StarCraft Returns as an Open-World Shooter Planned for 2030

Blizzard announced at BlizzCon 2026 that the next StarCraft game is an original open-world shooter planned for 2030.

A different direction for StarCraft

Blizzard describes the project as an original open-world shooter and says it is scheduled for 2030. The company revealed it with an announcement cinematic during the BlizzCon opening ceremony on September 12, 2026.

For gamers expecting another traditional real-time strategy game, the shooter format is the biggest change. Blizzard is not presenting the new game as a direct return to the classic StarCraft strategy formula.

What is still unknown?

Blizzard has not explained how the open world will work, what gamers will control, or whether the game will focus on single-player, multiplayer, or both.

The announcement also leaves several release details unconfirmed:

• Blizzard has not shared a specific launch date or price.
• Microsoft owns Blizzard Entertainment, but the reveal did not confirm an Xbox, PC, PlayStation, or other platform lineup.

2030 is still several years away

The official BlizzCon recap only commits to 2030. The window gives Blizzard several years before release, and any narrower release window would be speculation right now.

Gamers should treat details beyond the announcement as unconfirmed until Blizzard shares more. StarCraft is back, and Blizzard is using its return to try a very different kind of game.