StarCraft II has online verification, but Battle.net connection not necessary for single-play

StarCraft II will require both an online verification check and a Battle.net account to play, Blizzard's confirmed to VG247.

"You need to connect once to install the game," said lead game designer Dustin Browder, speaking at Blizzard's HQ on a recent press trip.

Offline single-play is allowed, however.

"After that you don't need to be connected," added the developer.

Being connected to Battle.net is obviously the preferred way of playing the game.

"If you want access to your Achievements, and your Friends List, and all the good stuff that goes with it, you need to be connected," said Browder.

"But if you don't care about that stuff, then you're free to play offline."

StarCraft II will release next year.

We got to play StarCraft II's single-player component in California last month. Impressions here, Rob Pardo interview here, Campaign screens here.