that a confirmation but Browder goes on to say that...

“We don’t know how we would monetise it. While it might be good fun for me to play against someone with only half the units available to them, that’s not going to be an enjoyable experience for them.”

Finding the right method of greed to fun ratio can be very tricky, especially in the free-to-play space. PC Games N makes the observation that StarCraft II could really use a free-to-play turnover to open up the space for more gamers, more spectators and ultimately an even bigger eSports scene, given that free-to-play could cater to a much larger audience and it could really extend the already mammoth eSports scene for Blizzard's real-time strategy game.

For now, Blizzard is busy with the next installment of StarCraft II called Heart of the Swarm. You can check out of the latest trailers for the expansion right here or visit the Official Website to learn more about the game.