I love gaming-related merchandise. Not only because it is indicative of a thriving game community, but also because it gives the gamer something tangible to hold on to and remind them of their ethereal passion in a material world. Plus, some of this stuff is just plain cool.
Here’s some of the cool swag associated with Blizzard’s StarCraft ][:
StarCraft Books
While nowhere near as plentiful as 40K fiction, the StarCraft community is enjoying a growing library of its own. While I have found some of the earlier material to be amateurish, since the release of StarCraft ][ Blizzard has begun enlisting the help of such practiced authors as William Dietz and Graham McNeill. Could a screenplay be far behind?
In addition to fiction, the StarCraft community has also been putting together player guides to help new players become competitive as quickly as possible:
For example, The Shokz Guide, authored by a #1 ranked Diamond player, is:
Quote:
“the complete Starcraft 2 Mastery Guide. The Starcraft 2 Guide is an in-depth guide teaching you how to master the Terran, Protoss, and Zerg. Learn the top strategies and play styles of all three races to earn your way to #1 rank Diamond.
The Starcraft 2 Guide teaches you every aspect of the game giving you the advantage against any opponent. The Guide has the top strategies used by the pros so you can learn how to micro and macro like a diamond player and take over your diamond division.”
Price: $37.00
Competitive Gear
Besides being a great PC-exclusive game, StarCraft II is also thoroughly unique by being the soul software package designed from the ground up for professional gaming. Being both a game and a e-sport, it was only inevitable that Starcraft II gets it own line of licensed pro-gear. Check it out:
StarCraft ][ SteelSeries Zboard Limited Edition Keyboard
This keyboard boasts:
Quote:
“dedicated short-cut keys, complete key remapping for full keyset customization and beautiful game graphics that will enable quick mastery of the game, increase the users' actions per minute (APM) and deliver unparalleled levels of engagement.”
Price: $69.99
Or, for those with a bigger budget or more dedication to going pro:
Razer Marauder StarCraft II Gaming Keyboard
This snazzy keyboard is a:
Quote:
“full-featured, tournament ready keyboard with an extremely compact design. The Razer Marauder's elevated keys are perfected for rapid commands and improved gaming performance. Your increased performance is monitored by an all new APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System that provides real-time performance feedback through changing color hues for a completely immersive gaming experience.”
Price: $119.99
Then there is....
Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse
Yes, this mouse is as uncomfortable as it looks, but it is also:
Quote:
“a lightweight, five button mouse that is ideal for gamers that prefer precision and control for an RTS. The adjustable button force combined with the ultra-large non slip buttons allow a substantial increase in your APM (Actions-Per-Minute), which will be monitored by the newly developed multi-color APM Lighting System.”
Price: $79.99
You need a mousepad to go with your Razer mouse, right? So, here you go:
SteelSeries QcK Limited Edition StarCraft II Terran Marine Mousepad
Quote:
“The SteelSeries QcK has been used by professional gamers all over the world and has been used to win more tournaments and competitions than any other mousepad on the planet.”
Price: $14.99
'Hyperion, this is mission control….':
Razer Banshee StarCraft II Gaming Headset
Quote:
“The Razer Banshee features a newly developed, multi-color APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System™ that provides real-time feedback about the player's performance in-game. The Razer Banshee is equipped with a configuration utility for customized adjustments of equalizer, pitch and volume. Other special features include a detachable microphone boom for easy transport and a comfortable circumaural construction….”
Price: $119.99
Collectibles
Revolution Overdrive: Songs of Liberty Vinyl w/ iTunes
Can’t get enough of the game’s interesting soundtrack that mixes sci-fi with country-rock? Well, now you can own an actual Vinyl print with the ability to download the digital version from iTunes:
Quote:
“This StarCraft II Collectors Vinyl features never before released music from Joeyray's Bar. Printed on a dual sided picture disk, this high quality collector's item is ready for framing or playing on that old record player. Each album comes with an iTunes gift card allowing you to download the full digital version of the music onto your computer or favorite MP3 player.”
Price: $25.00
J!NX T-Shirts
Let’s be honest: most gamers live in t-shirts. Fortunately, J!NX has come out with a line of premium quality StarCraft t-shirts that sport a bunch of interesting and clever designs (the above Zerg energy drink – Feel the Rush! – tee is one of my favorites ).
Prices range from $19.99 to 22.99, depending on size, gender and basic or premium quality.
As the StarCraft renaissance is just getting under way, it is safe to assume the range of products is only gonna grow (personally, I am awaiting the announcement of a range of miniatures…but GDW might draw the line there 
).
Have you ever purchased video game related merchandise?
