Update: Stay tuned. =)
Blizzard released the StarCraft II Beta Mac Client right on track by the end of April as stated a few weeks ago. I don’t have details yet whether there will be a fansites mac beta key giveaway, so for now it’s safer bet to go to your Battle.net account and make sure you update the link that says Beta Profile Settings.
Select all three franchises: Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo.
Download and run the beta opt-in application (make sure to select the mac version). This will check out your system spec, and register you into the Beta opt-in pool. Whenever they send beta invites via email, you might be one of the winners. I will update if I hear any news on fansites beta key giveaways for mac players.
 Blizzard Quote: |
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| Here are the requirements for the Starcraft II Beta, these may change when the actual game is launched, but I expect the requirements not to differ too much. Since Apple computers are being used more and more for gaming, we will now have to deal with what the PC side has dealt with for years, for better games you will need better systems.
MAC Minimum System Requirements: MAC Recommended System Requirements: *Note: Due to potential programming changes, the Minimum System Requirements for this game may change over time. |
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I’m not trying to criticize the contests or the people putting them on. The fact that you and other sites are able to prompt people to openly show on the Internet that there are those who are as jazzed about this game as you and I am make me happy. I think that in getting people to show off how down they are with this game and for keys in the form of a contest, it builds excitement. It feels like a rally of sorts. Like people cheering at a concert before the band takes the stage and rocks it. Toward that end, I’m happy contests are being done and that people are doing them.
That said. If I REALLY want to get into the beta in the most time/cost-effective manner, then whether I pre-ordered or not, I’m going to waltz to Gamestop and pay them another $5 for a key. I’ve bought two keys for two different friends of mine that really wanted in. Does it suck that I didn’t get the beta key the first time I pre-ordered when the game was first announced, sure. But assuming I make minimum wage ($8/hr in California), and I live 5 minutes away from a gamestop; my time is worth $8 per hour. If I spend an hour or more on a contest (not to say all contests take an hour, but some do), then I’m not getting my key in the most cost-effective way. Again, you can buy multiple keys for $5 a piece with no further commitment. $10, two keys. I right now am sitting on one key and I have a $20 bill in my wallet. If I wanted to, tomorrow, I could get four more keys. They’re practically being given out.
So, I’m not saying contests aren’t cool. Nor am I trying to make you feel stupid for getting one together nor am I trying to make the fans who want to partake feel stupid for partaking. Again, I am very appreciative of the fact that you are prompting people to get as excited for this game as you and I are. But at this point, contests for keys really only serve to get people excited. If I can practically stock up on keys at $5 a pop on top of the Amazon pre-order that I have, then if I’m just in it for the key, why am I partaking in a contest? See my point? If you’re just in it for the key, it makes no sense. If you want to get people in the community fired up and to keep the enthusiasm for the eventual release all fresh, then that’s fantastic and I endorse every last second of it.