In 2010, SC II's predecessor StarCraft Brood Wars enjoyed an extensive fan base, which helped SC II secure powerful and expansive popularity when it initially launched. In recent years, millions play the game, follow live streaming, and watch television to view players competing against one another in tournaments.
Most popular in South Korea, the game's producer showcases a StarCraft II championship event. Fans are hooked on the game and its variations, including Heart of Swarm and Legacy of Void. Gamers play professionally, stoking increasing interest in the brand. However, fights about broadcasting rights dominate the online betting genre and forced a decline in SC II's mainstream visibility.
Tough competition
Popular gaming titles include League of Legends and Dota 2, StarCraft competitors in the market. Since these games are also tactical and incorporate more younger players than SC II, sponsors gravitate toward the wider audience. In South Korea, the eSports Players Association aired StarCraft II esports events for about a decade and refused to share profits with the game's creator, Blizzard Entertainment.
Blizzard teamed up with rival distributors and required royalties from KeSPA to legally broadcast SC II tournaments. As a result of KeSPA's failure to comply, SC II's most popular region lost viewers and professional players.
Although Blizzard supports its StarCraft II championship event, which has a prize pool of more than $150,000, the championship is lower in popularity and prize money. Similar global esports events offer players million-dollar prizes. Still, SC II is a popular game and exciting for viewers to watch. All major video game betting sites offer gamblers ways to wager on SC II tournaments and events.