The next phase for our favorite heroes has been revealed, but when that journey begins is anyone’s guess because the Overwatch 2 release date is completely up in the air.
During BlizzCon 2019, there were a few interesting panels participants could sit in on to learn more about all of the announcements that came out of the opening ceremony. During the Overwatch: What’s Next panel, Jeff Kaplan and assistant game director Aaron Keller revealed more about the new features coming to the sequel-not-sequel in addition to when the heck we’re getting our hands on the game.
Regarding the potential Overwatch 2 release date, it’s really anyone’s guess at this point. “I don’t know,” admitted Kaplan. ” I have no idea. Like, just let us make it great, that’s what we care about more than anything. We don’t have a date in mind.”
Now that BlizzCon is a wrap, he also added that the teams attached to these big projects will likely “go dark” to focus on quality and efficient progress, which makes sense! But from what we’ve seen thus far, it’s an interesting move to make with the Overwatch franchise. It’s smart, since they want to keep the original Overwatch community strong and those numbers have been dropping dramatically. Overwatch 2 gives something for everyone, even those that don’t buy the expansion, which means the original community will see fresh life while a new community will begin to form.
As for the game itself, everything Overwatch 2 has to offer – new PvP modes, new maps, heroes, skins, and more – will carry over to Overwatch 1. The only thing that doesn’t carry back to the first game is the Story Missions, the PvE element. This is where the expansion comes in and this is something the Overwatch community has been craving.
Though there is lore to be found in the first game through voice lines pre-match, the comics, animated shorts, and new heroes, players have been clamoring for actual story. Overwatch 2 aims to satiate that craving without alienating the original Overwatch player pace.
We know it’s not coming this year and from what we heard with our own time at the celebration, a 2020 launch isn’t likely either. This means Overwatch 2 will likely coming out for this generation and next generation, though nothing concrete has been confirmed at this time.
You can catch up on all of the latest announcements for Overwatch 2 with our previous coverage below:
