The Starcraft franchise might be making a long-awaited comeback, and South Korean game studios are at the forefront of the effort. A new report from Asia Today (via IGN) reveals that four major Korean publishers—NCSoft, Nexon, Netmarble, and Krafton—are actively pitching game concepts to Blizzard, hoping to revive the beloved series.
How These Korean Studios May Have Convinced Blizzard
Blizzard, known for being selective about new projects, appears to be open to external pitches—possibly due to a mix of industry trends and the ongoing demand from the passionate community.
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The South Korean StarCraft Legacy
Starcraft: Brood War turned South Korea into the global hub of esports, spawning a competitive scene that lasted decades. Even with Starcraft II, the region remained the heart of professional RTS gaming. -
Diverse Game Concepts
- Nexon is offering a unique approach, though details remain scarce.
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Krafton, known for PUBG, is developing a project based on its own strengths.
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Netmarble is targeting a mobile game.
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NCSoft is reportedly proposing an RPG, possibly an MMO, expanding the universe beyond RTS.
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Personalized Presentations at Blizzard HQ
According to Asia Today, some of these Korean studios have flown to Blizzard’s headquarters in California to pitch their ideas directly. This level of effort suggests that Blizzard may have invited proposals or is at least considering external collaboration—a major shift for a company that has historically developed Starcraft.
Why StarCraft Needs to Be Remade
Despite Blizzard’s recent focus on Diablo IV, Overwatch 2, and World of Warcraft, this game remains a franchise with untapped potential.
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A Massive, Dedicated Fanbase: The community remains highly active, with custom mods, tournaments, and Starcraft: Remastered keeping interest alive. The demand for a new game is undeniable.
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The RTS Genre Needs a Revival: While RTS games have seen a decline in mainstream gaming, titles like Age of Empires IV prove there’s still a market for well-crafted strategy games. A new game could reignite interest in the genre.
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Blizzard’s Struggles with New Intrusion Prevention System: Blizzard has attempted new projects in recent years, but Starcraft offers a proven formula with room for innovation—whether in the form of an RTS, RPG, or even an MMO.
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Esports Potential: The success of Starcraft II in competitive gaming shows that a well-designed strategy game can thrive in esports. Given South Korea’s influence in gaming, a new game could revitalize the eSports landscape.
Final Thought
While Blizzard has a history of canceling spinoffs (Ghost, Ares), the fact that major game studios are pushing for a new title is a promising sign. The company is already working on a Starcraft-related project internally, but whether it’s an RTS or something entirely different remains unknown. With Blizzard showing interest in these pitches and South Korean studios proving their dedication, the dream of a new game might finally become a reality. However, for fans hoping for a true Starcraft 3, the wait continues.
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