The dream of playing Overwatch on mobile might soon become a reality, thanks to a new deal between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard. While the primary focus of this agreement is the publishing and development rights for a new entry in the iconic StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) franchise, the deal also reportedly includes rights for an Overwatch mobile version, stirring excitement among fans.
The competition for the StarCraft rights was intense, with other major players like Krafton and Netmarble showing interest. However, Nexon's securing of these rights could mean they will be at the helm of future StarCraft releases, which is a significant development for fans of the RTS genre.
What's particularly intriguing is the mention of publishing rights for Overwatch mobile, suggesting that the project is far from abandoned. Reports indicate that this could be an official sequel to Overwatch, possibly in the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA). This isn't the first time Overwatch has ventured into the MOBA genre, as Blizzard previously pushed Heroes of the Storm, which could potentially be adapted for mobile platforms.
While it's possible that this new mobile project might be a spin-off, it's unlikely to be labeled as 'Overwatch 3', given the franchise's traditional focus on console and PC platforms. However, embracing a MOBA format could be a strategic move for Overwatch, especially with emerging competitors like Marvel Rivals gaining traction. This shift could help Blizzard and Nexon revitalize the Overwatch brand and attract a new wave of players.