A new report indicates that South Korean game developer and publisher Nexon is on the verge of acquiring the rights to develop future titles in the StarCraft franchise from Blizzard Entertainment. The information comes from a report by Korean newspaper Chosun, citing a senior industry official who claims the deal is nearing finalization.
If the agreement is completed, Nexon would gain the ability to create a new game within the StarCraft universe. It remains unclear whether this would result in a direct sequel to StarCraft II or a new installment altogether. However, a StarCraft game developed by Nexon would represent a significant shift for the beloved real-time strategy series.
StarCraft and its successor, StarCraft II, maintain considerable popularity, particularly in South Korea, where they remain staples in internet cafes and have played a foundational role in the growth of esports. The strong competitive scene for RTS games in the country makes a Korean-developed StarCraft title a logical possibility.
Adding to the complexity, previous reports suggested Blizzard itself was exploring a StarCraft-themed shooter with Nexon, and even working on its own StarCraft shooter project, reportedly led by former Far Cry lead Dan Hay. The exact nature of the games in development, or to be developed, remains uncertain.
Speculation about the franchise's future has been fueled by recent activity, including a surprise update to StarCraft II earlier this year, six years after Blizzard had officially ceased active development. Further clarity is anticipated around BlizzCon, scheduled for September 12-13, where a StarCraft-related announcement is expected.