The next StarCraft may not be made by Blizzard, according to a new report
Nexon, one of Korea’s largest gaming companies, is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Blizzard Entertainment to acquire the development rights to the StarCraft franchise. According to a report from Korean newspaper Chosun citing an unnamed senior gaming industry official, the contract between the two companies is “on the verge of being finalized.”
If the deal closes, Nexon would gain the ability to develop the next StarCraft title, potentially marking the franchise’s return after a decade of dormancy. StarCraft 2’s final DLC launched in 2016, with only a 2017 remaster of the original game released since then. The series has remained culturally significant, particularly in South Korea where competitive StarCraft has deep roots in esports culture.
This partnership represents a notable shift in the franchise’s future. Rather than Blizzard developing the next entry in-house, the storied real-time strategy series would pass to Nexon’s care. While the reports don’t explicitly confirm StarCraft 3 is in development, observers anticipate that securing these rights signals Nexon’s intention to create a full sequel.
The deal holds particular significance given StarCraft’s enduring popularity despite its extended absence from new content. Nexon appears positioned to capitalize on the franchise’s legacy, particularly in Asian markets where the series maintains a passionate fanbase.