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

The prospect of Overwatch coming to mobile has long been considered a distant dream, particularly after Jason Schreier's exposé on Blizzard hinted that such a project had been indefinitely shelved. However, recent developments suggest that this dream might yet become a reality, thanks to a fresh partnership between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard.

The core of this new deal centers on securing publishing and development rights for a new installment in the legendary StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) series. The competition was intense, with other notable companies like Krafton and Netmarble also vying for the opportunity. Should this deal be finalized, Nexon would take the helm in steering future entries of the StarCraft franchise.

Yet, the most intriguing aspect of this agreement is the reported inclusion of publishing rights for Overwatch on mobile platforms. This revelation not only hints that the mobile version of Overwatch is far from dead but also suggests that it might evolve into 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; fans may recall Blizzard's earlier push with Heroes of the Storm. It's plausible that Heroes of the Storm could make its way to mobile devices, potentially representing the rumored Overwatch MOBA.

Alternatively, a completely new spin-off could be in the works. However, the notion of this project being dubbed 'Overwatch 3' can be firmly dismissed. Such a move would represent a significant shift for a franchise traditionally focused on console and PC platforms.

Embracing the MOBA genre could prove advantageous for Overwatch, especially in light of emerging competitors like Marvel Rivals that pose a threat to its prominence. This strategic pivot by Blizzard and their publishing partners might be crucial to revitalizing and propelling this once-thriving franchise forward.