Heroes of Newerth Returns, Celebration Premature

The MOBA genre is currently navigating through challenging times, with two of its giants, Dota 2 and League of Legends, facing their own struggles. Valve's Dota 2 appears to be carving a niche primarily in Eastern Europe, while Riot Games' League of Legends seems to be grappling with injecting new vitality into a project that many feel is in its later stages.

In this context, Garena's announcement of reviving Heroes of Newerth, a game that once rivaled these titans in the early 2010s before its eventual closure, has sparked interest. The game is being revamped with a new engine, and the trailer has generated significant buzz, offering a glimmer of hope for MOBA enthusiasts.

While this news might seem like a cause for celebration, there are several concerns that temper the excitement. Firstly, Heroes of Newerth is essentially 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 gamers shifting their attention to newer gaming trends and platforms.

Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting projects and esports has often been a point of contention. The company's assertion of always believing in Heroes of Newerth's potential raises questions about why the game was shut down initially.

Thirdly, the game is set to launch on the iGames platform, which relies partially on crowdfunding. This choice brings up another critical question: where is Steam? In today's gaming landscape, attracting a broad audience without leveraging Valve's platform poses a significant challenge.

Image: igames.com

These factors contribute to the perception of Heroes of Newerth as a niche project with potential for organic growth, yet surrounded by substantial doubts. On a positive note, the game has a clear timeline, with a release expected within a year.