Bizzard has released patch 13 for the StarCraft II beta, bringing with it the usual balance tweaks and game fixes. Some of the more interesting changes include 3v3 and 4v4 game modes being enabled, integrated Facebook features, and the implementation of the Map Publishing system.
The Map Publishing system is Blizzard’s way of affording mod makers control over the proliferation of their custom maps, which could become quite a chore in previous Blizzard games. The map files are stored by Blizzard and made available online, so that any official updates to the map by the author are automatically delivered to those playing the map. This system will also hopefully reduce the number of hacked maps, a situation which plagued StarCraft and WarCraft III.
It appears that beta players are currently limited to five individual map uploads, with a total available storage space of 20mb, and with no single map larger than 10mb allowed. No word on whether these limits will be raised upon the official public release. A guide to the Map Publishing system has been provided by Blizzard on their forums.
The full patch notes for Patch 13 follow below:
StarCraft II Beta — Patch 13 (version 0.15.0.15449)
General
• Map Publishing is now enabled: Using the map editor, you can upload your custom maps to share with the Battle.net community.
• Facebook feature is integrated: Here’s a quick way to expand your social network by seeing who among your existing Facebook friends also has a Battle.net account.
• 3v3 and 4v4 formats are now enabled.
• Numerous updates have been made to the Leagues & Ladders system:
o Removed Copper League and added Diamond League above Platinum League.
o Player ratings start at 0, rather than 1000.
o No longer displays loading screen odds in placement or practice league matches.
o Matchmaking system logic updated.
• UDP is enabled to help improve game performance.
• Numerous performance and stability improvements.
Balance Changes
• PROTOSS
o Sentry
– Force Fields can now be destroyed by Massive ground units walking over them.
o Void Ray
– Range decreased from 7 to 6.
o Warp Gate
– Subgroup selection priority changed from 2 to 3 so that it takes priority over Gateways when selected.
• TERRAN
o Marine
– Stimpack research cost decreased from 150/150 to 100/100.
– Combat Shield research cost decreased from 150/150 to 100/100.
• ZERG
o Infestor
– Infested Terran spell removed.
– Frenzy spell added:
– Costs 25 energy.
– Targets a single biological unit which deals 25% more damage and is immune to snare, stuns, and mind control for 30 seconds.
o Overseer
– Contaminate spell added:
– Costs 75 energy.
– Targets a single enemy structure which cannot train units or research upgrades for 30 seconds.
– Infested Terran spell added:
– Costs 125 energy.
– Infested Terrans have the same stats as those previously created by the Infestor and are placed directly under the Overseer when spawned.
o Ultralisk
– Life decreased from 600 to 450.
– Damage changed from 25 to 15 (+25 Armored).
– Damage versus structures increased from 60 to 75.
Hotkey Changes
• Zerg Set Worker Rally Point changed from R to G.
• Zerg Spore Crawler changed from W to A to avoid conflict with the Select All Warp Gates hotkey.
Battle.net Interface
• Revamped summary pages for player Profiles and Leagues & Ladders.
• Added a Help system with tech trees and other tips and tricks.
• Removed identifier from the character naming process and added the ability to refer friends for invitation into your party or lobby.
• Updated the Battle.net user interface to consistently use a nested menu system.
• Added in-game blocking and player muting.
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