The dream of playing Overwatch on mobile devices may yet become a reality, thanks to a new agreement between Blizzard and the Korean developer Nexon. While the primary focus of this deal centers on the publishing and development rights for a new installment in the iconic StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) series, the inclusion of Overwatch in the negotiations has sparked excitement and speculation.
The competition for StarCraft's rights was intense, with other major players like Krafton and Netmarble also in the running. However, Nexon's successful bid positions them to lead future developments in the StarCraft franchise. This move is significant, but it's the mention of Overwatch mobile rights that has captured the gaming community's attention.
Reports suggest that the deal could extend to the publishing rights for an Overwatch mobile version, hinting that the project is far from abandoned. Interestingly, it's speculated that this mobile iteration might take the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA). This isn't Overwatch's first foray into the MOBA genre, as fans may recall Blizzard's previous efforts with Heroes of the Storm.
It's possible that the proposed Overwatch MOBA could be a mobile version of Heroes of the Storm. Alternatively, it might be an entirely new spin-off. However, the notion of an 'Overwatch 3' being developed for mobile 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 with new competitors like Marvel Rivals entering the scene. This could be the drastic action needed to revitalize and push the franchise forward, ensuring it remains relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.
