The MOBA landscape is currently facing challenges. Established giants like Dota 2 and League of Legends are experiencing difficulties; Dota 2 is becoming increasingly regionalized, while League of Legends appears to be losing momentum. Against this backdrop, Garena's announcement of Heroes of Newerth's revival—a noteworthy MOBA competitor from the early 2010s—has generated mixed reactions. The game, rebuilt on a new engine, boasts an impressive trailer.
However, several concerns remain. Firstly, this is a relaunch of a decade-old live-service title in a genre that's seen a decline in popularity. Many players have shifted their focus to other games and platforms.
Secondly, Garena's track record with game support and esports raises questions. 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, is puzzling. The absence of a Steam release is a significant drawback, hindering its potential reach to a broader audience.
Image: igames.com
While Heroes of Newerth's revival might foster organic growth, its future remains uncertain. The one positive is a defined release window—within one year.
