I think 2) is more likely tbh, but I wouldn't rule out 1) entirely. So, that leaves them with two main options in my eyes: 1) something like you suggest, or 2) some other kind of game that exists in the same world but with different mechanics.
They've hinted at different goings on across the Gloomhaven world so I suspect that they'll want to continue the franchise by filling in details about all the different places that have been mentioned here and there to flesh out the world - not sure how spoilerly locations are so just in case: but Jhinda, White Oak and Demonsgate are all other cities on the same continent as Gloomhaven and Frosthaven that they could expand upon, and then we know almost nothing about the Eastern Continent - And I don't think they'd just start on a new box the same size as Frosthaven as soon as that is shipped, so I'd assume they'll expand on one of these areas using a smaller game.
There hasn't been any official suggestion that they plan it afaik, but I honestly wouldn't be completely surprised at all if they make something similar. 5 results for gloomhaven miniatures painted Save this search Shipping to: 98837 Brand New 20.00 or Best Offer Sponsored Wizkids Premium Painted D&D Miniatures 93007 Aasimar Paladin (Male) Brand New 7.99 Save up to 5 when you buy more Buy It Now Top Rated Plus +2. On the other hand, the minis (at least for the starting classes) seem. On the one hand, the Gloomhaven Team seems to have made a good effort to remain true to the excellent Character Board artwork. In the process players will enhance their abilities with experience and loot, discover new locations to explore and plunder, and expand an ever. Your poll lacks my response: 'Gloomhavens minis are extremely low quality, so theyre at the bottom of my To Paint list. The streamlined version certainly had its charm. Gloomhaven is a cooperative game of tactical combat, battling monsters and advancing a player's own individual goals in a persistent and changing world that is ideally played over many game sessions.
I don't think it's a totally unpopular opinion at all.