We got an interesting press release today announcing a series of licensed “gaming surfaces” featuring Starcraft II. Now, when I hear the phrase, “gaming surface,” I instinctively think, “table,” seeing as that would be a surface on which you would play a game. I do not think, “mouse pad.”
And that’s what these are. They’re mouse pads. Now, I understand the desire to make your product stand out from the pack and, from the description in the press release, I’m sure they’re very nice mouse pads. But it’s a f–king mouse pad, people. A mouse pad with attractive art and a coating intended to provide an optimal amount of glide, sure, but a mouse pad nonetheless.
These mouse pads produced by Steel Series will come in two different styles, featuring the above image of Kerrigan fighting Zeratul and another with a focus on the Terrans. They will retail for $14.99 and will be available from GameStop and Amazon.
Hit the jump for a press release and check out a larger version of the “Kerrigan vs. Zeratul” image in the gallery.
SteelSeries Unveils New Blizzard Entertainment® Co-Branded StarCraft® II Gaming Surfaces
StarCraft® II QcK Limited Edition Mousepads Provide an Optimized Textured Surface for Smoothness and Glide During Game Play
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, SteelSeries, a leading manufacturer of game peripherals and accessories, unveiled a new line of gaming surfaces featuring art from Blizzard Entertainment’s highly anticipated StarCraft® II. The QcK Limited Edition Terran Marine and Kerrigan vs. Zeratul editions are designed with a non-slip rubber base which prevents the pads from sliding, no matter what surface the mousepad is placed on, and is optimized for optical and laser technology providing an overall more reliable gaming experience.
“StarCraft and its expansion have together sold more than 11 million copies worldwide, and we believe StarCraft II will prove equally influential and popular, making this a great opportunity to provide gamers with surfaces that help to improve performance and game play,” said Brian Stech, SteelSeries President of the Americas. “We are incredibly excited to have an opportunity to continue our partnership with the designers from Blizzard Entertainment and develop surfaces that we know StarCraft players will enjoy.”
The SteelSeries QcK Limited Edition Terran Marine and Kerrigan vs. Zeratul gaming surfaces are made of high quality cloth material and optimized textured surface which guarantees both smoothness and glide. The special surface graphic on each mousepad depicts characters from the upcoming StarCraft II, which will pick up where the events of StarCraft: Brood War left off, following familiar characters and new heroes through the next chapter of the series’ epic story.
The gaming surfaces will be available in July 2009 and will be sold for $14.99 from GameStop and Amazon.
About SteelSeries
SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, software and gaming surfaces, selling in more than 75 countries. SteelSeries has been on the forefront of professional gaming gear since its inception in 2001, thanks to continued innovation and product development in cooperation with leading professional gamers. All SteelSeries products are developed in cooperation with professional gamers to ensure optimum performance and durability. SteelSeries supports the growth of competitive gaming and electronic sports through professional team sponsorships and community support all over the world. For more information, please visit www.SteelSeries.com.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes eleven #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active users.
