Last we'd heard, StarCraft II was playable offline, but the box art for Wings of Liberty clearly states "Internet Connection Required." Has there been a change in plans?
Screenshots distributed at BlizzCon last year had us questioning whether or not StarCraft II would require an internet connection to play. The launch screen for the game contained a Battle.net login prompt, leading fans already concerned with the game's lack of LAN support to worry over lack of online support as well.
Blizzard's Rob Pardo set us straight that weekend, saying, "You can play in offline mode if you want - I just don't think you're going to want to," suggesting the online features you'd be giving up are too appealing to miss.
Now the box art is telling us that both an internet connection and a Battle.net account are required to play. What gives?
We contacted Blizzard's Bob Colayco, who clarified the situation for us.
"An initial activation check-in is required, which we also have been mentioning since BlizzCon and even before that. The campaign and other solo aspects of the game are still playable offline after your initial activation."
That seems completely reasonable, doesn't it? I mean, if you don't have access to the internet whatsoever, how are you reading this? Your phone? Don't be ridiculous, phones don't have the internet.