The MOBA genre is currently facing significant challenges. Two giants, Dota 2 and League of Legends, are experiencing difficulties. Dota 2 is increasingly becoming a niche product, particularly popular in Eastern Europe, while League of Legends seems to be struggling to rejuvenate a game that many feel has entered its later stages.
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 but was later discontinued. The game is being rebuilt on a new engine, and the released trailer has sparked some excitement. While this news might seem like a reason to celebrate, there are several concerns that temper this enthusiasm.
Firstly, Heroes of Newerth is a re-release of a live-service game that is over a decade old. The MOBA genre has lost much of its former popularity, with many players shifting to newer platforms and gaming trends. This could pose a significant challenge in attracting and retaining a substantial player base.
Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting its projects and esports initiatives has often been questioned. The company's assertion of always believing in the potential of Heroes of Newerth raises the question: if this was the case, why was the game shut down initially?
Thirdly, the decision to launch Heroes of Newerth on the iGames platform, which is partially crowdfunded, brings up another issue. The absence of a launch on Steam, a platform crucial for reaching a broad audience in today's gaming market, is a significant concern. Without access to Steam's vast user base, attracting a large audience could be challenging.
Image: igames.com
These factors contribute to the perception of Heroes of Newerth as a niche project with potential for organic growth, yet there are substantial doubts about its broader success. On a positive note, there is a clear timeline for the game's release, which is expected within a year.
