New StarCraft Shooter Will Be a 'Box Product' Not a Live-Service Game
Blizzard's upcoming StarCraft project is bucking the company's modern trends, according to a new interview. Per Eurogamer, project lead Dan Hay told Korean media that the open-world shooter, slated for 2030, is envisioned as a 'box product' rather than a seasonal live-service game.
Hay, who previously oversaw the Far Cry series, described the title as a narrative-driven experience with a definitive beginning, middle, and end. Players will create a character and follow that character's story through main missions and side quests, set within a larger open world they can explore.
The game's tone aims to capture StarCraft's gritty, 'space Western' sensibility, with battles designed to feel 'up-close and personal.' The story is set 70 years after the events of StarCraft 2, featuring political clashes between hostile factions, including the Protoss.
When asked about the future of the StarCraft franchise as a real-time strategy series, Hay acknowledged the question's importance but was careful not to speculate. He stated the team is always thinking about the future but declined to confirm any plans for another RTS title.
The game was announced during BlizzCon 2026 alongside other reveals like Diablo 5.
