BarCraft

A BarCraft is an event in which people gather to watch live StarCraft 2 competitions. Most BarCraft gatherings take place in sports bars, though the term can be used to describe any event in which a group of people watch StarCraft 2 together.

StarCraft 2 (also "SC2") is a popular real-time strategy (RTS) game in which players choose to control one of three races. When a game starts, each player begins with a base at a fixed location on a map. Players then build structures, create units, and attempt to attack and defeat other players on the map. 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, and FFA (free for all) games are possible, though 1v1 games are the most common.

Since StarCraft 2 is one of the most popular eSports games, professional tournaments are held on a regular basis. Most BarCrafts are organized around prominent StarCraft 2 tournaments, such as MLG, NASL, or GSL competitions. These tournaments are streamed live over the Internet and often require a subscription to watch, similar to pay-per-view TV. Venues that host BarCrafts typically cover the viewing fee, but may charge patrons an admittance fee to watch the games. Most BarCraft venues stream the SC2 matches live on one or more screens.