The upcoming StarCraft game is taking a bold leap in genre, moving away from its classic real-time strategy (RTS) roots to an open-world shooter format. This shift has brought both large-scale and surprisingly specific design challenges, according to StarCraft's general manager, Dan Hay. Speaking at BlizzCon 2026, Hay highlighted a particular difficulty that might seem minor at first—literal doors. "Was there a specific challenge? Doors," Hay remarked. The challenge came from designing a world that feels logical and natural to players, regardless of their size or the weight of their gear. "If you're 10 feet tall and you're wearing something that weighs 1,000 pounds, doors are a challenge," Hay explained. "How does it all work?" The team had to ensure that elements like doors functioned logically from every player's perspective, whether they were in heavy armor or not. Beyond the challenge of doors, Hay also emphasized the importance of scale and perspective in the game's design. "You've got to think about scale," he said. "Because the moment you adjust a perspective, everything looks completely different to us." This idea was echoed by Annalee Hartling, an associate manager of development operations for StarCraft, who described the impact of scale in the game's trailer. "The most impactful portion of it for me was the barracks," Hartling said. "Seeing it from the perspective of every nook and cranny, not just from above." This immersive view included seeing the barracks land in front of the player, with jets and feet touching the ground, creating a vivid and realistic experience. Hartling described the sense of perspective and scale in the game as "incredibly powerful for a player." It evokes emotions, curiosity, and a sense of beauty. The open-world shooter format allows players to experience the game's environments in a way that feels more dynamic and personal compared to traditional RTS gameplay. This approach is expected to create a more engaging and immersive experience for players. StarCraft, which has been a cornerstone of the gaming industry since its debut in the late 1990s, is set to launch in 2030. The new game represents a significant evolution for the franchise, blending its strategic roots with the expansive, exploratory nature of open-world shooters. Fans and developers alike are watching closely to see how this ambitious shift will shape the future of the StarCraft universe.