Nexon, the publisher of the upcoming game Arc Raiders, is reportedly in negotiations with Blizzard Entertainment to acquire the rights to develop a new StarCraft game. South Korean newspaper Chosun, citing a senior gaming official, suggests that a contract between the two companies regarding the StarCraft intellectual property is nearing finalization.
StarCraft, first released in 1998, has seen limited new content in recent years, with StarCraft II arriving in 2010 and StarCraft: Remastered in 2017. Despite the long gap since a major new installment, the franchise maintains significant popularity in South Korea, reportedly remaining in the top 10 most played games in internet cafes. This enduring presence is a key factor in Nexon's reported interest.
This potential licensing deal also surfaces amid discussions about artificial intelligence in game development. Nexon CEO Junghun Lee has previously stated that most game companies are likely using AI, citing its ability to improve efficiency in production and live services. It remains to be seen whether any agreement with Blizzard would include stipulations regarding AI usage, especially in light of potential player concerns.
Meanwhile, Blizzard is reportedly working on its own StarCraft spin-off, described as an open-world shooter. While its release is not imminent, there is speculation that it could be showcased at BlizzCon 2026. Kotaku has reached out to Blizzard for comment on these reports.