In a move that could mark a major shift in Blizzard’s approach to one of its most iconic franchises, Nexon is reportedly being positioned as the preferred publishing partner for a new StarCraft game — and that’s not all. Sources also claim Nexon will be spearheading development on a mobile version of Overwatch, internally dubbed Overwatch 3.

A Strategic Shift in Blizzard’s IP Management

Multiple sources familiar with the negotiations have indicated that Blizzard, now under Microsoft ownership, is actively pursuing external partnerships to revitalize dormant IPs. According to South Korean outlet MTN, Nexon emerged as the frontrunner following a fierce bidding war involving some of Korea’s biggest publishers — NCSoft, Netmarble, and Krafton.

The selection of Nexon reportedly came down to the company’s extensive experience in live service titles and its ability to manage cross-platform development at scale. Sources suggest that the new StarCraft title could explore new genres beyond the traditional RTS format, potentially signaling the franchise’s evolution in a modern gaming landscape dominated by shooters and hybrid-action games.

Overwatch Mobile: More Than a Port

Perhaps more surprising is the news surrounding Overwatch Mobile. Internal documents refer to the title as Overwatch 3, though it’s not clear if this is a codename or a formal installment in the franchise. Early details hint at a standalone experience built specifically for mobile, with gameplay elements optimized for shorter session play and touch-based controls — more akin to Call of Duty Mobile than a simple port of Overwatch 2.

Development of Overwatch Mobile is expected to be led by a joint task force composed of Nexon engineers and former Blizzard developers, with Blizzard overseeing creative direction. A closed technical alpha could arrive as early as Q4 2025.

What’s Next for StarCraft?

The StarCraft IP has remained largely dormant since the release of StarCraft: Remastered in 2017, and the cancellation of various internal projects like StarCraft: Ghost and Project Ares left fans wondering whether the universe would ever return. Now, it appears that Blizzard may be testing the waters with external partners — and if Nexon’s rumored involvement is any indication, it’s a serious effort.

Rumour has it Blizzard is still internally developing a separate StarCraft title — reportedly a shooter led by Dan Hay, former producer of Ubisoft’s Far Cry series. The internal project is said to be early in development and remains unannounced. It’s unclear whether the Nexon-developed StarCraft game will share continuity with this title or represent a separate branch of the IP.

A Global Strategy from Microsoft-Blizzard

Industry analysts believe this signals a broader strategy from Microsoft and Blizzard to expand key IPs across markets, genres, and platforms. Partnering with Nexon — a titan of Asian online gaming — could give Blizzard unprecedented access to new demographics, particularly in South Korea and mobile-first regions.

If successful, this model could extend to other franchises. Sources close to Blizzard’s business development team suggested that similar conversations have occurred regarding Heroes of the Storm and Warcraft mobile adaptations.

While neither Blizzard nor Nexon has made an official statement on the matter, all signs point to a significant pivot in how the StarCraft and Overwatch IPs are being managed. Whether fans are ready for a mobile Overwatch or a Nexon-developed StarCraft, one thing is clear: Blizzard is no longer playing it safe with its legacy franchises.