Nexon and Blizzard Ink New Deal: Overwatch Mobile on the Horizon?

The prospect of Overwatch making its way to mobile devices has been a topic of speculation for some time, particularly after Jason Schreier's revelations about Blizzard's shelved projects. However, a recent partnership between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard has reignited hopes for an Overwatch mobile version.

The primary focus of this new agreement is the acquisition of publishing and development rights for the legendary StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) franchise. The competition was intense, with companies like Krafton and Netmarble also vying for the opportunity. If the deal goes through, Nexon will take the helm in steering future installments of the StarCraft series.

Yet, the most intriguing aspect of this deal lies in the reported inclusion of publishing rights for an Overwatch mobile game. This development suggests that the mobile version of Overwatch is far from dead and may even evolve into an official sequel in the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).

This wouldn't be the first time Overwatch has ventured into the MOBA genre, given its previous representation in Heroes of the Storm, which was once heavily promoted by Blizzard. It's conceivable that Heroes of the Storm could be adapted for mobile platforms, potentially serving as the basis for the rumored Overwatch MOBA.

Alternatively, a new spin-off could be in the works. However, the idea of this becoming 'Overwatch 3' can likely be dismissed, as such a move 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 with emerging competitors like Marvel Rivals that threaten to overshadow it. This strategic shift might be the necessary step for Blizzard and its partners to revitalize the franchise and maintain its relevance in the competitive gaming landscape.