The prospect of Overwatch coming to mobile devices has long been considered a distant dream, especially following revelations in Jason Schreier's book about Blizzard shelving earlier plans for a mobile version. However, a recent partnership between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard could reignite these hopes.
The primary focus of this new deal is the acquisition of publishing and development rights for a fresh entry in the legendary StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) franchise. The competition was intense, with other notable companies like Krafton and Netmarble showing interest. Should this deal be confirmed, Nexon would take the helm in steering future StarCraft projects.
Yet, the most intriguing aspect of the bidding process is the inclusion of publishing rights for Overwatch on mobile platforms. This development not only suggests that the mobile version of Overwatch is far from dead but also hints at an official sequel, potentially in the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).
Nerf this This wouldn't mark Overwatch's first foray into the MOBA genre, as fans may recall Blizzard's previous push with Heroes of the Storm. It's conceivable that Heroes of the Storm could make its way to mobile, potentially being the Overwatch MOBA in question.
Alternatively, a spin-off release remains a strong possibility. However, the notion of this becoming an 'Overwatch 3' can be firmly dismissed, as it would represent a significant shift from the franchise's traditional focus on console and PC platforms.
Embracing its MOBA roots could prove advantageous for Overwatch, especially with new competitors like Marvel Rivals emerging on the scene. This move might be crucial for Blizzard and their partners to take bold steps and revitalize this once-thriving franchise.
