Starcraft II Heart of the Swarm Unlikely in 2011

There’s still some inkling of hope that Diablo III launches in 2011, even after Activision’s conference call in which the developer prepped fans for the possibility of a delay.  Starcraft II Heart of the Swarm is another matter entirely.  Game Director Dustin Browder told Eurogamer that he doesn’t have an answer for HOTS release.

“We’re working on it as hard as we can. We’re really trying to push on this and get it out as soon as we can.  I don’t think you’ll be playing it this year.  That seems very unlikely to me.  But we’re pounding away on it as fast as we possibly can.”

Blizzard issued financial guidance in their conference call that is guiding lower after a blockbuster year in 2010.  Call of Duty Black Ops, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, and Starcraft II all had great showings, but Blizzard’s earnings estimates are based on the fact that they will not release a game in 2011.  It is possible that Diablo III  is released however.  It wouldn’t be the first time that a company under promised on earnings only to over deliver on those estimates.  It looks good to shareholders.