Heroes of Newerth Returns, Celebration Premature

The MOBA genre is currently facing significant challenges, with two of its leading titles, Dota 2 and League of Legends, experiencing difficulties. Valve's Dota 2 has increasingly become a niche product, particularly popular in Eastern Europe, while Riot Games struggles to revitalize League of Legends, a game that many feel has reached its later stages.

In the midst of these struggles, Garena has announced the revival of Heroes of Newerth, a once-prominent MOBA from the early 2010s that was later discontinued. The game is being rebuilt on a new engine, and the trailer has generated considerable excitement. While this news might seem like a cause for celebration, there are several concerns that temper the enthusiasm.

Firstly, Heroes of Newerth is essentially 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 attention to newer platforms and gaming trends. This raises questions about the game's ability to recapture its former audience.

Secondly, Garena's history of supporting projects and esports initiatives has often been scrutinized. The company asserts its belief in Heroes of Newerth's potential, yet the initial shutdown of the game begs the question of why it was discontinued if Garena truly saw long-term value in it.

Thirdly, the game is set to launch on the iGames platform, which relies partially on crowdfunding. This decision raises another critical issue: the absence of Steam. In today's gaming landscape, attracting a substantial audience without leveraging Valve's platform is a daunting task.

These factors contribute to the perception that Heroes of Newerth might remain a niche project with potential for organic growth, yet there are substantial doubts about its broader impact. On a positive note, the game has a clear timeline, with an expected release within a year.

Image: igames.com