Blizzard's Secretive New StarCraft Shooter: A Surprising Revelation

In a surprising turn of events, renowned journalist Jason Schreier has unveiled the existence of a new StarCraft game in development at Blizzard Entertainment. This revelation, shared during his appearance on the IGN's Unlocked podcast, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, who had long believed the iconic franchise to be dormant.

Uncovering Blizzard's Closely Guarded Secret

The Resurgence of the StarCraft Franchise

Contrary to popular belief, the StarCraft franchise is not dead. Schreier's insider information has shed light on Blizzard's ongoing efforts to revive the beloved real-time strategy (RTS) series. According to the journalist, the company is actively developing a new StarCraft project, which he describes as a "shooter" game.This revelation comes as a surprise, as the StarCraft franchise has not seen a new installment since the release of StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void in 2015. The last major StarCraft-related project, StarCraft: Ghost, was infamously canceled in 2014 after years of development.

A Shift in Direction: From RTS to Shooter

The new StarCraft project being developed by Blizzard represents a significant departure from the franchise's traditional RTS roots. Schreier's book, "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment," provides further details on this unexpected shift in direction.According to the journalist, the new StarCraft shooter is not related to the previously canceled StarCraft: Ghost or StarCraft: Ares, both of which were stealth and first-person shooter (FPS) games, respectively. This suggests that Blizzard is exploring a fresh approach to the StarCraft universe, one that deviates from the familiar RTS gameplay that has defined the series for decades.

A Veteran Leader at the Helm

Interestingly, the development of this new StarCraft shooter is being led by Dan Hay, a seasoned industry veteran. Hay, who previously served as the Executive Director and Producer for Ubisoft's acclaimed Far Cry series, including titles such as Far Cry 3, 4, 5, 6, Primal, and Blood Dragon, has now joined Blizzard as the Vice President and GM.Hay's involvement in the project suggests that Blizzard is bringing in experienced talent to spearhead the development of this new StarCraft game. His background in the FPS genre, particularly with the Far Cry series, could indicate that the studio is aiming to leverage his expertise to create a compelling and immersive shooter experience within the StarCraft universe.

Timing and Implications

According to Schreier's information, the development of the new StarCraft shooter likely began around February 2022, when Hay joined Blizzard as the Vice President and GM. This timing suggests that the project is still in its relatively early stages, and it may be some time before we see any official announcements or gameplay reveals from the studio.The resurrection of the StarCraft franchise, particularly in the form of a shooter, raises intriguing questions about Blizzard's long-term plans for the series. While the RTS genre has remained a core part of the StarCraft identity, the decision to explore a shooter-based experience could indicate a desire to expand the franchise's reach and appeal to a broader audience.Moreover, the involvement of a seasoned industry veteran like Dan Hay could signal Blizzard's intention to bring a fresh perspective and innovative approach to the StarCraft universe, potentially reinvigorating the franchise and captivating both longtime fans and newcomers alike.As the gaming community eagerly awaits further updates and details on this secretive new StarCraft project, the anticipation and speculation surrounding its development will undoubtedly continue to grow. Blizzard's ability to navigate this delicate balance between honoring the franchise's legacy and embracing new creative directions will be a crucial factor in determining the success and reception of this highly anticipated title.