The MOBA genre is currently navigating through challenging times. Two giants in the field, Dota 2 and League of Legends, are facing their own struggles. Valve's Dota 2 appears to be morphing into a niche product primarily popular in Eastern Europe, while Riot Games' League of Legends seems to be grappling with injecting new vitality into a game that many feel is entering its mature phase.
Amid these challenges, Garena has announced the revival of Heroes of Newerth, a game that once rivaled the likes of Dota 2 and League of Legends in the early 2010s before its eventual shutdown. The game is now being rebuilt on a new engine, and the released trailer has sparked some excitement.
While the news might seem like a cause for celebration, several concerns temper the enthusiasm. First, this 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 to newer gaming trends and platforms.
Second, Garena's history with supporting projects and esports has often been questioned. The company asserts a long-standing belief in Heroes of Newerth's potential, yet this raises the question: why was the game discontinued in the first place?
Third, the game's launch is planned on the iGames platform, which relies partly on crowdfunding. This choice prompts another question: where is Steam? In today's gaming landscape, attracting a substantial audience is challenging without leveraging Valve's platform.
Image: igames.com
These factors position Heroes of Newerth as a potentially niche project with room for organic growth, but the doubts are significant. On a positive note, the game's release is anticipated within the next year, offering a timeline for hopeful fans.
