Starcraft is said to be returning, from the last developer you would ever anticipate.

      Blizzard Entertainment

      There has been ongoing discussion about a new Starcraft game, and this morning, Money Today Broadcasting (MTN) reported that Nexon has secured the bid to create a new title within the franchise. Furthermore, Nexon has also been chosen as the publisher for a mobile adaptation of Overwatch.

      The report does not specify the type of game the new Starcraft will be, but it is unlikely to be a real-time strategy (RTS) game. Evidence suggests that it might be a shooter, as previously indicated in Jason Schreier’s book, Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment. Additionally, there have been various job postings at Blizzard hinting at the development of an “open-world shooter,” although none explicitly stated it would be linked to the Starcraft IP.

      Nexon has previously developed The Finals, a fast-paced free-to-play shooter that has maintained a robust player base — a notable achievement given the current difficulties live-service games face in retaining player interest after their initial launch.

      The report notes, “Blizzard has been pursuing major Korean game companies since the fourth quarter of last year, proposing content development rights for the ‘Starcraft’ IP along with the Korean and Japanese service rights for ‘Overwatch Mobile’ as a bundled deal.” It adds that, alongside Nexon, both NC and Netmarble participated enthusiastically in the bidding process.

      This information originates from a Korean source, and while it has been translated by Google, the main point is clear: there is significant enthusiasm among companies to continue the franchise. The report further elaborates, “Domestic gaming companies that took part in the bidding have made various proposals, such as creating new spin-off games using the ‘Starcraft’ IP and developing user-generated content and platforms based on the ‘Starcraft’ IP. However, it remains unclear what type of bid Nexon presented.”

      While many fans would welcome another RTS — after all, Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty was exceptional — it appears more probable that the new title will be a shooter, possibly drawing inspiration from the canceled Starcraft: Ghost. Nexon will collaborate with Blizzard; together, with the successes of Overwatch and The Finals, they form a formidable partnership.

      Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      GOG revives a classic RPG over two decades after its initial release.

      More than twenty years after its original launch, the cult classic JRPG Breath of Fire IV has made a comeback on PCs through the GOG Preservation Program. Initially released on PC in 2000 (with releases in Europe and Japan in 2003), this re-release aims to address the shortcomings of what was widely viewed as an unsatisfactory port.

      Originally, Breath of Fire IV was tailored for 240p displays. Even with advanced upscaling techniques, the visuals may not appear perfect, and early players have noted that GOG’s updated version still requires some adjustments to reduce blurriness. Nevertheless, this new iteration features numerous bug fixes and enhancements that enhance compatibility with modern systems (including the removal of DRM).

      If you enjoy Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, consider exploring these 33 obscure French films next.

      Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has launched, and critics agree: it is distinctly French. Sandfall Interactive's RPG has received praise for its creative storytelling and stylized visuals, but its French origins have also intrigued players. Clair Obscur proudly showcases visual nods to France's rich art history. If your gameplay leaves you wanting to explore more media that reflects this culture, welcome to the realm of French cinema. Here, an extensive history of unique, unconventional films exists that manage to be both heartfelt and unpredictable. If you appreciate how Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 refreshes the RPG genre, you might also admire how French filmmakers have innovated in cinema for over a decade.

      Following Oblivion Remastered, my excitement for Skyblivion has only grown.

      This week, Bethesda surprised fans (or at least those not tuned into rumors) with the unexpected release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. This project pays homage to the 2006 RPG classic by giving it an Unreal Engine facelift while introducing several thoughtful quality-of-life improvements. It feels both like a comprehensive overhaul and remains true to the original game, still full of the charming quirks that have fueled YouTube compilations for years. For many fans of the original title, it will likely stand as a definitive remake.

      Yet, this will not be the last time Oblivion is remade. For over a decade, a group of dedicated fans has been working on a complete remake of Oblivion within Skyrim, called Skyblivion. While it may seem that Bethesda has overshadowed that project's efforts, I now find myself even more interested in Skyblivion after experiencing the relatively less ambitious Obliv