Blizzard Entertainment has announced that the StarCraft franchise will return in 2030 as an open-world shooter, according to a report by The Verge. The announcement was made by Dan Hay, a vice president at Blizzard, during a presentation at BlizzCon. The new title, simply titled StarCraft, will not follow the traditional real-time strategy (RTS) format of previous entries in the series. Instead, it will be an open-world shooter, a significant departure from the franchise's established gameplay style.

The announcement comes more than a decade after the last StarCraft II expansion pack, which was released in 2016. The new game will focus on the human United Earth Directorate faction, with the Protoss appearing only in passing. A cinematic trailer showcased the human faction preparing for battle against the Zerg, highlighting the brutal realities of war. The trailer also depicted a character being used as disposable fuel for the war machine, suggesting a focus on the human experience in conflict.

The report notes that while fans are excited about the return of the franchise, many are still hoping for a proper RTS follow-up to StarCraft II. The decision to shift to an open-world shooter format has sparked mixed reactions among the fanbase. Some are enthusiastic about the new direction, while others are disappointed that the traditional RTS format is not being continued.

Blizzard has not provided further details on the game's mechanics, story, or release date beyond the 2030 announcement. The trailer did not offer significant insight into the gameplay or the role of the Protoss faction. The report also mentions that the trailer's focus on the human faction may indicate a shift in the narrative direction of the series.

The report does not include any statements from the company or its executives regarding the decision to shift to an open-world shooter format. The fan reactions mentioned in the report are based on the author's observations and are not corroborated by direct quotes or statements from fans.

The report acknowledges that there are still many unknowns regarding the new StarCraft game. The details on the gameplay, story, and other factions remain unclear. The decision to focus on the human faction and the absence of significant information on the Protoss and Zerg may affect the game's reception. The report also notes that the trailer's emphasis on militarism and propaganda may influence the game's tone and narrative direction.

In conclusion, the return of StarCraft in 2030 as an open-world shooter marks a significant shift in the franchise's direction. While the announcement has generated excitement among fans, the lack of detailed information on gameplay, story, and other factions leaves many questions unanswered. The report highlights the importance of further details and the need for transparency from Blizzard as the project moves forward.