The prospect of Overwatch coming to mobile devices has long been considered a distant dream, particularly after Jason Schreier's book shed light on Blizzard's shelved plans for a mobile version. However, a recent agreement between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard has reignited hopes for an Overwatch mobile release.
The primary focus of this deal is the acquisition of publishing and development rights for a new installment in the renowned StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) franchise. The competition was intense, with other companies like Krafton and Netmarble also vying for the opportunity. If confirmed, Nexon will take the helm in steering future entries in the StarCraft series.
What's particularly intriguing, though, are reports that the bidding also encompassed publishing rights for an Overwatch mobile game. This development not only suggests that the mobile version is far from dead but also hints at the possibility of it being an official sequel in the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).
This wouldn't mark the first foray of Overwatch into the MOBA genre, as fans may recall Blizzard's earlier efforts with Heroes of the Storm. It's conceivable that Heroes of the Storm could make its way to mobile platforms, potentially aligning with the proposed Overwatch MOBA.
Alternatively, a spin-off release remains a strong possibility. However, the notion of this being an 'Overwatch 3' can be confidently dismissed, as it would represent a significant shift for a franchise traditionally centered on console and PC gaming.
Embracing its MOBA roots could prove advantageous for Overwatch, especially with new competitors like Marvel Rivals emerging on the scene. This might be the opportune moment for Blizzard and their publishing partners to take bold steps to revitalize this once-thriving franchise.
