Starcraft-Source Year-End Interview with Karune!

[img width=630 height=137]http://www.starcraft2forums.org/img/qa5.jpg[/img]​

Insight Into the Man Himself 12.21.2007​

Just before the offices closed at Blizzard for the holidays, we got a chance to get an exclusive interview with Karune. It's interesting to know how some things appear from his perspective. It's also very satisfying to know that Karune has such faith in the community and in fansites.

SC-Source: Were you a Community Manager for World of Warcraft before Starcraft 2? If you were, how does the community compare to Starcraft 2's so far?

Karune: Since, I have joined the video game industry, I have always managed RTS communities. Prior to Blizzard, I went by the name SAGEKING. Since I have joined Blizzard, I have helped with the World of Warcraft community, but am primarily responsible for the StarCraft II community. Thus far, I’d have to say that the StarCraft franchise is undoubtedly the KING of RTS, with the largest following in the world, and the most number of active players. It is quite an honor to be a part of this community, as the capabilities and talent of this community has surpassed my expectations in numerous ways.

SC-Source: What role do you play in the chain of communication between the community and the development team?

Karune: I am the window between the community and development team, allowing both sides to interact and gain feedback. As we approach closer to Beta, this window will widen greatly.

SC-Source: Is it difficult to hold back on information when you know we're dying hear every word?

Karune: Have you ever read that book as a kid, 'When you give a mouse a cookie?'

When I first started in the industry, 'yes,' though after a while, you realize, no matter how much information you give out, the community will always want more…

…Thus I just keep feeding you more cookies

SC-Source: What is your favorite unit so far in Starcraft 2 and why?

Karune: Surprisingly, even to myself, the upgraded Protoss Zealot with charge is my favorite unit. There is something oddly satisfying with watch a whole pack of zealots charge up to their victims and slashing them up with their Psi Blades. Though I’ll have to admit, they are a bit harder to micromanage as compared to the original StarCraft, but that is more than made up with their ability to close their distances fast between them and a Siege Tank!

SC-Source: What exactly does your job entail other than controlling the flow of information?

Karune: The field of community is quite new, thus the role us community guys (and gals) play may be very different from company to company. Here at Blizzard, my goal is to empower the community with the tools and activities you guys desire to get involved and connected with the community. I believe in every community there are several interest groups that make up that community. Providing those communities the needed resources to grow is what this job is all about. When I think about it now, it is kind of like playing Caesar or SimCity lol.

SC-Source: How much do fansite communities contribute to the overall Starcraft 2 community?

Karune: I believe fan sites are and always will be at the lead of community development. The community itself is made up of passionate members devoted to the expression and experience of the titles they love. Even for myself, I am not in the position I am because I was just another ‘marketing guy.’ I was originally in the gaming community as a fan and a player.

SC-Source: How much weight does Blizzard put on feedback that comes from the community?

Karune: They put an incredible amount of weight on community feedback, but I am not sure if it is the way you are referring to. In my opinion, the Development Team here, made up of the best of the best in the industry, will undoubtedly make the best StarCraft II experience the community can imagine. StarCraft II will not be a game made up of the millions of emails we get on feedback, but will be made with the developmental experience of the best at Blizzard. At the same time, when we develop new features to StarCraft II, the community is the first we would want to share it with, and that feedback will undoubtedly have influence on the game. We do this for you. BlizzCon is a great example of an event we hold, completely for the fans.

SC-Source: How does it feel to be working on the sequel to the most influential RTS ever created?

Karune: Everyday, it is a privilege to be working at Blizzard.

SC-Source: Do you have access to play Starcraft 2 on a regular basis, or is it still on extreme lockdown?

Karune: Yup, I have as much access as anyone on the development team. I also take part in their weekly development team meetings where I can also express feedback from the community. Actually, I am debating to add an addition to the Q&A batches talking about some hands-on experiences I have had with the game.

SC-Source: Is the increase to the Firebat's hitpoints enough to keep it alive and effective in battle?

Karune: Yes, these suckers are quite the beasts on the battlefield, especially against melee.

SC-Source: Information about the Protoss has been very stagnant, can you enlighten us on what the development team is testing?

Karune: They are currently testing a new Protoss air unit.

SC-Source: In the Nomad description on Starcraft2.com it mentions "a variety of small, semi-permanent defensive structures", when can we expect to see more of what the Nomad is capable of?

Karune: The Nomad’s abilities are still being tested. When the Development Team is closer to making ‘final’ decisions on those abilities, they will then be announced online.

SC-Source: Has the debate over the wings on the Zergling prompted any artistic changes?

Karune: In January, there will be an interview between Samwise and I, in which we do touch upon this subject.

Source: Starcraft-Source.com

 

it would be cool if this website can have an interview with Kurane

 

I second that motion.

also SAGEKING FTW

 

Tell me about it.

I will be working on this in the future.

 

Can we kidnap him? or should we just start a letter and petition asking for a moment of his time?

 

Schweet, that would be cool man.

 

I think it's more of just cornering him at the right time. And buttering him up with candy.

Everyone knows the elusive Karune can't resist chocolate mints.

EDIT: It's much like abducting a small child. Which is why I'll be taking Fenix along with me.

 

Wait what? Why would you take Fenix along? To stop you from abducting him?

 

Threaten to play Damage King if he doesn't come along with you

 

new protoss air....? do they really need another air unit? the damn terrans need an air unit for god sake!

 

i think the new protoss air will replace the phoenix

 

This interview is great! I hope the wings get removed from the Zerglings.

 

im really glad that im not the only zealot lover!!!
zealots ftw!

poor poor fenix

 

it is nice to know blizzard is listening. keep coming up with good feedback guys!

 

Oh so this is where i can finally talk about this
Anyhoo, new Protoss air unit, this sounds very interesting, this could replace the Corsair even if Phoenix replaced both Scouts and Corsairs so lets hopes this would be good

 

It could also replace the Warp Ray. The Warp Rays colour was changed eons ago, but they have not fixed that on the official site. Maybe they thought that it needed a design that better fitted the Dark Templar theme? And while doing that, they might have changed some of its mechanics, making it a new unit.

 

warp ray and phoenix looks and feels great. no need to remove them.. why does the unit type count for each race must be limited? like only 13 or 14 it sucks! make it at least 15 or more.coz everytime a new unit is release a previous one might get cut.

more units! i dont care if some will not be useful. for lorewise and FUN sakes make many type of units for each race. ^^

more badass mechs for terran ad bring back the predator. 8)

 

Wow! Cool info. I have a question, who asks these questions? Is it a fan or like a site and people post questions, and some of them get answered.

Awesome, but how would you do it, wouldn't it be quite hard?

 

Haha, Just make sure you wear that special 'clown outfit' from that old forum post, and you'll be sure to abduct Karune : P

Most people like clowns : P

 

I hope not! I like the phoenix's current look/status. The protoss had 4 air units in SC1(scout, corsair, carrier, arbiter) and only 3 so far for SC2(carrier, phoenix, mother ship). Perhaps it will be the fourth air unit the protoss can use?

EDIT: the protoss have 4 air units currently (MS, phoenix, carrier, warp ray) so it is 4-4 currently.