Blizzard Reportedly Taps Nexon’s Arc Raiders Owner for a New StarCraft Shooter

A New Chapter for StarCraft?

Blizzard Entertainment is reportedly exploring a return to the StarCraft universe through a new shooter project, according to tier-one reporting from Video Games Chronicle. The report claims that Blizzard has turned to a Nexon-owned studio, known for its involvement with Arc Raiders, to collaborate on the potential project.

While Blizzard has not officially confirmed the title or scope of the game, sources cited by VGC suggest the project would take the form of a shooter set within the established StarCraft universe, marking a significant departure from the franchise’s traditional real-time strategy roots.

Nexon’s Reported Involvement

The studio reportedly involved is owned by Nexon, a major global publisher with a growing presence in the shooter and live-service markets. Nexon’s association with Arc Raiders — a sci-fi extraction shooter developed by Embark Studios — positions it as a potential strategic partner for a project that would blend Blizzard’s IP with modern multiplayer shooter mechanics.

According to Video Games Chronicle, Nexon secured publishing rights for a StarCraft-based shooter project following a competitive bidding process. While development details remain limited, the move suggests Blizzard may be seeking external collaboration to expand the franchise into new genres.

A Long-Awaited StarCraft Revival

The StarCraft franchise has remained largely dormant since the conclusion of StarCraft II’s content cycle. Despite its enduring esports legacy and strong brand recognition, Blizzard has not released a new major StarCraft installment in recent years.

This is not the first time Blizzard has attempted to branch the franchise into a shooter format. Previous internal projects set in the StarCraft universe were reportedly canceled during earlier development cycles. If confirmed, this new initiative would represent the most serious attempt yet to reimagine StarCraft as a first-person or third-person shooter experience.

What This Means for Blizzard

Blizzard’s reported partnership reflects a broader trend within the company toward revitalizing established IP through genre experimentation. With Microsoft now overseeing Blizzard under the Xbox umbrella, there has been renewed interest in leveraging classic franchises in fresh ways.

A StarCraft shooter could align with Blizzard’s existing strengths in competitive design while capitalizing on modern live-service infrastructure. However, until Blizzard formally announces the project, its direction, gameplay model, and release timeline remain speculative.

Awaiting Official Confirmation

Neither Blizzard nor Nexon has issued a formal statement confirming the project’s existence at the time of reporting. As with many early-stage developments, details may evolve before any public reveal.

If the report proves accurate, the project would mark a major moment for StarCraft fans and signal Blizzard’s intent to expand one of its most iconic universes beyond its traditional strategy roots.