StarCraft Universe MMO hits Kickstarter

StarCraft II mod StarCraft Universe, a Blizzard-sanctioned project that morphs the real-time strategy game into a massively multiplayer online title, has turned to Kickstarter for funding.

Developer Upheaval Arts has launched a Kickstarter campaign for StarCraft Universe, originally known as World of StarCraft, asking for $80,000 by September 10 to complete the game. At press time, funding stands at $3,855 from 87 backers.

StarCraft Universe tells a story set in an alternate reality where the end of Wings of Liberty "has a grim conclusion" for Kerrigan.

"Without the Queen of Blades to stop the hybrid's assault, the protoss are overwhelmed and defeated. In this reality, what would the survivors of these shattered worlds do? StarCraft Universe tells this story," reads the game's description.

StarCraft Universe, a third-person massively multiplayer online game, will feature an "epic story" as well as multiplayer raiding experiences. Upheaval Arts is aiming to release the project as a series of custom games published through Battle.net.

Terran classes include marine, ghost, medic, and firebat; Protoss classes are zealot, dark templar, preserver, and high templar. StarCraft Universe also promises customizable characters and weapons, as well as mounts, voice-acted cutscenes, and four difficulty levels.

Upheaval Arts does not foresee any legal problems with Blizzard Entertainment, which owns the StarCraft franchise.

"While Blizzard is not directly affiliated with this project's production, we do communicate with them to submit bug reports and make technical requests," the developer said. "They have given their blessing/permission for us to launch this Kickstarter, and they are supporting our efforts by featuring SCU as an Arcade Highlight."

To play StarCraft Universe, players must have an Internet connection, a Battle.net account, and a copy of StarCraft II, which can be the free Starter Edition. Upheaval Arts is hoping to ship the first content for the game--an open beta test--in late 2013 or early 2014.