Xordiah recently posted instructions for submitting your computer specifications in order to be able to opt-in to the StarCraft II beta:

The StarCraft II beta-test period is coming in the months ahead! If you'd like a chance to participate, now's the time to let us know. Simply log in to your Battle.net account ( https://www.battle.net/login/login.xml ), and click “Beta Profile Settings” to go through the new beta opt-in process and upload a snapshot of your system specs. During this process, you'll also have the opportunity to opt in to future betas for other Blizzard Entertainment games. Please note that even if you've opted in to our betas previously, you'll need to complete this new process and upload your current system specs to have a chance to be invited. For more information, see the FAQ below -- or create a Battle.net account ( http://www.battle.net/ ) to opt in now. If you have an unused beta code from BlizzCon 2008 or WWI 2008, visit this site ( http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/misc/beta-signup.html ) to enter your code.

Questions answered by Chris Sigaty, StarCraft II lead producer

Q. StarCraft II opt-ins are now available through Battle.net. Does the opt-in process mean that the start of the StarCraft II beta is imminent?

A. We're getting closer and closer to the start of our closed beta with each week that passes. Several months ago, we expanded our internal testing of the game to the entire company, and we've made significant progress since then. We're looking forward to inviting external testers into the process soon, which is why we're starting sign-ups now.

Q. What aspects of the game will be available for testing in this beta?

A. As with previous betas for our real-time strategy games, the StarCraft II beta test will be multiplayer only, and players will have access to all three races -- terrans, protoss, and zerg -- and all of their units. We'll include a selection of multiplayer maps, but they won't necessarily include all of the maps that will be in the final version of the game. We're making some great progress on the single-player campaign, but we don't plan to do a public beta since we want to keep the story under wraps until the game's out.

Q. Will we be able to try the new Battle.net during this beta?

A. You'll be connecting to and playing on the new Battle.net in the StarCraft II beta, and you'll definitely have a chance to play around with a few of the new features -- but what you'll see in the beta is really only a taste of what's to come.

Q. What updates and changes have you made to the game recently?

A. We're constantly tweaking the gameplay and balance, and we will be all throughout the beta process, but perhaps the most visible changes have been made to the zerg. Our art team has done a polishing and iteration pass on many of the zerg unit models and structures, so players can look forward to seeing a lot more detail there. Compared to the versions you've seen before, the zerg units and bases now look a lot slimier and more sinister.

We're also really looking forward to seeing testers try out the new gameplay mechanics we've introduced to each race, like the proton charge for the protoss and the MULE for the terrans that allow them to harvest minerals faster. The zerg also have a spawn larvae ability that gives them a new way to expand their production. We're hoping these abilities increase the strategic tension for players and force some tough tactical decisions when managing economies and micromanaging battles.

Q. Which regions can join the StarCraft II beta test?

A. Our plan is to include multiple regions and countries in the StarCraft II beta-testing process. We'll be starting with a North American beta, where testers from the United States and Canada, as well as Australia and New Zealand will be able to join. We'll then phase in testers in other regions such as Korea, Taiwan, and Europe as soon as we're able to set up in those areas.

Q. Why aren't you running StarCraft II beta simultaneously in all regions?

A. It's more efficient from a development standpoint to phase in each region one at a time. A big part of the beta test involves setting up new hardware and networking infrastructure, which is not a trivial process. If we set up one region at a time, we can more quickly address any issues we run into at the start, and take the lessons we learn from that experience to establish a smoother setup experience for the next region.

We can also implement all sorts of gameplay and balance changes, view the results, and react to what we've observed much more quickly in a single test environment, as opposed to getting bogged down trying to push those changes out across several test environments. Once the major issues are ironed out, we can expand the testing to additional regions. Going region by region will also put us in a better position to test localized versions of the beta.

Q. Will testers be allowed to write about the beta? Take screenshots and videos?

A. Yes! Beta testers will be free to write about their experiences playing the beta as well as take screenshots or videos. We're really looking forward to getting the game into players' hands so we can hear their feedback, since that will help propel us into the final stages of development and balancing. We've been working hard on StarCraft II, and we can't wait to finally be able to hear what everyone has to say about it.

Another battlereport from blizzard. Terran vs Zerg with lots of new features.

Enjoy

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSwqDPNS7dM&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsclegacy.com%2F&feature=player_embedded

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsIySPO-mGY&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fsclegacy.com%2F&feature=player_embedded

Blizzard has just revealed the new terran super unit :O

http://www.starcraft2.com/features/terran/terratron.xml

check it out at

http://eu.blizzard.com/blizzcast/archive/episode8.xml

Cydra has posted a new poll regarding the new macro mechanics revealed in Q&A Batch 49:

Originally Posted by Cydra
The StarCraft 2 team has made a number of changes in each of the races and the new game mechanics are expected to provide players with more strategic options and chances.
Here are the new game mechanics for gathering resources and building up army.
And you can check more changes in each races at the latest StarCraft II Q&A - Batch 49(http://forums.battle.net/thread.html...03043&sid=3000) as well.
So, what do you think of this new game mechanics change?

