The following section contains information from a previous version of StarCraft II which is no longer valid.
Troops deploying from pods.
The drop pod started as a ghost ability. This ability was removed[1][2] because the ghost had too many abilities and there were few uses for it
[3].
In addition, the medivac dropship filled their role even better.
[4]
The drop pod was used to transport 12 infantry units, including SCVs, anywhere on the battlefield from the shadow ops[5]. The units were loaded at the shadow ops[6]. A ghost was required to target the landing spot.[7]
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Drop Pods were "one more thing" on the Ghost. The Ghost had a TON of powers for a while and when we were looking at it we decided we had to be simpler/cleaner with the unit design so cuts had to be made.
More importantly, when we played with them in-game we really struggled to find a good use for them in a lot of situations. They had some narrow-use cases of course, but just weren't that fun. They were balance-able.
As our unit mix changes we may find a use for them again, but today they are out. Cavez. 2008-06-04. So what's the deal with Drop Pods?Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forums. Accessed 2008-06-04.
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The role of the drop pod fit very closely with what Medivac Dropships already do even better. Overall, through testing, it was far better to build Medivac Dropships to drop off reinforcements or raid, especially since drop pods still needed to be loaded with infantry as well.
Karune. 2009-03-05. Y were Drop Pods cancelled in the 1st place?Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum. Accessed 2009-03-05.
