Wildgate launched by Blizzard co-founder

Mike Morhaime, Blizzard's co-founder, unveils a new live-service game under Dreamhaven.

Blizzard co-founder launches new live-service game Wildgate

Mike Morhaime, the co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment, has launched a new live-service game called Wildgate through his new publishing venture, Dreamhaven. Wildgate presents itself as a crew-based first-person space shooter, now available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. The game challenges players, known as "prospectors," to either collect an ancient relic called the Artifact or defeat rival ships. With its colorful graphics and engaging gameplay, the response to the game's open beta has been overwhelmingly positive. Morhaime expressed enthusiasm for the community interaction, emphasizing Dreamhaven's vision for immersive gaming experiences. The development team has also outlined plans for frequent content updates and cosmetic in-game purchases to maintain player engagement. However, the competitive landscape poses challenges, especially as other live-service games face cancellations and reduced investment from major companies like Sony.

The launch of Wildgate is a noteworthy development in the live-service gaming sector, especially considering the challenges many developers encounter in this space. Morhaime's experience with blockbuster titles like World of Warcraft and Overwatch positions him uniquely to tackle the intricate dynamics of player engagement and retention. However, the state of the market, reflected in closures and slowdowns of live-service titles from major players, raises questions about the sustainability and success of new entrants. As Dreamhaven embarks on this journey, it must navigate not only the creative aspects of game development but also the business strategies required to thrive in this competitive environment.

Highlights

Wildgate could be a significant player in the evolving landscape of live-service gaming.