Will now be released in the first half of the year.

StarCraft II screenshot

Activision Blizzard has announced that the release of its massively anticipated StarCraft II has been moved from its previously expected 2009 date to the first half of 2010.

“Blizzard Entertainment has moved the anticipated release date of StarCraft II to the first half of 2010 to coincide with the relaunch of its upgraded Battle.net online -gaming service,” stated the publisher in its Q2 financial report.

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Michael Morhaime, president and CEO of Blizzard Entertainment stated during the publisher's Q2 earnings call: “While we could rush into beta and launch an inferior game and service experience this year, fixing that experience over time, our track record has proven that there is a far greater value for us and for our players in making sure that the experience is great right from the start.”

He added: “Once we release StarCraft II next year, we will move immediately on to the first of two expansions. We will also continue developing and implementing advanced Battle.net features, which I will discuss more on future calls.“

Is this a massive blow to PC gamers or are you willing to wait for what promises to be a great game? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.