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

The prospect of Overwatch on mobile devices has long been a topic of speculation, particularly after Jason Schreier's book shed light on Blizzard's shelved plans. However, a recent deal between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard might just reignite those hopes. While the primary focus of this agreement centers on securing the publishing and development rights for a new installment in the renowned StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) franchise, it's the whispers about Overwatch's mobile future that are stirring excitement.

Competition for the StarCraft rights was intense, with other major players like Krafton and Netmarble also in the race. Should Nexon's deal be confirmed, they will take the helm in steering the future of this iconic series.

Yet, it's the potential inclusion of Overwatch mobile in the bidding that truly captures attention. Reports suggest that this isn't merely a port but could be an official sequel, possibly in the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA). This development hints that the Overwatch mobile project is far from dead.

Overwatch has previously ventured into the MOBA genre with Heroes of the Storm, which was heavily promoted by Blizzard. It's conceivable that this new mobile endeavor could be an extension of that game. Alternatively, a spin-off release is also a possibility. However, the notion of an 'Overwatch 3' specifically designed for mobile seems unlikely, given the franchise's traditional focus on console and PC platforms.

Adopting a MOBA format could be a strategic move for Overwatch, especially with emerging competitors like Marvel Rivals gaining traction. This shift might be the bold step Blizzard and Nexon need to revitalize the Overwatch brand and keep it relevant in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.