There’s finally hope for a new StarCraft game as four major studios battle for its rights from Xbox. Gaming giants Nexon and Krafton have already dispatched executives directly to Blizzard’s HQ to pitch their proposals.

Blizzard’s iconic StarCraft series has unexpectedly found itself at the heart of a fierce competition in South Korea, reigniting interest in the legendary sci-fi real-time strategy franchise. Despite lying dormant for years, the series remains a highly coveted property. Four major South Korean gaming companies—NCSoft, Nexon, Netmarble, and Krafton—are currently battling fiercely for the right to develop and globally distribute future titles under the StarCraft brand.

According to a recent report from Asia Today, executives from these companies have traveled directly to Blizzard’s California headquarters to personally present their proposals. Importantly, this deal would not involve outright selling the IP; instead, it would be more akin to a licensing arrangement, with Xbox and Blizzard retaining full ownership of the franchise while granting development and distribution rights. Each of these gaming giants has presented uniquely different visions for how they would revitalize StarCraft.

New Genres and Fresh Ideas Could Revive StarCraft

NCSoft, best known for its MMORPG expertise, plans to transform the StarCraft universe into a role-playing game experience. Nexon aims for a broader appeal by experimenting with various genres, while Netmarble is interested in leveraging the franchise’s potential on mobile platforms. Krafton, the company behind PUBG’s massive success, is also rumored to be considering a completely new interpretation of the franchise, although it hasn’t officially confirmed its involvement yet.

For these South Korean companies, StarCraft holds more than just financial promise. The series has enormous historical and cultural significance in the country, having played a pivotal role in the explosion of esports. Acquiring rights to the IP would represent not just a lucrative business move but also a significant cultural opportunity.

Industry analysts believe acquiring the StarCraft IP would be a major boost for any company. Analyst Lee Ji-hoon emphasized that “whoever obtains StarCraft will gain a loyal community and globally recognized brand, but must also shoulder the responsibility of honoring its legacy.” It’s clear why these studios consider the franchise essential, especially given its role in esports history worldwide.

Blizzard has yet to announce its final decision, but sources suggest it will favor a partner with strong development capabilities, global reach, and marketing strength. A decision is expected within the next few months, potentially marking the beginning of an exciting new era for the legendary franchise.

Source: 3djuegos