Publisher:	Blizzard Entertainment
Developer:	Blizzard Entertainment
Released:	31 Mar 1998
Genre
Platform

StarCraft is a science fiction RTS game developed by Blizzard Entertainment set in the 26th century were humans and alien lifeforms do war, create alliances and break them. The game is also called "SC" for short.

The game was released Microsoft Windows on 31 March 1998, has sold 10 million copies over the years, and is both one of the best-selling games for PC as well as one of the most popular games of all time. A Mac OS version was released in March 1999, and a Nintendo 64 adaptation was developed together with Mass Media Interactive Entertainment for a release 13th June 2000. While the Mac OS version is one of the more popular Mac OS games, the N64 version never acquired much in popularity.

The story line has been expanded through bonus maps, novels, an expansion and two map add-ons from third party developers. A much anticipated sequel is also expected to be released in late 2008 or early 2009, which is currently in late development.

The game revolves around three species of the Protoss, the Terran and the Zerg in the "Koprulu Sector" of our Milky Way Galaxy, located hundreds of light years away from Earth. The Protoss are a seclusive race with highly advanced psionic and technological abilities that primarily wants to be left alone, and prevent the Zerg from overtaking the universe; the Terrans are human descendants from prisoners of Earth who were exiled and try to make a living in this new, hostile world; the Zerg are a race of hyper-evolutional insectoids, whose goal is genetic perfection and universal domination through assimilating other species DNA. In the background is the mysterious Xel'Naga, who in ancient times helped both the Protoss and the Zerg to evolve beyond themselves, but now only exists in the sector through their old ruins and forgotten technology.

The game has been praised and received many awards for the gameplay and the (by the time of release) groundbreaking use of unique factions in RTS gameplay. Many journalists and industry experts have praised StarCraft as one of the best and most important video games of all time. The game's popularity has its peak in Korea where gaming tv channels send live competitive multiplayer StarCraft matches, and where the best StarCraft gamers are treated like superstars and accumulate fanatic followers. Professional players and teams participate in matches, earn sponsorships, and compete big tournament events that are broadcast nationally.