The prospect of Overwatch coming to mobile has long been a tantalizing thought for fans, especially after Jason Schreier's book hinted that such a project was on hold. However, a recent deal between Korean developer Nexon and Blizzard has reignited hopes. While the primary focus of this agreement centers on securing the publishing and development rights for a new entry in the beloved StarCraft real-time strategy (RTS) series, it's the mention of Overwatch mobile that has sparked the most excitement.
Competition for the StarCraft rights was intense, with other major players like Krafton and Netmarble in the fray. If confirmed, Nexon will take the helm for future StarCraft releases, marking a significant development for the franchise. Yet, it's the reports about the bidding also encompassing publishing rights for Overwatch mobile that have caught everyone's attention. This suggests not only that the mobile version is far from dead but also that it could take the form of an official sequel, possibly as a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).
Nerf thisThis wouldn't mark the first time Overwatch has ventured into the MOBA space, considering Blizzard's past efforts with Heroes of the Storm. There's a chance that this proposed Overwatch MOBA could actually be a mobile version of Heroes of the Storm. However, the possibility of a new spin-off release is equally plausible. It's safe to say that the idea of an 'Overwatch 3' for mobile can be dismissed, as such a move would represent a significant shift for a franchise traditionally focused on console and PC platforms.
Adopting a MOBA format could be a strategic move for Overwatch, especially as new competitors like Marvel Rivals loom on the horizon, threatening to steal its thunder. For Blizzard and its publishing partners, this could be the decisive action needed to revitalize the franchise and keep it at the forefront of gamers' minds.
