StarCraft returns: Blizzard preparing open-world shooter for 2030

Blizzard announced a major surprise for the gaming industry at BlizzCon, confirming that the legendary StarCraft franchise is returning in a completely new format. As reported by The Verge, the new project planned for 2030 will not be a traditional real-time strategy (RTS) game, but an open-world shooter.

Blizzard Vice President Dan Hay took to the stage to speak about the news. After a break of more than a decade, the franchise is back in the spotlight. The event also featured the first cinematic trailer, giving audiences a glimpse of the project's visual style. The game's official title is currently simply StarCraft.

A second attempt at the shooter genre

This is not the first time Blizzard has tried to adapt the StarCraft universe into a 3D shooter. Back in 2002, the company announced StarCraft: Ghost. However, the game remained stuck in development hell for years until Blizzard's then-president, Mike Morhaime, officially confirmed its cancellation in 2014.

Now, after a long hiatus, the company is returning to the concept. Instead of traditional top-down strategy gameplay, the new StarCraft will place players inside an open world.

What this means for gamers

Blizzard has not yet released additional details regarding specific gameplay mechanics or the storyline. Although there is still a long wait ahead of its 2030 release, the project indicates that the company wants to completely reimagine one of its most famous universes.