Overwatch 2
Although it was not presented with great fanfare during the opening ceremony of BlizzCon 2021, Blizzard wanted to talk about Overwatch 2 during the following interventions. Unfortunately, the studio did not want to show much of the game or put an emphasis on its release period, but fans were able to console themselves with various information on the new chapter of this team shooter. For example, the developers have said that 2 new Overwatch 2 maps will be inspired by the buildings and atmospheres of Rome and New York.The two metropolises, of course, will not be reproduced faithfully in the game, but will show some of the most recognizable buildings and landscapes of the two cities. Then the rest will be reworked to suit both the graphic style and the gameplay needs of the game.
The video, presented by Jeff Kaplan with the intervention of a handful of other Blizzard developers, showed some images of these maps. Although it was not possible to see Overwatch 2 in action, these images were enough to breathe the atmosphere of the game, as it will be fought at the foot of the Colosseum, or in the streets of the Big Apple. With a view of the Empire State Building.
While waiting for more information about the game, as well as the chance to see it in action, why not check out the new look of Reaper, McCree, Pharah and Widowmaker?
Overwatch 2 won't arrive before 2021.
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More ‘Overwatch 2’ News Could Arrive As Soon As March
Overwatch 2 is taking shape, including its take on a New York City map.
Blizzard EntertainmentFifteen months. Fifteen long months. That’s how long Overwatch fans had to wait between the announcement of Overwatch 2 at BlizzCon 2019 and more details about the sequel at BlizzConline. Thankfully, the gap between updates won’t be nearly as long in the future.
MORE FROM FORBESWatch The Full 'Overwatch 2' Behind-The-Scenes BlizzCon Presentation HereBy Kris HoltIn fairness, game director Jeff Kaplan warned people all the way back in November 2019 that the team was going dark and they wouldn’t have anything to share for a while. From now on, though, you can expect the team to be much more transparent and to provide more regular updates.
There’s no promise that you’ll get a developer update every month in the lead up to the Overwatch 2 release date, whenever that might be. But Kaplan suggested your next look might only be a few weeks away.
MORE FROM FORBESThe 'Overwatch 2' Release Date Bombshell Is Disappointing But UnderstandableBy Kris Holt“[We] definitely want to be more communicative. And our plan is not to go dark for an extended period of time,” he told IGN in an interview. “In fact, we were discussing as recently as yesterday the opportunity of there maybe being some cool stuff we could talk about in March or April to keep people updated and to keep people going. So it's very front-and-center in our mind to communicate more.”
That’s great to hear. Given that Overwatch 2 probably won’t arrive for at least a year, knowing that there’ll be more frequent updates about the progress takes a bit of the sting out of the long wait.
MORE FROM FORBES'Overwatch 2' Is Looking Fantastic, But The Lack Of New Content For The Original Game Remains A LetdownBy Kris HoltKaplan touched on several other points in the interview, such as the fact that there’ll “very likely” be at least a closed beta for Overwatch 2, if not an open beta. Cross-platform play remains a possibility if Blizzard can “overcome the hurdles.”
On the subject of the possible changes to the tank role that Blizzard is toying with, Kaplan said the team is considering changing the name of the role from “tank” to “brawler.” That might not happen, but it’s at least being discussed.
There’s also the possibility that you’ll be able to play story missions solo with the help of AI teammates. That’s something I’ve been hoping for, and I’m glad it’s at least on the table.
MORE FROM FORBESBlizzard Is Testing Major Hero Changes For 'Overwatch 2'By Kris Holt