Former Far Cry developer Dan Hay has revealed ambitious plans for Blizzard’s upcoming StarCraft shooter, teasing an open-world sci-fi adventure focused on character, exploration and a lone Terran Marine’s journey.
Blizzard’s upcoming StarCraft shooter may still be years away, but former Far Cry boss and current StarCraft franchise lead Dan Hay has offered a glimpse into the ambitious vision behind the long-awaited project.
Announced at BlizzCon 2026 with a cinematic teaser trailer, the new StarCraft game is currently targeting a 2030 release. While Blizzard remains cautious about revealing too many details, Hay has suggested the title will blend large-scale science-fiction warfare with a more personal character-driven story.
Speaking during an interview at BlizzCon, Hay compared his ideal vision for the game to the western drama Deadwood, describing it as a potential “Deadwood in space”.
Hay said: “I loved all the characters in it and I loved how it felt like a universe in a world but it was just a cast of a fairly small group of characters.
“They all did not get along but they all understood they kind of had to rely on each other to survive.”
The StarCraft shooter will reportedly focus on the perspective of a Terran Marine, following a character’s journey from an inexperienced soldier to a battlefield hero.
Hay described the story as having a traditional beginning, middle and end, suggesting a structured campaign rather than a purely open-ended experience.
Blizzard has also confirmed that the game will feature an open world, allowing players to explore, discover new locations and encounter factions that react to their actions.
Hay explained: “Step out in the open world and explore. Go in any direction you want to go and then discover that the world that you think is in front of you is going to push back and fight back.”
Those comments have led some fans to compare the project to Hay’s previous work on the Far Cry series, where players explored dynamic worlds filled with enemy factions, changing environments and player-driven encounters.
Hay also hinted at progression systems, including possible equipment upgrades and character customisation, although Blizzard has not confirmed whether the game will feature traditional shooter loot mechanics.
The developer admitted that announcing a game so far from release is unusual but said the 2030 target provides the team with a clear goal.
Hay said: “We want to make sure we deliver something that is fun, something that is powerful, and something that allows you to explore.”
For Blizzard, returning to the StarCraft universe represents a major opportunity.
Hay described working on the franchise as a “cosmic lottery”, with the team determined to create an experience worthy of the series’ long-running fanbase.
Former Far Cry boss reveals bold plans for new StarCraft shooter
