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In a recent article 1UP.com examined games which have maintained loyal followings despite the passage of time and the appearance of newer games in their genres. 1UP studied at games like Starcraft, Sim City, and Tetris to see what magic ingredients managed to keep players coming back for more years after they were initially released.

Examining Starcraft:

While some players still prefer to take on Starcraft's AI by themselves, the game's continuing popularity is due almost entirely to its online multiplayer capabilities. Starcraft's online culture is huge thanks to Blizzard's pioneering Battle.net , where enthusiasts can play against opponents for no charge aside from the cost of the game and their own internet access fees. Starcraft also includes its own free campaign and map editor, "StarEdit." Players can use StarEdit to make changes to a map's workings and create custom scenarios for other players to challenge.

It's these endless map alterations that make each campaign a fresh one for Alan and other fans. "Even the slightest change in a map, like one square of water in front of your troops, can affect your strategy," he says.

1UP.com: Time Tested

Blizzard Entertainment

StarCraft

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