Reports indicate that Blizzard Entertainment is in advanced discussions with Nexon, a major South Korean gaming company, to develop new titles within the StarCraft franchise. This potential partnership follows a period where Blizzard reportedly reviewed pitches from several Korean developers interested in revitalizing the science-fiction real-time strategy (RTS) series.
The news comes at a time when the StarCraft IP has seen recent activity, including its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass and an announced crossover with Hearthstone. While the specifics of the proposed StarCraft projects remain unconfirmed, sources suggest a new shooter based on the universe is among the possibilities, marking Blizzard's third known attempt at such a game. The reported discussions also hint at a potential collaboration for Overwatch Mobile, specifically concerning its distribution rights in South Korea and Japan.
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Development and Bidding Process
Recent reports, primarily from gaming news outlets like Insider Gaming, Eurogamer, Gamerant, Tech4Gamers, Nordic.IGN, GamesRadar, GamingAmigos, and GameFrenzy, point towards significant developments regarding the future of the StarCraft franchise. These reports suggest a competitive process among prominent South Korean game studios vying for a role in StarCraft's revival.
Timeline: The discussions and bidding process for StarCraft IP rights appear to have been ongoing since the fourth quarter of last year.
Key Players: Besides Nexon, other major Korean companies such as Krafton, Netmarble, and NCSoft were reportedly involved in pitching ideas to Blizzard.
Proposed Concepts: Developers presented various proposals, including spin-off titles, mobile game concepts, and leaning into the RPG genre. Krafton also expressed interest in developing a StarCraft game independently.
Nexon's Reported Selection
Multiple sources indicate that Nexon has emerged as Blizzard's preferred partner. This suggests that Nexon's proposals, which may include a "unique" direction for the brand and the potential for a StarCraft shooter, were favored by Blizzard.
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Nexon is reportedly in "main negotiations" with Blizzard for StarCraft IP rights.
The partnership may also encompass publishing rights for StarCraft and domestic service rights for Overwatch Mobile.
This move could signify a significant step in revitalizing the StarCraft franchise, which has been relatively quiet since the release of StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void in 2015.
Potential StarCraft Projects
The exact nature of the games under discussion remains unclear, but reports consistently mention the possibility of a StarCraft shooter.
StarCraft Shooter: This would be Blizzard's third documented attempt to create a shooter set in the StarCraft universe.
Other Genres: Pitches from other companies hinted at potential RPG entries or mobile-focused titles, suggesting a diverse range of possibilities for the franchise's future.
Overwatch Mobile Involvement
Beyond StarCraft, the reports also touch upon a potential collaboration for Overwatch Mobile.
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Distribution Rights: Nexon might secure distribution rights for Overwatch Mobile within South Korea and Japan.
This suggests a broader strategic alignment between Blizzard and Nexon, extending beyond the StarCraft IP.
Industry Significance
The potential partnership between Blizzard and Nexon carries considerable weight within the gaming industry.
Revitalizing IP: For Blizzard, it could represent a strategic effort to rejuvenate a beloved, yet dormant, franchise.
Nexon's Ambitions: For Nexon, securing a role in the StarCraft universe aligns with its broader ambitions in the global gaming market, leveraging its experience with established IPs like MapleStory and Dungeon & Fighter.
Korean Market Influence: StarCraft holds significant cultural importance in South Korea, making a strong partnership crucial for the franchise's success in that key region.
Expert Commentary
While direct quotes from named experts are not available in the provided data, industry observers have noted that:
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Developing new StarCraft content presents both significant opportunities and inherent challenges, given the franchise's legacy and the evolving gaming landscape.
The success of any new StarCraft title will likely depend on its ability to capture the strategic depth that defined the series, while also appealing to a modern audience.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The current reports strongly suggest that Blizzard Entertainment is in the final stages of negotiation with Nexon to collaborate on the future of the StarCraft franchise, with a shooter being a prominent possibility. The discussions also involve potential involvement with Overwatch Mobile in specific regions.
Confirmation Pending: Blizzard and Nexon have not officially confirmed these reports.
Future Developments: Fans will likely be awaiting official announcements regarding the specifics of these potential projects, including game genres, platforms, and release windows.
The outcome of these negotiations could herald a significant new era for the StarCraft IP, potentially reintroducing it to a new generation of players.
Sources:
Insider Gaming: https://insider-gaming.com/nexon-reportedly-enters-main-negotations-with-blizzard-for-starcraft-ip-and-overwatch-mobile/
Context: Reports on initial negotiations and potential deals for StarCraft IP and Overwatch Mobile.
Eurogamer: https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-reportedly-partnering-with-nexon-to-revive-starcraft
Context: Details the reported partnership with Nexon to create a StarCraft shooter.
Gamerant: https://gamerant.com/blizzard-reviewing-starcraft-pitches-korean-developers/
Context: Covers Blizzard reviewing pitches from various Korean developers for new StarCraft games.
Tech4Gamers: https://tech4gamers.com/blizzard-nexon-starcraft-ip/
Context: States that Blizzard and Nexon are partnering for the StarCraft IP after a bidding process.
Context: Reports that Blizzard is receiving new StarCraft game pitches from Korean studios.
Context: Indicates Nexon is entering main negotiations with Blizzard for StarCraft publishing rights after competition.
Gaming Amigos: https://www.gamingamigos.com/post/blizzard-nexon-starcraft-overwatch-mobile
Context: Confirms Blizzard partnering with Nexon for StarCraft and Overwatch Mobile projects.
GameFrenzy: https://www.gamefrenzy.net/post/nexon-secures-rights-to-develop-new-star-craft-game-with-blizzard
Context: Reports Nexon securing rights to develop a new StarCraft game with Blizzard.
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