Overwatch enthusiasts have long speculated about a mobile version of the game, but recent developments suggest it might finally be on the horizon. Korean developer Nexon has entered into a new agreement with Blizzard, sparking renewed interest in the possibility of Overwatch on mobile devices.
The primary focus of this deal centers on the publishing and development rights for a new entry in the legendary StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) franchise. The competition for these rights was intense, with companies like Krafton and Netmarble also in the running. Should the deal be finalized, Nexon will take the helm in steering future releases of the StarCraft series.
What's particularly exciting, however, is the revelation that the bidding also included rights for an Overwatch mobile game. This suggests that the long-rumored mobile version is far from dead and could potentially be an official sequel in the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).
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This isn't the first time Overwatch has ventured into the MOBA genre; fans might recall Blizzard's earlier efforts with Heroes of the Storm. It's conceivable that the proposed Overwatch MOBA could be a mobile version of Heroes of the Storm. Alternatively, it could be an entirely new spin-off. However, it's highly unlikely that this project would evolve into an 'Overwatch 3,' given the franchise's traditional focus on console and PC platforms.
Embracing a MOBA format could be a strategic move for Overwatch, especially as new competitors like Marvel Rivals emerge. To stay relevant and maintain its fanbase, Blizzard and Nexon may need to take bold steps to revitalize this beloved franchise.