"Heroes of Newerth Returns, Celebration Premature"

The MOBA genre is facing challenging times as two of its giants, Dota 2 and League of Legends, are experiencing difficulties. Valve's Dota 2 is increasingly seen as a niche product, primarily popular in Eastern Europe, while Riot Games struggles to reinvigorate League of Legends, which seems to be in its twilight years.

In this context, Garena's announcement of reviving Heroes of Newerth, a game that once rivaled these titans in the early 2010s but was later discontinued, has sparked interest. The game is being rebuilt on a new engine, and the trailer has generated excitement. However, there are several concerns that temper the enthusiasm.

Firstly, Heroes of Newerth is a re-release of a live-service game that is over a decade old. The MOBA genre has lost some of its luster, with many players shifting to newer gaming trends and platforms. This raises questions about the game's ability to recapture its former audience.

Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting projects and esports has often been questioned. The company's assertion of always believing in Heroes of Newerth's potential is contradicted by the decision to shut it down previously. This inconsistency casts doubt on Garena's commitment to the game's long-term success.

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

These factors suggest that Heroes of Newerth might remain a niche project with potential for organic growth, but significant doubts persist. On a positive note, the game is slated for release within a year, providing a clear timeline for its return.

Image: igames.com