Nexon and Blizzard ink deal, Overwatch Mobile may still launch

The prospect of Overwatch making its way to mobile devices has long been a topic of speculation among fans, particularly following revelations from Jason Schreier's book about Blizzard. However, recent developments suggest that the dream might not be as distant as once thought. Korean developer Nexon has inked a new deal with Blizzard, and while the primary focus is on securing the publishing and development rights for the iconic StarCraft RTS franchise, there's more to the story.

The competition for the StarCraft rights was intense, with other contenders like Krafton and Netmarble in the running. If confirmed, Nexon's involvement would mark a significant step forward for the franchise, potentially leading to new entries under their stewardship.

What's particularly intriguing, however, are reports that the deal also encompasses publishing rights for Overwatch on mobile. This revelation not only suggests that the mobile version is far from dead but also hints at an ambitious project: an official sequel in the form of a MOBA. This move could breathe new life into the franchise, especially given its previous foray into the MOBA genre with Heroes of the Storm.

While it's possible that the proposed Overwatch MOBA could be a mobile version of Heroes of the Storm, there's also the potential for a completely new spin-off. However, the idea of an 'Overwatch 3' seems highly unlikely, as it would represent a significant shift for a franchise traditionally focused on console and PC platforms.

Embracing the MOBA genre could be a strategic move for Overwatch, especially with new competitors like Marvel Rivals emerging. This could be the drastic action needed to revitalize the franchise and keep it relevant in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.