Blizzard and Nexon are joining forces to create a new StarCraft shooter, marking a significant shift in the franchise's direction. This development comes as a surprise to many fans, as it diverges from the series' traditional real-time strategy (RTS) roots. The news was first reported by Korean site dnews, suggesting that Nexon, the publisher of Arc Raiders, is leading the project. The game is expected to be a first-person shooter, with a focus on multiplayer, and may be unveiled at BlizzCon 2026.
This isn't the first time Blizzard has hinted at a StarCraft shooter. In 2024, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier revealed that the developer was working on a first-person shooter set in the StarCraft universe, with Dan Hay, a veteran from the Far Cry series, at the helm. This project is still in development and could be a major attraction at BlizzCon 2026.
Additionally, in 2025, Blizzard announced a partnership with Nexon to create a new StarCraft game for the Southeast Asian market. Initially, it was assumed that this game would be a real-time strategy sequel to StarCraft and StarCraft II. However, recent reports indicate that this project is also evolving into a shooter, adding to the excitement among fans.
The shift to a shooter genre is intriguing, especially given the team's affiliation with Nexon's 'Shooting Division'. This suggests a potential blend of strategy and shooting mechanics, creating a unique gaming experience. The game is currently in the prototype and planning stages, and its final form remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the prospect of two StarCraft games in development, one of which is a shooter, has fans eagerly anticipating the future of this iconic franchise.
The development of these games is a significant departure from the traditional StarCraft experience, and it will be interesting to see how fans and critics react to this bold move. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's exciting to witness the evolution of beloved franchises like StarCraft.
