Blizzard reportedly developing two StarCraft shooters with Nexon partnership

Blizzard Entertainment is reportedly developing two separate StarCraft shooter games, including one co-developed with Nexon's shooter division, according to a new report from South Korea. The projects would represent a significant expansion of the StarCraft franchise beyond its real-time strategy roots, marking at least the fourth attempt by Blizzard to create a shooter in the universe.

Nexon partnership leads first project

According to the Korean report, Nexon's shooter division has begun 'full-scale development' of a game using the StarCraft IP, following a content development agreement signed with Blizzard last year. The project is reportedly being led by Choi Jun-ho, a popular StarCraft modder whom Nexon has specifically hired for the role.

Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, who first reported the existence of a StarCraft shooter in his book Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment, suggested the Nexon project was likely unrelated to the shooter mentioned in his book. This indicates Blizzard is planning at least two such projects simultaneously.

Second project led by Far Cry veteran

The second StarCraft shooter project is reportedly being led by Dan Hay, the former Ubisoft executive who oversaw the Far Cry series during its most successful period. Hay left Ubisoft Montreal in 2021 after a decade at the studio and joined Blizzard to work on undisclosed projects.

Recent reports from Windows Central have suggested that StarCraft content is likely to headline the upcoming BlizzCon event in September, alongside new expansions for Diablo IV and World of Warcraft.

History of cancelled attempts

If accurate, these projects would mark Blizzard's fourth attempt at creating a StarCraft shooter. The company previously cancelled StarCraft Ghost, a stealth-action game featuring Nova that was announced in 2002 but never released despite years of development. Another project, codenamed Ares, was also cancelled during development.

The potential success of these new projects could significantly impact the franchise's future direction, particularly given the popularity of shooter games in competitive gaming markets like the UAE, where both PC and console gaming communities have shown strong interest in tactical shooters.

What we don't know

Neither Blizzard nor Nexon has officially confirmed these projects. Key details remain unclear, including specific platforms, gameplay mechanics, release windows, and whether either game will feature traditional StarCraft units and factions. The companies have not responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.

The timing of any potential announcements remains uncertain, though industry observers expect more details could emerge at BlizzCon if the reports prove accurate.

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