Nexon and Blizzard Sign New Deal: Overwatch Mobile Still in Play

The prospect of Overwatch on mobile has long been a distant dream, especially after reports from Jason Schreier's book suggested that Blizzard had shelved the idea. However, a recent deal between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard has sparked renewed hope. While the primary focus of the agreement is on securing the publishing and development rights for a new installment in the legendary StarCraft RTS franchise, there's more to the story.

Competition for the StarCraft rights was intense, with companies like Krafton and Netmarble also vying for the opportunity. If confirmed, Nexon would take the helm in steering the future of the StarCraft series, marking a significant development in the franchise's journey.

What's particularly exciting, though, are reports suggesting that the deal also encompasses publishing rights for an Overwatch mobile game. This revelation not only indicates that the mobile version is far from dead but hints at the possibility of it being an official sequel in the form of a MOBA.

Overwatch has previously dipped its toes into the MOBA genre with Heroes of the Storm, which was heavily promoted by Blizzard. It's conceivable that the proposed Overwatch MOBA could be a mobile version of Heroes of the Storm. Alternatively, a new spin-off release is equally plausible. However, the notion of this being 'Overwatch 3' seems highly unlikely, given the franchise's traditional focus on console and PC platforms.

Embracing a MOBA format could be a strategic move for Overwatch, especially in light of emerging competitors like Marvel Rivals, which threaten to overshadow it. This might be the perfect time for Blizzard and their publishing partners to take bold steps to revitalize this once-thriving franchise.