Blizzard Entertainment is said to be developing a new StarCraft-themed shooter under the direction of Dan Hay, the former head of Ubisoft’s Far Cry franchise. Industry insiders suggest that the company plans to unveil this fresh take on the iconic real-time strategy universe later this year, marking a significant expansion for the StarCraft IP into first-person shooter territory.
This move signals Blizzard’s intent to diversify its portfolio by blending its rich sci-fi lore with gameplay styles that appeal to a broader audience, potentially introducing StarCraft to competitive shooter fans who might not typically engage with RTS games.
Key details reportedly surrounding the project include:
– Dan Hay, who previously led the Far Cry series at Ubisoft, is spearheading the project, bringing extensive experience in shooter design and open-world mechanics.
– The game is set within the established StarCraft universe but is expected to pivot away from traditional strategy gameplay toward a first-person or third-person shooter format.
– Blizzard intends to announce the game publicly later in 2024, although specific release windows or platforms have yet to be disclosed.
– The development reportedly aims to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the StarCraft franchise, which maintains a strong competitive scene especially within South Korea.
– Blizzard’s move into a StarCraft shooter aligns with broader industry trends where established franchises expand into new genres to reinvigorate their fanbase and capture new market segments.
Why this matters: Blizzard stepping into the shooter market with a StarCraft title represents a notable shift for the company, traditionally renowned for strategy and MMO games like World of Warcraft and Overwatch. The involvement of Dan Hay, known for his leadership on critically lauded shooter titles, suggests Blizzard is taking this project seriously and aiming for a high-quality experience that could challenge incumbents in the FPS genre.
Additionally, this development could signal a wider strategy by Blizzard to leverage its well-known intellectual properties across different genres. After the relative quiet following the mixed reception to Diablo Immortal and ongoing updates to existing games, Blizzard’s expansion into a new kind of StarCraft experience might rejuvenate interest not only in the brand but also in the company’s creative directions.
Platforms and release context remain officially unconfirmed, but given Blizzard’s history, it is likely that the shooter will launch on PC, with potential expansions to consoles depending on strategic decisions. Whether the game will adopt a multiplayer focus akin to traditional competitive shooters like Overwatch or offer story-driven single-player content remains speculative at this stage.
As Blizzard gears up for this reveal, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how the company reinterprets one of its seminal universes in a new, action-oriented format. The announcement will undoubtedly be a highlight of Blizzard’s communication strategy later this year.
Source: videogameschronicle.com
