You've conquered the single-player campaign and climbed the multiplayer ladder -- but do you have what it takes to be a StarCraft II custom map designer?


In our first-ever StarCraft II Custom Map Contest, we're challenging you to craft the most fun, creative, and polished custom map that the galaxy’s ever seen.

If you think you've got the skills, fire up the StarCraft II Editor that came with your copy of the game and get started. The Editor is a powerful, robust, and complete development tool, and it's everything you'll need to build your creation. Keep in mind that we’re looking for originality, innovation, and fun, so whether you want to make the next DotA, craft a mini-RPG, or concoct a third-person shooter, let your imagination run wild.

Even if you've got some experience creating custom maps, you'll want to kick your efforts into overdrive for this one, because the stakes are high. We’ll be choosing three winners to represent the best of what the mapmaking community has to offer. If your custom map is one of those selected, you'll win a trip to BlizzCon 2010 (including airfare and accommodations), and BlizzCon attendees from all over the world will have a chance to play your creation in the StarCraft II demo area at the convention. Of course, it can't hurt to have some spending cash while you're in town, so we'll also throw in $5,000 prize money for each winner.

Map makers will have until September 11 to submit their entries. For full details, including submission requirements, check out the contest rules and eligibility page.

Select retail stores in cities across the world will be open at the stroke of midnight on July 26th to celebrate the release of StarCraft II. Developers from the StarCraft II development team will be on-site to sign copies and meet players. There will be organized activities, competitions and chances to win great prizes. Be a part of this historic event in a city near you!

First major project would have to be a port, due to my lack of originality. This is a remake of a very old map from StarCraft 1 to StarCraft 2 with a lot of new features and units.

1) Open Galaxy Editor
2) File -> Preferences -> Battle.net
3) Replace host to: "us-beta.logon.battle.net" (without the quotes)
4) Your account is the email you use to log into http://www.battle.net/
5) "OK"
6) Open your map (finished product please?)
7) Map -> Game Variants -> Add
8) Add an icon (any) and fill all fields
9) -> Game Type: Category = Other, Mode = Other
10) Still under "Game Type": fill the 4 fields with something different than the default values you'll see (you can also edit the "Attributes" to customize properly your game)
11) "OK"
12) File -> Publish, press "Log In..."
13) Again, your account is the email used to connect on http://www.battle.net/ (or StarCraft II's beta)
14) "OK" (make sure you have selected all the desired options)
15) Connect on Battle.net
16) Multi player -> Custom games -> Create a game
17) "My Published" (in the little scroll-list)
18) Select your map + press "Create game"
19) Change the "Category" for the other choice than "Other" ("Mode" should auto-change)
20) Press "Open to public", situated to the right of "Game lobby"