The prospect of Overwatch making its way to mobile devices has long been considered a distant hope, particularly following insights from Jason Schreier's book on Blizzard, which indicated that a mobile version had been shelved. However, a fresh agreement between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard could reignite this dream.
The primary focus of this new deal centers on securing publishing and development rights for a new installment in the renowned StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) series. The competition was intense, with other major players like Krafton and Netmarble also in the running. If the deal is finalized, Nexon will take the helm in steering the future of the StarCraft franchise.
Yet, the most intriguing aspect of this agreement is the reported inclusion of publishing rights for an Overwatch mobile project. This revelation not only suggests that the mobile version is far from dead but also hints at an ambitious plan for an official sequel in the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).
Overwatch's foray into the MOBA genre wouldn't be unprecedented, given Blizzard's previous venture with Heroes of the Storm. It's possible that this proposed Overwatch MOBA could be a mobile version of Heroes of the Storm. Alternatively, a new spin-off game is equally plausible. However, the notion of this project evolving into 'Overwatch 3' can be dismissed, as it would represent a significant departure from the franchise's traditional focus on console and PC platforms.
Embracing the MOBA format could prove advantageous for Overwatch, especially as it faces competition from emerging titles like Marvel Rivals. This move could be crucial for Blizzard and its publishing partners to revitalize and elevate the Overwatch franchise in the increasingly competitive gaming landscape.
