'StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void' PC Release Date, Gameplay & Trailer: 'StarCraft 3' Coming? What to Expect in Beta Launch

The closed beta for Blizzard Entertainment's "StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void" kicks off on Mar. 31. As the date approaches, the developer has made some important announcements to prospective players and "StarCraft" fans in general.

First, "Legacy of the Void" is expected to mark the end of the "StarCraft" story, IGN reported. The franchise, however, will persist "as a universe."

A Blizzard rep spoke with the outlet, and he said, "'StarCraft' will live on as a universe. We hope to explore some other aspects of the universe, but the storyline that was setup in 'StarCraft I' and continued in 'StarCraft II' will resolve in 'Legacy of the Void.' All of those main characters will reach a nice satisfying conclusion."

Does this sound like a subtle hint on a "StarCraft 3"?

As told by GameSpot, the first two "StarCraft 2" games have focused on the Terrans ("Wings of Liberty") and Zerg ("Heart of the Swarm"), but with "Legacy of the Void," fans can expect to see more of the Protoss.

Blizzard will bring new Protoss features such as The Adept, a core gateway unit able to duplicate itself, and maps including Ruins of Seras, Lerilak Crest and the Orbital Shipyard.

While a definite PC release date for "Legacy of the Void" has not been confirmed, Game & Guide cited an insider who claimed, "The next 'StarCraft 2' game is already done and ready to go. The release date is still not settled. The current time window ranges from April to June."

Blizzard has expressed being "as open as possible" about the beta's development. Today, beta versions of upcoming video games have become open channels of communication between developers and testers.

In an official blog post, the developer listed what testers can expect:

1. Some things at the start of the beta will feel more rough than usual.

2. We will be missing some units, improvements, features, etc.

3. The beta will run for a longer period of time than usual.

4. We will need your play-testing support, as well as the feedback about your experiences in the beta, in order to really work together on this expansion.

In addition, Blizzard has revealed general and unit changes testers can look forward to. As of press time, the beta is expected to have: (1) a change in the number of resources at each base; (2) an increased starting worker count at 12; (3) improvement in the the target acquisition of ranged ground units and (4) an altered game speed. The last item, in particular, is done in the attempt of matching what players "expect from a regular clock."

Blizzard is focused on establishing new units more than polishing existing ones. Nevertheless, it's open to do more, "Once we have the new units in a place that feels solid, we'll shift our focus to the other unit changes."

Sign up for the "StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void" beta here.