Gamers waiting for a new entry in the StarCraft franchise may soon have a concrete path forward. A potential agreement could restart development of the real-time strategy series following a long period of inactivity. This shift matters because it signals whether the iconic IP will receive a modern sequel or remain dormant under its current owners.
Nexon selected as preferred bidder to create next game while Microsoft keeps ownership
According to a report from Chosun, Nexon is in advanced talks to secure the development rights for a StarCraft sequel. A senior gaming industry official stated that the contract between Nexon and Blizzard is on the verge of finalization. The official added that Nexon would hold the rights to develop the next game once the agreement is complete.
The proposed arrangement does not involve Nexon purchasing the franchise outright. Instead, Nexon would receive the license to create a sequel while Blizzard and its parent company, Microsoft, retain full ownership of the StarCraft intellectual property. Nexon was reportedly selected as the preferred bidder over other interested companies, partly due to its existing relationship with Blizzard.
StarCraft 3 remains unconfirmed as of the report date, and the deal has not been officially announced by either party. The report relies on information from a senior gaming industry official speaking to Chosun, meaning the details are not yet verified by Nexon or Blizzard. Previous reports concerning the franchise's status were reviewed during the monitoring of these developments.
Source: DEXERTO
