The MOBA genre is facing challenging times, with two of its titans, Dota 2 and League of Legends, experiencing significant struggles. Dota 2 appears to be narrowing its appeal to a niche audience primarily in Eastern Europe, while League of Legends seems to be grappling with injecting new vigor into a game that many feel is in its waning phase.
In the midst of these struggles, Garena has announced the revival of Heroes of Newerth, a MOBA that once rivaled these giants in the early 2010s before its eventual shutdown. The game is being redeveloped on a new engine, and the released trailer has sparked some excitement.
While this news might seem like a cause for celebration, there are several concerns that temper the enthusiasm. First and foremost, Heroes of Newerth is a re-release of a live-service game that's over a decade old. The MOBA genre has seen a decline in popularity, with many players shifting their focus to newer gaming trends and platforms.
Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting projects and esports has often been questioned. The company's assertion of always believing in Heroes of Newerth's potential raises the question: if that's the case, why was the game shut down initially?
Another point of concern is the game's launch on the iGames platform, which is partially crowdfunded. This decision prompts the question: why not Steam? In today's gaming landscape, reaching a broad audience without leveraging Valve's platform is a significant challenge.
Image: igames.com
These factors contribute to the perception of Heroes of Newerth as a niche project with potential for organic growth, yet surrounded by substantial doubts. On a positive note, the game is slated for release within the next year, providing a clear timeline for its return.
