Blizzard has confirmed that the StarCraft franchise is returning in 2030, this time as an open-world shooter rather than a real-time strategy game. The announcement, made by Blizzard VP Dan Hay at BlizzCon, marks the studio's second attempt to bring the sci-fi universe into a first- or third-person action format, following the long-troubled StarCraft: Ghost project that was ultimately cancelled in 2014 after years in development limbo.

A cinematic trailer shown at the event focused on the human United Earth Directorate faction as it prepares to battle the Zerg, with the Protoss faction only briefly mentioned. The trailer reportedly leans into a grim, anti-militarist tone, following a propaganda-driven soldier who is ultimately revealed to be little more than expendable cannon fodder in the war. While the reveal has generated excitement about the series' revival after more than a decade of inactivity, some fans remain more interested in a traditional strategy sequel to 2010's StarCraft II.