Blizzard and Nexon Team Up: Could a StarCraft Shooter Finally Be Happening?
After decades of attempts and cancellations, a new StarCraft shooter may finally be in development. Recent reports indicate that Blizzard Entertainment is partnering with Korean gaming giant Nexon, the company behind Arc Raiders and The Finals studio Embark, to bring a new perspective to the beloved sci-fi universe. This collaboration marks a potentially significant shift for Blizzard, and raises questions about the future of the StarCraft IP.
A History of Cancelled Attempts
The idea of a StarCraft shooter isn’t new. Blizzard has previously attempted to expand the franchise beyond real-time strategy, but those efforts have been unsuccessful. StarCraft Ghost, announced years ago, was publicly cancelled in 2006. A second, unannounced project, codenamed Ares, was reportedly scrapped in 2019. This latest venture with Nexon represents the third known attempt to translate the StarCraft universe into a shooter format.
Nexon’s Role and Expertise
Nexon’s involvement is particularly fascinating. The company owns Embark Studios, known for its operate on the cooperative extraction shooter Arc Raiders, and the multiplayer game The Finals. Nexon also has a strong portfolio of online games, including Sudden Attack and MapleStory, demonstrating experience in operating and maintaining live-service titles. The project will be housed within Nexon’s ‘Shooting Division’, further suggesting a focus on action-oriented gameplay.
Blizzard’s Partnership Strategy
This isn’t the first time Blizzard has collaborated with another company to expand its franchises. The partnership with NetEase to produce Diablo Immortal, despite a later falling out, demonstrates Blizzard’s willingness to leverage external expertise. This strategy allows Blizzard to explore new genres and platforms without solely relying on internal resources.
The Challenge of Differentiation
A key question remains: how will a StarCraft shooter differentiate itself from existing titles, particularly Blizzard’s own Overwatch? Blizzard games are fundamentally about social interaction, suggesting multiplayer will be a core component. Finding a unique identity within the crowded shooter market will be crucial for success.
Industry Momentum and Future Prospects
The timing of this announcement aligns with growing excitement surrounding Blizzard’s future plans, particularly under Microsoft’s stewardship. Recent updates to Overwatch, including the introduction of new characters, signal a renewed focus on its core franchises. The partnership with Nexon could be a sign of a broader strategy to revitalize dormant IPs like StarCraft.
FAQ
Q: What is Nexon?
A: Nexon is a Korean gaming company that owns several studios, including Embark Studios (Arc Raiders, The Finals) and publishes a variety of online games.
Q: Has Blizzard ever made a StarCraft shooter before?
A: No, but they have attempted to twice. StarCraft Ghost was cancelled in 2006, and another project, codenamed Ares, was cancelled in 2019.
Q: What kind of game is expected?
A: Reports suggest it will be a first or third-person shooter, given Nexon’s ‘Shooting Division’ will be leading the development.
Q: Will this affect the existing StarCraft RTS games?
A: It is currently unknown if this new project will impact the development or support of the existing StarCraft real-time strategy games.
Did you know? StarCraft modder Choi Jun-ho has been hired to guide the development team, suggesting a commitment to preserving the franchise’s lore and spirit.
Stay tuned for further updates as this exciting project develops. What are your thoughts on a potential StarCraft shooter? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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