Hope everyone has enjoyed all the BlizzCon news and got a chance at our Twitter beta key giveaway! Everything has settled here in the office after various shows and events we've been at, but we are back in the swing of things. If you haven't been following us on Twitter, don't forget to do so too, as we will consistently be adding more spotlights, development info, and fun contests on there as we approach beta and throughout the development of StarCraft II.

Check us out here:
http://www.twitter.com/StarCraft

---StarCraft II Q&A Batch 53 ---

1. Computer AI – Does the computer’s online AI vary from its offline counterpart?
No. They are the same.

2. Have you considered allowing a post-game lobby for users to discuss the last game, collectively watch replays, or immediately enter into a rematch?
Yes, we have a plan for a post game lobby. However the details are not finalized yet.

3. Is there any update on additional map features other than the Xel’Naga watch towers, destructible rocks and tall grass?
No. Currently there is no update on additional map features.

4. How many different voice actors are needed for StarCraft II, including the unit sounds and campaign heroes?
There are 58 unique voice actors participating, with some voicing multiple roles, and the number may increase as the game gets closer to release.

5. The terrain types in StarCraft II we have seen so far had names like “Bel’Shir (Jungle)”. Does this mean that “Bel’Shir” is just an alias for jungle and every terrain is just named after a typical planet using it or are there – to stick with this example – other jungle maps with a different terrain set, something like “Aiur (Jungle)”?
We named our terrain sets based on the planets. There are a lot more terrain sets than in the original StarCraft and you will have huge flexibility in modifying the terrain sets (including adjusting textures, doodads, lighting) allowing you to create your own variations of the default maps. There may be other jungle-themed default maps named after other planets.

6. Will there be any chance to have more options on pausing the game? In StarCraft: Brood War every player can pause the game three times, but every other player can unpause it. How about a (user editable) time limit before other players can unpause the game?
We recommend that players communicate with each other in the game to agree on when to pause and unpause during the game. We feel that pausing the game interrupts the game flow and it would be inconvenient for players to be forced to wait for a certain amount of time before being able to unpause. The pausing feature is mainly meant to allow for pausing of the game when all players are in agreement and for which duration.

7. I already knew the map editor would be available to beta testers a while after Beta was released, but this is why I’m asking the bland question, will it also be available to non-participating people?
No, the map editor will only be available during the beta for beta testers.

8. When a unit comes out from a building will there be only 4 exits from the building like in Warcraft 3 or will there be “infinite”?
It is not infinite, but your units will come out from a building at the closest point on the building to where your rally point is set.

---End of Transmission---

I like how the terrain is being named by the planets. What I don't like is that only the beta players will be able to play around with the editor. I bet 90% of those beta testers won't even be actual map makers or even touch it. I heard that not everyone who went to Blizzcon got the beta keys. It was only handed to a limited amount of people.

I must find a way to get my hands on the beta key!

What will that do? Do you really think that Blizzard will give a beta key to everyone on SEN? SEN doesn't need to be "recognized." It's just fan-made site for Starcraft. Yeah, SEN's got the best map makers around, but doing things to get Blizzard's attention (SEN Observer, harassing them etc...) is just childish.

4. How many different voice actors are needed for StarCraft II, including the unit sounds and campaign heroes?
There are 58 unique voice actors participating, with some voicing multiple roles, and the number may increase as the game gets closer to release.

Which is why we need to begin harassing blizzard to recognize sen. I think now would be a good time.

Just to make sure I get this right, Blizzard will not ship a map editor for the final release of StarCraft 2? I see the words, but I refuse to believe it...
Well I guess that's because of the paid map concept they're planning but who will be making maps then? Blizzard employees? Only the beta testers? And does the beta editor work for the final release at all?

Am I the only one who makes this angry? I swear if they don't ship an editor I will not buy sc2.
Imo it's a big factor of Starcraft 1's success. No or only few community made maps are like a death sentence for a multiplayer game. UMS section at least.

I don't see where you're getting that the final release wont have an editor. They said it will ship with the editor.

will it also be available to non-participating people?
No, the map editor will only be available during the beta for beta testers.