Overview of New Developments in StarCraft Franchise
- Blizzard Entertainment is evaluating proposals for a new StarCraft game from several Korean gaming studios to reinvigorate the iconic franchise.
- Nexon, Netmarble, NCSoft, and Krafton have all pitched innovative concepts, from mobile adaptations to RPG elements, aiming to expand the StarCraft universe.
Blizzard Entertainment appears to be actively exploring avenues to breathe new life into the StarCraft franchise, which has been a cornerstone of gaming culture since its initial release. Recent reports indicate that various prominent Korean developers have submitted pitches for a fresh installment. This move aligns with the growing popularity of the franchise, especially following the addition of StarCraft: Remastered and the StarCraft 2: Campaign Collection to Xbox Game Pass, alongside a crossover with Hearthstone.
Initially launched in 1998, StarCraft has carved out a significant niche in the strategy genre, leading to multiple expansions, novelizations, and even board games. The legacy of StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty continues, featuring memorable characters such as Sarah Kerrigan, Jim Raynor, and Artanis, with subsequent titles including Heart of the Swarm, Legacy of the Void, and Nova Covert Ops. The remastered version released in 2017 reignited interest in the franchise for both nostalgic players and newcomers alike.
Blizzard Evaluates Pitches from Key Korean Developers
Among the contenders, Nexon, the creator of The First Descendant, has proposed a “unique” vision for the next StarCraft game. Following closely, Netmarble, known for titles like Solo Leveling: Arise and Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, has pitched with a focus on creating a mobile iteration of StarCraft. Meanwhile, NCSoft, the studio behind Guild Wars, advocates moving the franchise toward RPG mechanics for richer storytelling and engagement.
Lastly, Krafton, while occupied with its own set of projects, has expressed interest in developing a StarCraft game that follows its proprietary direction. Despite these exciting developments, it remains unclear if any of these proposals will come to fruition. Enthusiastic fans on social media have voiced their hopes, with some advocating for a new shooter akin to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, while others suggest that Embark Studios, affiliated with Nexon, could be a strong candidate for the project.
Amid these developments, Blizzard fans are also eagerly awaiting the return of BlizzCon in 2026, following a two-year hiatus. Scheduled to take place at the Anaheim Convention Center, this long-anticipated event will offer a venue for fans to gather and celebrate the franchise’s milestones, including World of Warcraft’s 30th anniversary. As the wait for BlizzCon draws closer, fans will surely begin curating their wish lists for upcoming announcements.