Fans are using StarCraft II's editing tools
to build a World of Starcraft MMO. Yes, you read that right. Ryan
Winzen of Winzen Productions (which isn't affiliated with Blizzard) is
currently working on the game, and you can watch it in action in the
pre-alpha video after the jump. It's definitely worth a look.
Below the video you'll find a letter that Winzen wrote to Blizzard and published on the World of Starcraft forums today. It sheds some light on why he's working on the project. Check out the forums for more details on the game.
Ryan Winzen's letter to Blizzard:
Dear Blizzard,
Thankyou for coming all this way in your nice
suit to my crummy forum. I'm guessing you're a little upset with me
right now, or maybe you're happy. I don't know.
You created a
tool that allowed us to do anything with your assets. You encouraged us
to use your assets and were eager to see what we might come up with.
You had to have seen this coming?
I know it's hard to trust
someone you've never met to piggyback on your own legacy. The
brilliance of Starcraft combined with the multiplayer focus of World of
Warcraft. You might be a little worried about your lore being
butchered... or even more-so worried about a guy with no supervision
tainting the name of your company with poor product.
Let me
assure you that I am in no way shape or form going to deliver anything
less than complete perfection. I've been following your work since
Warcraft. I've worked with every editor you've put out since I was 13
years old.
I'm 25 now and I've never made a single penny from any
of my artwork. I exist only to entertain people and make this world we
live in a more colorful and exciting place. I'm not even a programmer.
I hate programming. I'm a charcoal artist.
But ever since I was
very young it has always been my dream in life to create an epic game
for people to enjoy. I'm just trying to finally get my name out there
and show people what I can do.
This market is so oversaturated
right now and you guys get thousands of applicants every month. Most
guys who do get a job working in video games right now are driven like
slaves working with little creative control. But you know what... I'm a
virgin in the industry. Because my talent has never tasted a penny, I
remember the core of gaming. I remember the heart of gaming, and I know
what people love.
AND I'M HERE TO DELIVER
If you have a
problem with what I am doing... or would like to talk about it. I'm all
ears. But please don't send me some messenger with a cease and desist
letter. I'm aware of the similiarities between this situation and
FreeCraft.
This game holds possibilities for both of us. The
custom maps sector is dying out, and less and less people are logging
into SC2 NA. I truly believe this is a step in the right direction.
Furthermore,
if you like this idea and would be willing to grant me a seal of
approval to continue... that would be wonderful. I won't let you down.
~Cordially, Ryan Winzen