Blizzard's welcoming a few changes to "StarCraft 2" via a version 1.1.0 patch that is now live, and though Battle.net will continue to allow its users to exchange their own custom maps, Blizzard's in-house team is still focused on mod production. The chance for English-language editions in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand to compete on North American Battle.net servers is probably the most notable gift inside their new patch. It also includes a batch of balance-oriented updates. Here's what Blizzard had to say:
"We've got some mods we've developed internally that we're going to put out to get some more art into the hands of the mod makers but also provide what we hope are some polished gameplay experiences for our fans to get more value out of Battle.net," "StarCraft 2" lead designer Dustin Browder told Game Informer.
Asked about prospects for a paid user-created map download service, Browder indicated that could still happen at some point in the future, but he didn't sound optimistic that it would appear anytime soon.
"It's something that we’re working really hard on," he explained. "There's a lot of challenges to bring that in front of consumers: making sure the consumers' digital rights are protected, making sure that people can't steal each other's maps, making sure that we’ve got the right UI and tools to rate maps and find maps."
In the meantime, here are the map and unit changes you can expect with the 1.1.0 patch, as outlined on Battle.net:
PROTOSS
Zealot
• Build time increased from 33 to 38.
• Warp Gate cooldown increased from 23 to 28.
TERRAN
Battlecruiser
• Ground damage decreased from 10 to 8.
Bunker
• Build time increased from 30 to 35.
Reaper
• Build time increased from 40 to 45.
Siege Tank
• Siege mode damage changed from 50 to 35 (+15 armored).
• Upgrade damage changed from +5 to +3 (+2 armored).
ZERG
Ultralisk
• Ram ability removed. Ultralisk will now use normal attack against buildings.
• Damage decreased from 15 (+25 armored) to 15 (+20 armored).
Maps
• Desert Oasis
• Destructible Rocks have been added to make natural expansions easier to protect.
• Center Xel'Naga Tower area has been narrowed.
What do you think of the new balance changes with the 1.1.0 patch? Would you like to see Blizzard push forward with a user-created content store? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.