On April 5, 2025, at 11:33 PM EDT, Blizzard Entertainment finds itself navigating turbulent waters as it grapples with a recent DDoS attack on its Battle.net servers while simultaneously reviewing pitches for the next StarCraft game. This dual challenge highlights both the vulnerabilities of online gaming infrastructure and the enduring appeal of one of Blizzard’s most beloved franchises. Blastoid Games delves into the details of these developments, exploring their implications for Blizzard and its community.
Battle.net Under Siege: A Persistent Threat
Blizzard Entertainment confirmed on April 3, 2025, via posts on X, that its Battle.net platform was targeted by a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, disrupting login servers and affecting connectivity for several titles, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Hearthstone. This attack caused high latency and disconnections, leaving players unable to access their games reliably. The issue echoes a pattern of similar incidents, with Blizzard having faced DDoS attacks as recently as March 2025, some of which impacted World of Warcraft Hardcore realms, leading to character deaths and subsequent community outcry.
Historically, Blizzard has been a frequent target for such attacks, with notable incidents in 2020 and 2023 also disrupting Battle.net services. The gaming industry’s reliance on centralized platforms like Battle.net makes it a prime target for cybercriminals, who exploit vulnerabilities to overwhelm servers with malicious traffic. Some players have expressed frustration on platforms like Downdetector, criticizing Blizzard for what they perceive as inadequate server protection, with comments suggesting the company should invest in advanced mitigation tools like Cloudflare. Others argue that DDoS attacks are an industry-wide challenge, not unique to Blizzard, and defending against them is a complex task even for a multi-billion-dollar company.
In response to earlier attacks in March, Blizzard took steps to mitigate player losses, particularly in World of Warcraft Hardcore realms, by resurrecting characters that died due to connectivity issues during confirmed DDoS incidents. While Blizzard has not yet released an official statement on the April 3 attack’s resolution, the company’s history suggests it is actively working to restore stability. However, the recurrence of these attacks raises questions about the long-term security of Battle.net, especially as Blizzard’s portfolio continues to expand under Microsoft’s ownership following the 2023 acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
StarCraft Pitches: A New Chapter for a Sci-Fi Legacy
Amidst the server disruptions, Blizzard is also looking to the future with its StarCraft franchise. On April 2, 2025, reports emerged that the company is reviewing pitches from four major Korean developers—Netmarble, Nexon, Krafton, and NCSoft—for the next StarCraft game. These studios, known for their expertise in genres ranging from MMORPGs to shooters, have proposed a variety of ideas, including a mobile game and an RPG, signaling a potential shift from the franchise’s traditional real-time strategy (RTS) roots. Some of these companies have reportedly traveled to Blizzard’s headquarters in Irvine, California, to present their visions, underscoring the high stakes of securing the StarCraft IP.
The StarCraft series, which debuted in 1998, has been a cornerstone of Blizzard’s legacy, spawning a rich media franchise that includes novels, a board game, and several video game expansions. However, the franchise has seen little activity since StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty in 2010, with Blizzard prioritizing more lucrative IPs like World of Warcraft and Overwatch. Past attempts at diversifying the series, such as the canceled StarCraft: Ghost (a third-person shooter in the early 2000s) and StarCraft: Ares (an FPS scrapped in 2019), have left fans eager for a successful revival. Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, speaking on IGN’s Podcast Unlocked, revealed that Blizzard is also developing a StarCraft shooter internally, led by former Ubisoft developer Dan Hay, though its future remains uncertain given Blizzard’s history of canceling such projects.
The involvement of Korean developers is a strategic move, given the country’s deep connection to StarCraft. South Korea has long been a hub for StarCraft esports, with the original game and its sequel fostering a competitive scene that remains iconic. Partnering with studios like NCSoft (known for Lineage and Guild Wars) or Nexon (behind The First Descendant) could bring fresh perspectives while honoring the franchise’s legacy. Additionally, Archon Studio announced on April 4, 2025, a collaboration with Blizzard for a StarCraft Tabletop Miniatures Game, set for pre-orders in Q4 2025 and shipping in Q1 2026, further expanding the IP’s reach.
Community and Industry Implications
The DDoS attack has reignited discussions about the vulnerability of online gaming platforms. Blizzard’s Battle.net serves as a central hub for its modern titles, making it a critical point of failure when targeted. While the company has weathered such attacks before, the frequency of these incidents—combined with player frustration over perceived inaction—suggests a need for more robust cybersecurity measures. The acquisition by Microsoft, a tech giant with significant resources, could provide Blizzard with the tools to bolster its defenses, though some players remain skeptical, pointing to the slow integration of Activision Blizzard games into Xbox Game Pass as evidence of broader operational challenges.
Meanwhile, the StarCraft pitches offer a glimmer of hope for fans of the sci-fi franchise. The involvement of Korean developers could tap into the cultural significance of StarCraft in the region, potentially delivering a game that resonates with both longtime fans and new players. However, Blizzard’s cautious approach—evidenced by its history of canceling StarCraft projects—raises questions about whether these pitches will come to fruition. The simultaneous development of a StarCraft shooter internally suggests Blizzard is hedging its bets, but the company’s focus on other IPs like World of Warcraft (which is also thriving with its The War Within expansion) might limit resources for StarCraft’s revival.
Looking Forward
Blizzard Entertainment faces a pivotal moment in 2025. The DDoS attack underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining a secure online gaming platform, a task that will require continued investment and innovation to protect players’ experiences. At the same time, the StarCraft pitches represent an opportunity to breathe new life into a franchise that has been dormant for too long. With BlizzCon set to return in 2026 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Blizzard may use the event to unveil its plans for StarCraft, alongside celebrations for World of Warcraft’s 30th anniversary.
For now, the gaming community watches with bated breath, hoping Blizzard can navigate these challenges and deliver on the promise of Azeroth, the Koprulu Sector, and beyond. Blastoid Games will continue to monitor these developments, providing updates as they emerge. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on Blizzard’s handling of the DDoS attack and their hopes for the future of StarCraft. What direction would you like to see the franchise take?