Protoss Dark Pylon:
• Proton Charge: an area-of-effect ability that gives all targeted Probes additional charge for their Proton-Cutters. Probes that have an additional charge gather additional minerals per trip when collecting resources. The Proton Charge lasts only a short time before dissipating.

Terran Orbital Command:
• Calldown Mule: sends a single automated mining robot by drop-pod that assists SCVs in collecting resources by working around current SCV mining operations. Unfortunately the Mule is still in the prototype phase and has a limited battery supply (timed life).
• Calldown Extra Supplies: sends additional supplies to a targeted Supply Depot. Generally used by Terran commanders only in an emergency to allow them to support additional troops.

Zerg Queen:
• Spawn Larva: by injecting Queen ichor into a Hatchery, Lair or Hive the Queen can cause the Zerg structure to undergo a startling metamorphosis. The Hatchery starts to throb and green sacks swell up on the structure. Eventually four additional larva burst out of the Hatchery and land next to whatever larva are already wriggling around nearby. While a Hatchery hosts more than 3 larva, the Hatchery will not spawn additional larva, until that number drops below 3.

You can vote for whether you like these mechanics or not at the battle.net forums. In addition, the discussion also rages at BlizzForums, so feel free to jump in!

Source:
http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?topicId=15199333401

Chat with Devs:

Art Updates
The StarCraft art team have been making massive updates to the Zerg faction, adding various new animations and improving even further on the textures of Zerg units and buildings. A picture is a thousand words so check out the updates for yourself!

Zerg Drone (Before/After)
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... dDrone.jpg

Zerg Overlord (Before/After)
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... erlord.jpg

Zerg Hydralisk (Before/After)
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... ralisk.jpg

Zerg Overseer (Before/After)
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... erseer.jpg

Zerg Baneling (Before/After)
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... neling.jpg

Throughout the development process, the team is constantly reiterating and improving on the game in every way. As mentioned before, the Infestor too is getting a makeover, becoming much creepier and intimidating – you definitely don't want to end up helpless at the will of this thing!

Zerg Infestor Concept Art
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02/InfesterArt.jpg

The StarCraft 2 team has made a number of changes in each of the races as the game gets closer to Beta. These are some of the new weapons and abilities that are currently being tested on the battlefield.

Protoss Dark Pylon
Long used only by the Dark Templar of Shakuras, the Dark Pylon is now used by all as the Protoss war for survival becomes more desperate. In addition to providing supply and giving power to nearby Protoss structures, the Dark Pylon has several unique abilities that require energy to use.

Proton Charge: an area-of-effect ability that gives all targeted Probes additional charge for their Proton-Cutters. Probes that have an additional charge gather additional minerals per trip when collecting resources. The Proton Charge lasts only a short time before dissipating.

Null Shield: a single-target ability that causes a Protoss Shield to shimmer and warp, cloaking the targeted Protoss unit. The Null Shield lasts only a short time.

Argus Link: a single-target ability that transfers energy from the Dark Pylon to any energy-using Protoss unit.

Screenshot: Proton Charge in Action
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... Target.jpg
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... arvest.jpg


Terran Orbital Command
The Terrans rely not only on the troops they can train on the battlefield but also on troops called from deep space. The Orbital Command allows the Terrans to make use of their orbital assets to support their fight on the ground. As an upgrade to the Command Center the Orbital Command can create SCVs and serves as a drop location for collected resources. In addition it has several abilities that require energy.

Calldown Mule: sends a single automated mining robot by drop-pod that assists SCVs in collecting resources by working around current SCV mining operations. Unfortunately the Mule is still in the prototype phase and has a limited battery supply (timed life).

Calldown Extra Supplies: sends additional supplies to a targeted Supply Depot. Generally used by Terran commanders only in an emergency to allow them to support additional troops.

Scanner Sweep: using a satellite in high-orbit, the Terrans reveal a large area anywhere on the map and detect all cloaked units within the target area.

Screenshot: Mules Everywhere!
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... _Mules.jpg
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... ations.jpg


Zerg Queen
The Zerg Queen has continued to evolve over the last few months. She is a fierce defender of the Zerg Hatcheries and can often be found in small groups defending the larger Zerg infestations. In addition to defending her Hatchery from ground and air threats, the Queen has several special abilities that require energy to use.

Build Creep Tumor: with a mighty push from her bowels, the Queen creates a cluster of organic tumors that generate additional creep. In recent months the Zerg have mutated to move more quickly on creep, making this an important function for the Queen.

Spawn Larva: by injecting Queen ichor into a Hatchery, Lair or Hive the Queen can cause the Zerg structure to undergo a startling metamorphosis. The Hatchery starts to throb and green sacks swell up on the structure. Eventually four additional larva burst out of the Hatchery and land next to whatever larva are already wriggling around nearby. While a Hatchery hosts more than 3 larva, the Hatchery will not spawn additional larva, until that number drops below 3.

