The very last thing I anticipated Blizzard to do was to alter the identify of Overwatch 2 again to simply “Overwatch” 4 years after it got here out. However as introduced throughout the current Highlight video, that’s precisely what Blizzard’s doing. Many of the sequel’s life has been about incomes that 2, so why change it now?
The explanation, as Blizzard defined to PC Gamer and different press attending an occasion at its places of work in Irvine final week, is all in regards to the growth group’s confidence in Overwatch’s future.
Beginning subsequent week, Overwatch goes to look so much totally different—actually, with a brand new UI, 5 new heroes, and the kick off of a complete new storyline. Its twenty first season—coming February 10—will as a substitute be often known as season 1 of The Reign of Talon, a year-long narrative that will likely be advised by means of in-game occasions, cinematics, quick tales, and comics. It is a season that recreation director Aaron Keller calls “the most important launch we have ever had in Overwatch’s historical past.”
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“Now, it is really less than me or anybody right here to resolve whether or not we have achieved that or not, however that was actually our inner objective, to really feel like we may place this recreation and current it as the very best model of Overwatch that has ever been, and that is our objective,” he mentioned.
Each Keller and Blizzard president Johanna Faries described this new initiative as a dedication to Overwatch as a “endlessly recreation,” not one thing that will likely be changed by a sequel down the road (however may embody different “experiences” like a cell recreation).
“What we hope this conveys to individuals is our path ahead, that are these actually large annual moments that just about really feel like expansions,” Keller mentioned. “Dropping the two is our manner of conveying to gamers that Overwatch is not one thing that you just’re supposed to maneuver on from. We need to acquire gamers’ confidence. We wish them to have belief within the recreation, within the group behind it, within the firm that is supporting it, in order that they’ll look ahead to proceed enjoying this recreation that is at all times enhancing for years to come back.”
If this was the most important announcement out of the Highlight presentation, I might be far more skeptical of what this can really imply for Overwatch. However not solely is season 1 filled with inventive new heroes (Jetpack Cat!), skins, and steadiness modifications, the remainder of the 12 months appears to be like promising too. New hero releases each season and an evolving storyline that can increase the scope of the world and its characters are the type of issues I dreamed about in 2016 when the sport was bursting with potential. And now it is really occurring.
No one at Blizzard would ever say it, however I’ve to surprise if Marvel Rivals’ explosive success sparked any a part of this. The individuals yearn for a hero shooter prepared to loosen up a little bit and break some guidelines for the enjoyable of it. Once I take a look at what’s in retailer for Overwatch, I see a shift in focus away from the slender esports-ification of the hero shooter to a concerted effort to breathe life again to the elements of the sport that folks fell in love with in 2016 and nonetheless do to this present day. The vibe from all of the Overwatch builders on campus final week was pure pleasure for what number of doorways this new method opens. If they’ll pull it off, Overwatch may really be lastly and actually again.
