The StarCraft series has long been a cornerstone of the global gaming community, particularly in South Korea, where it has dominated the esports scene since the early 2000s with tournaments boasting million-dollar prize pools. Now, four of South Korea’s gaming giants—NCSoft, Nexon, Netmarble, and Krafton—are vying for the opportunity to develop new titles under the StarCraft franchise.
The Competition for StarCraft’s Future
According to a report by Asia Today, these four companies are in a fierce battle to secure a contract with Blizzard Entertainment, the owner of the StarCraft intellectual property (IP). The agreement would encompass the development of games across various genres, including shooters and role-playing games (RPGs), along with global publishing rights. Some contenders have reportedly visited Blizzard’s headquarters in California to present their proposals, aiming to demonstrate their capabilities in development, publishing, and global marketing.
Strategic Implications for Korean Developers
Securing the StarCraft IP represents more than just a business deal for these companies; it’s a strategic move to bolster their global presence and tap into Blizzard’s renowned franchise. The South Korean gaming industry has seen significant shifts recently, with Nexon and Krafton achieving record revenues—Nexon reported a 5% increase to 4 trillion won ($2.78 billion) in 2024, while Krafton’s revenue surged 41.8% to 2.71 trillion won. In contrast, NCSoft and Netmarble have faced financial challenges, making the acquisition of a high-profile IP like StarCraft potentially transformative.
Blizzard’s Parallel Developments
Interestingly, while these Korean developers compete for the StarCraft license, Blizzard is reportedly developing a new StarCraft shooter, separate from previously canceled projects like StarCraft: Ghost and StarCraft: Ares. Led by Dan Hay, known for his work on Ubisoft’s Far Cry series, this initiative suggests that multiple new StarCraft titles could be on the horizon, revitalizing a series that hasn’t seen a new installment since 2010.
Looking Ahead
As Blizzard carefully evaluates each company’s proposals and operational plans, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the potential resurgence of the StarCraft universe. Whether through collaborations with South Korean developers or internal projects, the future of this iconic franchise appears promising.
