A major update to the beta version of II is expected before the week is out, bringing a robust map editor to the real-time game.

Shacknews broke the news of Blizzard's big update, highlighting the addition of a map editor that enables the creation of scenarios and battle maps. Sharing these maps via Battle.net won't be available until the game's release, however.

Also coming is a version of the beta, along with a slew of balancing tweaks to improve play.

StarCraft II will be available for and Mac sometime this year; has yet to announce a specific release date.

By Tracy Erickson