The MOBA genre finds itself in a challenging period, with two titans, Dota 2 and League of Legends, facing their own struggles. Dota 2 has increasingly become a niche product, particularly popular in Eastern Europe, while League of Legends appears to be losing its vigor, seeming to settle into a later stage of its lifecycle. Amid these shifts, Garena has announced the revival of Heroes of Newerth, a game that once competed fiercely with these giants in the early 2010s before its eventual closure. Now, with a new engine and a promising trailer, it's set for a comeback.
While this might seem like a cause for celebration, there are several concerns that temper the excitement. Firstly, Heroes of Newerth is a re-release of a live-service game that's over a decade old. The MOBA genre has seen a decline in popularity, and many gamers have shifted their focus to newer platforms and trends.
Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting projects and esports has often been questioned. Despite claiming a belief in Heroes of Newerth's potential, the decision to shut it down initially raises doubts about the company's long-term commitment.
Thirdly, the game is set to launch on the iGames platform, which is partially crowdfunded. This choice brings up another concern—why not Steam? In today's gaming landscape, reaching a broad audience often requires the reach that Valve's platform provides.
Image: igames.com
All of these factors suggest that Heroes of Newerth might remain a niche project, potentially growing organically but with significant hurdles ahead. However, there's a silver lining—the game is slated for release within a year, offering a concrete timeline to look forward to.
