Starcraft II available for early download
Blizzard is trying something strange and clever. The client is not available for digital purchase until June 27, but you can start your download of it now.
They’re basically letting you download the client in advance so you can beat the rush. They’re making digital downloads available on the same day as the retail release, a nice change from the Lich King download, which lagged behind the retail release by a week or two.
I’m starting my download now, and I’m glad I’m starting early. My estimated time is sitting at 12 hours. If I had to wait 12 hours on launch day, I would be…annoyed.
Michael B. Duff 
I hate to break it to you, Jaffo, but preloading is definitely not new. Off the top of my head, several Steam games have used it, and Champions Online did as well.
James
July 23, 2010 at 01:16
Thanks for the details; it was new to me. And a nice change for Blizzard, which previously held off digital distribution to help retail sales.
Michael Duff
July 23, 2010 at 08:06
I’m not sure if they’re doing that for WoW releases; I know they pre-download some of the patch content, but I think you still have to wait until The Day for expansions.
Riss got into the SCII beta–the existence and timing of which is a news item in its’ own right, the use of a one-week-early beta as server testing, it seems–but I still don’t see the appeal. Never had any use for the original SC, either.
Scott K
July 23, 2010 at 08:18
[Re-comment for notifications]
Scott K
July 23, 2010 at 08:18
Here’s how you enjoy Starcraft. Play LAN games against the same 4 guys over and over again until you learn each other’s strategies by heart. Then do the same thing over and over as an excuse to drink beer and tell lies late into the night at each other’s houses.
Michael Duff
July 23, 2010 at 17:52