Blizzard says designing a StarCraft open-world shooter presents specific challenges in scale and perspective — 'If you're 10 feet tall and you're wearing something that weighs 1,000 pounds, doors are a challenge'

Dan Hay, the StarCraft general manager, revealed that converting the game from a real-time strategy (RTS) to an open-world shooter presented unique challenges. One of the most particular difficulties, he noted, was doors. He explained that if a player were 10 feet tall and wearing a 1,000-pound suit, they would find doors problematic due to the perspective shift in the new genre.

Hay emphasized that the development team had to ensure the world felt logical and intuitive for players, regardless of their size and attire. The perspective change affected not only players in armor but also those not wearing heavy gear.

Moreover, Hay highlighted that the scale and spectacle of the game were significant hurdles. He pointed out that the introduction of new perspectives dramatically altered the game world's appearance. For instance, the game's barracks, shown in the trailer, were impressive when viewed from various angles, simulating a player's point of view as they approached the structure.

Annalee Hartling, the associate manager of development operations for StarCraft, reinforced the importance of perspective. She noted that the trailer's most impactful moment was the depiction of the barracks, as seen from the ground level with all surroundings clearly visible. This approach gave players a unique, immersive experience, making the game world feel more realistic and engaging.

Hay and Hartling both agreed that this change in perspective was emotionally and visually compelling, promising an exciting and dynamic StarCraft experience for players when the game launches in 2030.