Summary
- Controversies surrounding Overwatch 2 have led to the cancelation of its PvE Hero Mode, disappointing some players.
- The absence of the PvE campaign has allowed for a more focused development on the game's PvP experience, promising a bright future as a competitive shooter.
- Overwatch 2 will introduce unique new characters, with the upcoming Venture and "Space Ranger" bringing diverse play styles and abilities.
It's no secret that this year, Overwatch 2 faced multiple controversies, which fueled debate and discontent among players. Arguably, the most devastating blow came with the cancelation of the game's long-awaited PvE Hero Mode, which was announced at BlizzCon 2019. The promise of a single-player campaign and skill trees was at one point a core reason for the creation of Overwatch 2. As such, the decision to adjust the scope of the PvE plans didn't sit well with everyone.
While the absence of the initial PvE campaign in Overwatch 2 may have left some wanting, it has opened the door for even more focused development on the game's core PvP experience. With a consistent pattern of new game modes, maps, and heroes, Overwatch 2's future as a competitive shooter is promising. Furthermore, there is still an option for future PvE modes and updates to the established Invasion story missions.
Overwatch 2's Upcoming Characters Are Unique
Venture and "Space Ranger" Promise Diverse Kits and Play Styles
Overwatch 2 has provided its player base with a variety of new heroes since it was released in October 2022. New characters debut every other season, which slates the next hero for Season 10. At BlizzCon 2023, Blizzard announced three new heroes: a DPS character with the ability to burrow underground called Venture, and a support character code-named "Space Ranger." At the moment, not much is known about "Space Ranger's" kit, but based on the concept art, it appears she will be incredibly mobile. It's also been confirmed that she hails from a Martian colony.
An Unknown Tank Character Set to Release in Season 14
The third character should be coming to Overwatch 2 around Season 14, though information about them at this time is scarce. When the developers were sharing footage of Venture, several eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot an unknown figure underneath Mauga's icon in the hero selection screen and planted firmly between Sigma and Winston. The 2D art style doesn't give much indication as to this character's personality, but the spiky green hair and grin have led to theories that they may be from Junkertown, similar to Junker Queen, Roadhog, and Junkrat.
Overwatch 2 Has An Abundance of Content Planned For 2024
New Maps, Game Modes, and Collaborations Have Been Confirmed
Furthermore, BlizzCon 2023 and Director Aaron Keller's regular blog updates have unveiled a variety of thrilling additions to the hero-shooter. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Clash Mode
- New maps
- New PvE missions
- New battle passes and themes
- New collaborations (including a video game crossover)
- More customizable Mythic skins
- Hero Mastery: Gauntlet
- Competitive reworks
- Potential hero bans
Microsoft Has Completed Its Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
CEO Bobby Kotick Has Departed
Bobby Kotick stepped down from his position as the CEO of Activision Blizzard on December 29, officially ending his 32 years with the company. After Kotick became embroiled in controversy due to allegations of toxicity and "constant sexual harassment" in the workplace, his position as the CEO of the company was widely questioned. Additionally, a recent Twitter post from a member of the Overwatch 2 community team, Andy Belford, has been circulating alleging that Bobby Kotick sabotaged the game's launch on Steam by denying the resources they requested.
With Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Overwatch 2's prospects have shifted. While it may be too early to say if the game will fare better in 2024, Microsoft's resources and focus on gaming could benefit Overwatch 2 in several ways. In a message brimming with hope, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer declared:
"As one team, we’ll learn, innovate, and continue to deliver on our promise to bring the joy and community of gaming to more people. We’ll do this in a culture that strives to empower everyone to do their best work, where all people are welcome, and is centered on our ongoing commitment of Gaming for Everyone."
Overwatch 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 77 /100 Critics Rec: 65%
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
