The MOBA genre is currently facing significant challenges, with two of its titans, Dota 2 and League of Legends, showing signs of wear. Dota 2 seems to be carving out a niche in Eastern Europe, while League of Legends struggles to rejuvenate a game that many feel is in its twilight years.
Amid this backdrop, Garena has stirred excitement by announcing the revival of Heroes of Newerth, a former competitor to these giants during the early 2010s, which had previously been discontinued. The game is being revamped with a new engine, and the trailer has sparked hope among fans. However, it's too early to pop the champagne.
The first concern is that Heroes of Newerth is a re-release of a live-service game that's over a decade old. The MOBA genre has lost some of its luster, with many players shifting to newer gaming trends and platforms.
Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting projects and esports has often been questioned. If the company truly believed in Heroes of Newerth's potential, why was it shut down initially?
Lastly, the game's launch on the iGames platform, which uses partial crowdfunding, raises eyebrows. The absence of a release on Steam is particularly notable. In today's gaming landscape, reaching a broad audience without Valve's platform is a daunting task.
Image: igames.com
All these factors suggest that Heroes of Newerth might remain a niche project with potential for organic growth, but the doubts are significant. On a positive note, the game is slated for release within a year, offering a glimmer of hope for its revival.