"Heroes of Newerth Returns: Too Soon to Rejoice"

The MOBA genre is currently facing significant challenges, with stalwarts like Dota 2 and League of Legends experiencing their own struggles. Dota 2, developed by Valve, has seemingly become a niche product, primarily popular in Eastern Europe, while League of Legends, from Riot Games, appears to be in a phase of stagnation, lacking the fresh energy needed to revitalize it.

In the midst of this, Garena has announced the revival of Heroes of Newerth, a game that was once a formidable competitor in the early 2010s but later shut down. The game is being rebuilt using a new engine, and the released trailer has generated considerable excitement. While this news might initially seem like a cause for celebration, several concerns linger.

Firstly, Heroes of Newerth is a re-release of a live-service game that is over a decade old. The MOBA genre has seen a decline in popularity, with many players shifting their attention to newer platforms and gaming trends. This raises questions about the game's ability to capture a significant audience in today's market.

Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting projects and esports has often been scrutinized. The company's assertion of always believing in Heroes of Newerth's potential is contradicted by the initial decision to shut the game down, casting doubt on their commitment to the project.

Thirdly, the game is set to launch on the iGames platform, which relies partially on crowdfunding. This choice of platform is puzzling, especially given the absence of Steam, a critical marketplace for reaching a broad audience in today's gaming landscape.

Image: igames.com

These factors contribute to the perception of Heroes of Newerth as a niche project that may struggle to expand its reach. However, there is some optimism, as the game is slated for release within the next year, providing a concrete timeline for its return.