After years without a new mainline entry, the StarCraft series may be heading back into active development. Reports from South Korea suggest Nexon is discussing a deal with Blizzard Entertainment to create a sequel.
The potential project is not confirmed, and the biggest surprise is the reported developer. Rather than being made internally by Blizzard, the next StarCraft game could be produced through a partnership with Nexon.
What the reported Nexon deal could mean
South Korean newspaper Chosun reports that Nexon is negotiating to obtain the rights to develop a StarCraft sequel. An unnamed senior gaming-industry source described the agreement as being close to completion.
If the report is accurate, Nexon would presumably take responsibility for developing what many fans would call StarCraft 3. That would represent a major change for the real-time strategy franchise, which has been largely quiet since Blizzard finished supporting StarCraft 2.
Blizzard released the final downloadable content for StarCraft 2 in 2016. The original game did receive a remaster in 2017, but there has been no announced sequel since then.
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Could it be a StarCraft shooter instead?
The reported partnership may not concern a traditional real-time strategy game. A separate report published earlier in 2026 claimed that Blizzard and Nexon were working together on a StarCraft shooter.
That shooter could be connected to the long-delayed StarCraft: Ghost, the console-focused project that was cancelled after years of development. It is also unclear whether it is the same shooter discussed by journalist Jason Schreier in 2024, which was reportedly being led by former Far Cry chief Dan Hay. The earlier report can be read as another report, while Schreier’s comments are summarised by Jason Schreier said in 2024.
Blizzard and Nexon already have a business relationship in South Korea. Earlier in 2026, Nexon acquired the publishing rights for Overwatch on PC in the Korean market.
When could StarCraft news arrive?
Any announcement connected to the reported agreement could potentially appear at BlizzCon 2026. Rumours have already pointed to a StarCraft reveal, while Blizzard’s unexpected June update for StarCraft 2 changed aspects of the game’s competitive meta. The official surprise update provides the confirmed details about that patch.
The BlizzCon opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PDT on 12 September 2026. Announcements for StarCraft, World of Warcraft and Overwatch are expected to take place during the ceremony, which will be streamed on the official Blizzard YouTube channel.
Until Blizzard or Nexon confirms the project, the identity and format of the next StarCraft game remain unknown. It could be a new RTS, a shooter, or an entirely different take on the science-fiction universe.
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