StarCraft Released

In 1998, while many of us were still mucking about with our PlayStation ones and Nintendo 64s, a little company called Blizzard Entertainment unleashed a game that would change the landscape of competitive gaming forever. StarCraft, a real-time strategy game set in a distant, war-torn galaxy, hit the shelves and promptly took the world by storm.

At first glance, StarCraft seemed like just another sci-fi romp. Players could choose between three distinct races – the humanoid Terrans, the insectoid Zerg, or the technologically advanced Protoss – and battle it out for galactic supremacy. But it quickly became clear that this wasn’t your average computer game. The depth of strategy required, the perfect balance between the races, and the sheer thrill of outwitting your opponent made StarCraft a cut above the rest.

While the game found a dedicated following worldwide, it was in South Korea where StarCraft truly became a phenomenon. The country, still recovering from the Asian financial crisis, found in StarCraft a form of cheap entertainment that could be enjoyed in the numerous PC bangs (internet cafes) that dotted the urban landscape.

What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary. StarCraft tournaments began popping up across South Korea, drawing increasingly large crowds. Before long, professional teams were forming, complete with corporate sponsorships and devoted fan bases. Matches were broadcast on television, and top players became bona fide celebrities, their faces plastered across billboards and magazines.

This professionalisation of gaming in South Korea laid the groundwork for what we now know as esports. The country established dedicated esports stadiums, training regimens for players, and a robust infrastructure to support competitive gaming. It was a level of organisation and recognition that gamers in other parts of the world could scarcely dream of at the time.

The influence of StarCraft extended far beyond South Korea’s borders, however. The game’s popularity helped establish Blizzard Entertainment as a major player in the gaming industry. It also inspired a generation of game designers and players, pushing the boundaries of what competitive gaming could be.

Looking back, it’s clear that 1998 wasn’t just the year StarCraft was released – it was the year that esports as we know it today began to take shape. The game’s impact on competitive gaming cannot be overstated. From the professional leagues it spawned to the countless hours of strategy discussions it inspired, StarCraft helped transform gaming from a mere hobby into a legitimate competitive pursuit.

Today, as we witness sold-out arenas for esports events and eye-watering prize pools, it’s worth remembering the game that helped start it all. StarCraft may have been set in a distant galaxy, but its influence on our world has been nothing short of astronomical.

So, the next time you’re watching a big esports tournament or cheering on your favourite team, spare a thought for that little game from 1998. After all, without StarCraft, the world of competitive gaming might look quite unfamiliar indeed.