New StarCraft Game Pitches from Korean Developers to Blizzard

Blizzard Entertainment is reportedly in active discussions with several prominent Korean game studios, all vying to develop new titles under the iconic *StarCraft* franchise. According to a recent report highlighted by the @KoreaXboxnews Twitter account and originally published by Asia Today, four major South Korean companies—NCSoft, Nexon, Netmarble, and Krafton—are said to be competing for the chance to expand the beloved sci-fi IP.

The article suggests that some of these developers have already made the trip to Blizzard’s Irvine headquarters to present their proposals. Among them, NCSoft, known for its work on *Lineage* and *Guild Wars*, has pitched a *StarCraft*-themed RPG, potentially an MMORPG. Nexon, the studio behind *The First Descendant*, is proposing a more “unique” approach to the IP. Netmarble, which has experience with mobile adaptations like *Solo Leveling: Arise*, is reportedly aiming to create a *StarCraft* mobile title. Meanwhile, Krafton, famous for *PUBG* and its upcoming simulator game inZOI, wants to build a *StarCraft* game leveraging its own development strengths.

A Franchise That Won’t Stay Quiet

While it’s common for studios to pitch ideas for popular intellectual properties, any movement around *StarCraft* naturally draws attention. The last mainline entry in the series, *StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty*, launched back in 2010, making this potential revival especially exciting for long-time fans. Although no official confirmation has been made, the mere fact that Blizzard is entertaining pitches—and possibly developing its own projects—suggests the franchise may soon see new life.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard whispers about Blizzard revisiting *StarCraft* beyond its classic RTS roots. In September of last year, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier revealed during an IGN Podcast Unlocked interview that Blizzard was working on a third attempt at a *StarCraft* shooter. This project is being led by Dan Hay, former executive producer on *Far Cry*, who joined Blizzard in 2022.

“If it’s not canceled!” Schreier joked. “This is Blizzard after all. Their history with StarCraft shooters is not good.

Yes, that is a project that as far as I know is in development, or at least as of the time that I wrote this book was in development. They are working on a StarCraft shooter—StarCraft is not dead at Blizzard.”

A History of Canceled Missions

Blizzard has had a rocky road when it comes to expanding *StarCraft* into other genres. Perhaps the most infamous attempt was *StarCraft Ghost*, announced in 2002 as a tactical-action console game starring a Ghost operative from the Dominion. After multiple delays, it was ultimately canceled in 2006.

A second effort, internally dubbed “Ares,” aimed to bring *StarCraft* into the realm of large-scale multiplayer shooters, described by insiders as “like Battlefield in the *StarCraft* universe.” However, the project was shelved in 2019 to refocus resources on *Diablo IV* and *Overwatch 2*.

Signs of Renewed Interest

Despite past setbacks, signs point to renewed investment in the *StarCraft* brand. Recently, Blizzard brought *StarCraft: Remastered* and *StarCraft II: Campaign Collection* to Xbox Game Pass, exposing the titles to a broader audience. Additionally, the company teased a *StarCraft* crossover event with *Hearthstone*, further fueling speculation about a larger strategic push for the franchise.

In November 2024, Blizzard was also spotted recruiting talent for what appeared to be an “upcoming open-world shooter game.” Given the timing and the tone of the job listings, many believe it points to yet another iteration of a *StarCraft*-based FPS.

With multiple external pitches under consideration and internal development reportedly underway, the future of *StarCraft* seems brighter than ever. Whether these efforts will lead to successful, long-term expansion—or end up in the graveyard of canceled dreams—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Blizzard hasn't given up on the Koprulu Sector just yet.