StarCraft 2030: Franchise Returns as Open-World Shooter
Blizzard announced at BlizzCon that the iconic StarCraft franchise will return in 2030 as an open-world action shooter rather than an RTS game.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Blizzard announces the revival of the StarCraft franchise at BlizzCon
- The new game is scheduled for release in 2030 as an open-world shooter
- The franchise shifts away from real-time strategy (RTS) to action gameplay
- The cinematic trailer highlights the United Earth Directorate and the Zerg
A full decade after the release of the final expansion pack for StarCraft II, Blizzard is finally bringing the legendary sci-fi franchise back to life. The major announcement was delivered by Dan Hay, a vice president at Blizzard, taking the stage at the BlizzCon event to reveal the surprise return of the series after years of dormancy.
Instead of traditional real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay, the upcoming title simply titled StarCraft will take the form of an open-world shooter. This marks a fresh attempt by the studio to explore the 3D shooter space, echoing the ambition of the ill-fated StarCraft: Ghost project that first entered development in 2002 before former Blizzard president Mike Morhaime officially confirmed its cancellation in 2014 following years in development hell.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Pivoting a classic strategic franchise into an open-world action shooter is a massive strategic gamble for Blizzard. While it opens the door to modern action gamers, bridging the gap with a passionate RTS community that has waited over a decade for a traditional sequel will require exceptional execution and deep respect for the universe's lore.
During the presentation, Hay showcased a cinematic trailer focusing on the human United Earth Directorate faction as they gear up for a brutal confrontation against the Zerg, while the Protoss received only a passing mention. The cinematic pulls no punches, depicting a propaganda-driven soldier facing the grim reality of battle, where the protagonist ultimately serves as disposable fodder for the war machine.
While franchise enthusiasts are undoubtedly thrilled to see Blizzard defrost the long-dormant IP, many community members are maintaining cautious optimism, still hoping for a true RTS successor to 2010's StarCraft II alongside this bold new direction.
Source: The Verge
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