Nexon is reportedly in talks to gain not only the StarCraft IP but also development rights for a new game, possibly reviving a long-unused franchise.
In a significant potential move for the gaming industry, South Korean publisher Nexon is reportedly in discussions to buy the StarCraft intellectual property (IP) from Blizzard Entertainment, according to GamesHub. These discussions come alongside reported negotiations for development rights on a new title in the StarCraft franchise, reports Destructoid.
The potential dual acquisition signals a major shift for the StarCraft franchise, which hasn’t seen a new installment in nearly a decade. The rights deal could usher in a revival for the classic real-time strategy series, beloved by fans but left largely dormant in recent years. The alliance may also invigorate Nexon’s portfolio, positioning it as a powerhouse in both new game development and the eSports sector, where StarCraft historically holds significant legacy.
Elsewhere in gaming hardware, Acer is taking an innovative yet eyebrow-raising turn with its concept device, the Project DualPlay Mini. As The Verge notes, this handheld attempts to merge the functionality of a laptop with a more portable form factor by including a built-in keyboard alongside its gaming controls. Whether this hybrid will entice gamers away from more conventional gaming laptops and handhelds remains to be seen.
In other news, NetEase’s Marvel Rivals game is seeing backlash from fans over the introduction of a controversial skin tied to “X-Men ’97,” as detailed by Destructoid. With the update introducing “Apoca-Gambit,” a character design from the series finale that fans are less than thrilled about, community feedback could signal a need for developers to reconsider future tie-ins.
On the cultural side of the gaming world, the director of a new Resident Evil movie, Zach Cregger, recently shared his realistic take on the franchise during a Reddit AMA, implying the grounded nature of his adaptation might be necessary after years of increasingly fantastical Resident Evil games. For fans still following the series, his comments underscore the ongoing dialogue around adapting games with embellished narratives into film format.
Lastly, in a regular shake-up for the WWE 2K series, GameRant reports that the upcoming WWE 2K27 will see the loss of 32 superstars from its roster. This change reflects broader trends of roster fluidity and ongoing shake-ups within the wrestling world. As usual, roster changes will likely stir conversation among fans about the direction and quality of the latest iteration.
