Blizzard's next expansion of Nexon ties points to dual-track StarCraft shooter strategy
Summary
Blizzard reportedly has two separate StarCraft shooters in development: one co-developed with Nexon, one built internally under ex-Far Cry director Dan Hay.
The Nexon deal extends beyond regional publishing into IP co-development, establishing a new risk-sharing model for resurrecting dormant franchises.
StarCraft is expected to headline BlizzCon in September 2026, creating a disclosure event for both projects.
"The Nexon project was likely unrelated to the StarCraft shooter mentioned in his book"
01
Two separate StarCraft shooters now in production
Nexon signed a content development agreement with Blizzard to collaborate on StarCraft IP.
Nexon's shooter division has begun "full-scale development" with dedicated hires led by StarCraft modder Choi Jun-ho.
Blizzard's internal project is led by Dan Hay, former Far Cry franchise director at Ubisoft Montreal.
Bloomberg's Schreier confirmed the Nexon project is likely separate from the internal effort.
This marks at least the fourth StarCraft shooter attempt, following cancelled Ghost and Ares projects.
02
Co-development de-risks a franchise with two prior cancellations
Parallel tracks distribute execution risk: if one project stalls, the other survives independently.
Nexon contributes shooter infrastructure via its Arc Raiders pipeline, sparing Blizzard from building internal capacity.
Nexon also holds Overwatch publishing rights in South Korea, extending an existing operational relationship into production.
For Microsoft/Blizzard, Nexon functions as a capital and talent co-investor on the second title.
03
Nexon is becoming a structured Blizzard IP partner, not a one-off licensor
Two deals now link Nexon to Blizzard IP: Overwatch regional publishing plus StarCraft co-development.
The model is asymmetric: Nexon gains franchise access; Blizzard gains a funded co-developer without diluting studio ownership.
Blizzard sharing IP development with an Asian major sets precedent for Western publishers holding dormant IPs with strong Asian audience affinity.
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BlizzCon September 2026 is the next disclosure event
Windows Central reported StarCraft will likely headline BlizzCon alongside new Diablo IV and World of Warcraft expansions.
Choi Jun-ho's StarCraft modding background signals the Nexon title targets the franchise's core Korean esports audience.
Hay's internal project likely aims at a different audience segment, creating a sequencing decision for Blizzard's announcement strategy.
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