The prospect of Overwatch coming to mobile has long been considered a distant dream, particularly after Jason Schreier's revealing book on Blizzard suggested that a mobile version had been shelved. However, a fresh agreement between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard could reignite those hopes.
The primary focus of this deal is the acquisition of publishing and development rights for a new installment in the legendary StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) franchise. The competition was intense, with companies like Krafton and Netmarble also in the running. If confirmed, Nexon will take the helm in steering the future of this iconic series.
Yet, the most intriguing aspect of the deal involves the reported inclusion of publishing rights for an Overwatch mobile game. This development not only suggests that the mobile version is far from dead but hints at an official sequel in the form of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).
This wouldn't mark the first time Overwatch has ventured into the MOBA genre; fans may recall Blizzard's earlier efforts with Heroes of the Storm. There's a possibility that Heroes of the Storm could be adapted for mobile, and this might be what the proposed Overwatch MOBA refers to.
Alternatively, a spin-off release seems equally plausible. However, the notion of this being an 'Overwatch 3' can be confidently dismissed, as such a move would represent a significant shift for a franchise traditionally centered on console and PC platforms.
Embracing its MOBA roots could prove advantageous for Overwatch, especially as new competitors like Marvel Rivals emerge, potentially overshadowing it. It might be time for Blizzard and their publishing partners to take bold steps to rejuvenate this once-thriving franchise.
