South Korean company Nexon, known for creating popular titles like MapleStory and Dungeon & Fighter, has reportedly entered a strategic partnership with Blizzard Entertainment, according to recent reports. Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on a new game set in the StarCraft universe. Additionally, the deal may include publishing rights for Overwatch Mobile in South Korea and Japan.

Nexon emerged victorious from fierce competition with other major Korean studios—NCSoft, Netmarble, and Krafton. This marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time Blizzard has entrusted a Korean developer with its flagship franchises.

As reported by Money Today, negotiations between the companies began in late 2024 when Blizzard was actively seeking a partner for new initiatives. A key feature of the StarCraft agreement is its flexibility: Nexon will have the freedom to experiment with various formats, including spin-offs, user-generated content platforms, and mods.

As for Overwatch Mobile, the project is being developed as a MOBA, a radical departure from the traditional shooter formula. The mobile version is being specifically designed for smartphones and has been unofficially dubbed "Overwatch 3" in internal documents due to its substantial differences from Overwatch 2.

Experts highlight StarCraft's unique status in South Korea, where the game has become a cultural phenomenon—explaining the intense competition for the franchise rights. For Nexon, this partnership presents new opportunities for global expansion beyond the Asian market.

The deal also corroborates information from Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier’s book Play Nice, which mentioned the Overwatch Mobile project. Now, the initiative has been revived, albeit in an entirely new genre.

An official announcement regarding the new projects from Nexon and Blizzard is expected soon.

Main image: us.shop.battle.net

Comment on this