The MOBA genre is currently facing significant challenges. Two of its leading titles, Dota 2 and League of Legends, are encountering difficulties. Dota 2 has increasingly become a niche product, particularly popular in Eastern Europe, while League of Legends appears to be struggling to infuse new vitality into a game that many feel is entering its later stages.
In the midst of this, Garena has announced the revival of Heroes of Newerth, a game that once rivaled these giants in the early 2010s but was later discontinued. The new version is being developed on a modern engine, and the trailer is generating excitement. This could be a cause for celebration, yet several concerns loom large.
Firstly, this is a re-release of a live-service game that's over a decade old. The MOBA genre has lost some of its luster, with many players shifting their focus to newer gaming trends and platforms.
Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting projects and esports has often been questioned. The company insists it always believed in the potential of Heroes of Newerth, raising the question: why was it shut down initially?
Thirdly, the game is set to launch on the iGames platform, which relies partly on crowdfunding. This decision prompts another question: where is Steam? In today's market, attracting a substantial audience without leveraging Valve's platform can be a daunting task.
Image: igames.com
These factors cast Heroes of Newerth as a potentially niche project with organic growth potential, yet significant doubts remain. On a positive note, the game has a clear timeline and is expected to be released within a year.
