The MOBA genre is currently facing challenging times, with giants like Dota 2 and League of Legends experiencing difficulties. Dota 2 has largely become a niche product, particularly popular in Eastern Europe, while League of Legends seems to struggle to revitalize a game that many feel is in its later stages. Amid these struggles, there's a glimmer of hope with Garena's announcement of reviving Heroes of Newerth, a game that once rivaled the big names in the early 2010s before its eventual shutdown. The new development on a modern engine and an impressive trailer have sparked some excitement.

However, the excitement is tempered by several concerns. Firstly, this is a re-release of a live-service game that's over a decade old. The MOBA genre has lost some of its former glory, with many players shifting to newer gaming trends and platforms. Secondly, Garena's track record in supporting its projects and esports initiatives has often been questioned. If Garena truly believed in Heroes of Newerth's potential, why did they shut it down initially? Thirdly, the decision to launch the game on the iGames platform, which relies partly on crowdfunding, raises eyebrows—especially when considering the absence of Steam. In today's gaming landscape, launching without Valve's platform makes it challenging to reach a broad audience.

All these factors contribute to the perception that Heroes of Newerth might remain a niche project with potential for organic growth, but with significant hurdles to overcome. On a positive note, there's a clear timeline for the game's release, expected within the next year.

Image: igames.com