The MOBA genre is currently facing significant challenges. Two of its giants, Dota 2 and League of Legends, are experiencing difficulties. Valve's Dota 2 seems to be increasingly catering to a niche audience in Eastern Europe, while Riot Games struggles to revitalize League of Legends, which many feel has reached its mature phase.
Amid these struggles, Garena has announced the revival of Heroes of Newerth, a game that once rivaled Dota 2 and League of Legends in the early 2010s before its closure. The game is being rebuilt on a new engine, and the trailer has generated excitement. While this could be a cause for celebration, several concerns temper the enthusiasm.
Firstly, Heroes of Newerth is a re-release of a live-service game that is over a decade old. The MOBA genre has seen a decline in popularity, with many players shifting to newer platforms and gaming trends. Secondly, Garena's history of supporting projects and esports has often been questioned. If Garena truly believed in the game's potential, why was it shut down initially? Lastly, the game's launch on the iGames platform, which relies partially on crowdfunding, raises questions about its reach, especially given the absence from Steam, a critical platform for attracting a broad audience today.
These factors suggest that Heroes of Newerth might remain a niche project with potential for organic growth, but doubts persist. On a positive note, the game is slated for release within the next year.
Image: igames.com