The MOBA landscape is currently facing challenges. Established giants like Dota 2 and League of Legends are encountering difficulties; Dota 2 is becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, while League of Legends appears to be struggling to maintain momentum.
Against this backdrop, Garena has announced the surprising return of Heroes of Newerth, a once-significant MOBA competitor from the early 2010s. Developed using a new engine, the game's trailer suggests a promising revival.
However, several concerns warrant consideration. Firstly, this is a re-release of a decade-old live-service title. The MOBA genre's popularity has waned, and many players have shifted their focus to newer games and platforms.
Secondly, Garena's track record with game support and esports initiatives has been inconsistent. Their claim of always believing in Heroes of Newerth's potential clashes with the game's initial closure.
Thirdly, the game's launch on the iGames platform, a partially crowdfunded service, raises questions about its accessibility. The notable absence of a Steam release is a significant hurdle, as Steam remains crucial for reaching a broad gaming audience.
Image: igames.com
These factors cast doubt on Heroes of Newerth's potential for widespread success, suggesting it may remain a niche title. Nevertheless, the projected one-year release timeline offers a glimmer of hope for organic growth.
