StarCraft is a military science fiction media franchise created by Chris Metzen and James Phinney and owned by Blizzard Entertainment. The series set in the beginning of the 26th century centers on a galactic struggle for dominance among four species—the adaptable and mobile Terrans the ever-evolving insectoid Zerg the powerful and enigmatic Protoss and the godlike Xel'Naga creator race—in a distant part of the Milky Way galaxy known as the Koprulu Sector. The series debuted with the video game StarCraft in 1998. It has grown to include a number of other games as well as eight novelizations two Amazing Stories articles a board game and other licensed merchandise such as collectible statues and toys.