Razor Plague: with a great breath the queen exhales a cloud of tiny Zerg creatures that create a vast swarm nearby. These creatures attack all enemy creatures within their swarm, doing additional damage to biological targets. What makes it worse is the Zerg player can control the swarm, moving it around to attack whatever enemies he wishes until the swarm becomes exhausted and dissipates.

Screenshot: Incoming Swarm!
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... Larvae.jpg
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02 ... aHatch.jpg
http://www.battle.net/images/misc/09-02/ZERG_Attack.jpg

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 49---

1) I am very curious... previously, SCVs, Drones, Probes, Vultures, Archons, and Dark Archons hovered above the ground so they were not hit by mines. My question is simple: Are there any hovering units in Starcraft 2? If there are, can they hover over shallow water? -Ancientdefender (Battle.net)

If Spider Mines stay in the game, then there will be hovering units. Shallow waters are currently just a visual effect and will not ‘play' differently.

2) How does the Mutalisk attack work in StarCraft II, what defines its bouncing pattern? Is it random or not? If not, what is the criteria that defines how it bounces? -Kain175 (Battle.net)

Regardless of the position of the Mutalisk, when its attack hits a target, it will then acquire the next target based on proximity to the first target. The attack will always bounce to the next closest target.

3) Is it possible to toggle off Multiple Building Selection (MBS)?
No.

4) Balancing of 2v2 team play: Roaches + Medivac are too over powered for 2v2 team play unit combinations?

The regeneration rate of the Roaches and the healing of the Medivac will not stack upon each other.

5) What is a good counter for Zerg against Marines, which are upgraded from the original StarCraft?

Zerg actually have a few options that are quite effective. Zerglings can catch Marines out in the open and surround them relatively easily. Secondly, Banelings with the burrow ability are also very effective. There is nothing more gratifying than watching a group of Marines walk over a burrowed Baneling. When it unburrows – BOOM! Another counter that can be used are Roaches with burrow. A player can burrow a Roach at low health for it to regenerate back to full health in seconds, at which point it can unburrow and begin attacking the Marines again.

In late game, Infestor's with their fungal scourge ability, which causes a biological unit to take damage over time until the unit explodes and does an area of effect damage, decimating groups of Marines easily if the opponent is not fast to react. Additionally, Ultralisks with their new cleave attack as well as 200 more hit points from the original StarCraft also make them an excellent counter to massed Marines.

6) How do you keep the Baneling from exploding on targets that you don't want them to hit?

The Baneling now has an ‘attack building' ability now which allows players to have more control over what the Baneling attacks. Players no longer need to worry about Banelings accidentally exploding on a building when they actually wanted it to hit a unit.

---End of Transmission---

Translated information Xordiah gave at the ESL Finals (9.-10. January 2009)

- Blizzard has a fixed Date for the Beta, still secret though.

- Multiplayer is nearly complete except a few details.

- There will be more opportunities to get betakeys (i.e. Contests, perhaps a story contest or something like that)

- the actual build contains some dark pylons, which have a cooldown that when triggered speeds up the probes harvesting.

- The command center also has a cooldown that enables it to summon a bigger scv which collects resources faster.

- Suplly depots can be upgraded to give 2 supply.

- mentioned that immortals seem to be extremely strong in the actual build.

Gamers are impatiently waiting for the release of Blizzard's StarCraft 2 and videos like these are making the wait a little more unbearable. This first in a video series called StarCraft 2 shoutcasts feature Designers Matt Cooper and David Kim going against each other in the Kulas Ravine Map.

http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/23121

Earlier today Blizzard released a major patch for StarCraft. The patch made the following changes:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- patch 1.16.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feature Changes

- In-game chat is now saved in replays. Note: whispers are not saved.
- Hitting the Escape key while in the chat room will clear your typed text.
- "/reply" (or just "/r") will send a whisper to person who most recently whispered you.

Bug Fixes

- Fixed localization issues with "from" and "to" in whispers.
- Starcraft now only uses as much CPU as it needs to run smoothly.

Exploits

- Fixed an exploit which allowed Zerg players to gain minerals through mutations.
- Fixed an exploit which allowed Zerg players to recycle an upgrading building.
- Fixed an exploit which allowed Zerg players to extend their creep with a drone.
- Fixed an exploit which allowed Zerg players to move Drones over impassable terrain.
- Fixed an exploit which allowed Terran players to drop a nuke anywhere on the map.
- Fixed an exploit which allowed players to pause the game while in the pre-game lobby.

This is an awesome patch. Most of the major bugs have been addressed and some nifty new features have been added - features that the community has asked for and will actually use. It looks like Blizzard is trying to make the change to SCII as smooth of a transition as possible.