Overwatchis in a precarious position. Content support for the original game has seemingly ended,Overwatch 2is still without a release window, and former director Jeff Kaplan has left the team. Communication and transparency is key to maintaining the relationship between Blizzard and theOverwatchcommunity, so Blizzard has shared a newOverwatchdeveloper update from its new director Aaron Keller.
The title of Keller’s firstOverwatchdeveloper update is “What’s Next,” however, the short update doesn’t actually delve intowhat’s next forOverwatch 2so much as when fans can expect to hear more information. Keller reveals two upcoming events that will delve further into what Blizzard is working on for fans to look forward to. He also notes that Blizzard is “dedicated to sharing more information” regardingOverwatch 2’s development in the future.
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Blizzard’s first upcoming event, and whatOverwatchfans will care most about, is a showcase ofOverwatch 2’s PvPthat will air on May 20. Blizzard will be working with the Overwatch League team to debut PvP gameplay, along with new maps coming in the sequel. Keller says that he and the team will also be discussing some of the team’s philosophy going into the next iteration of competitiveOverwatch, with a focus on changes. Lead hero designer Geoff Goodman and associate art director Dion Rogers will also participate.
The second event will be more lowkey, but will offerOverwatchplayers the chance to submit questions directly to theOverwatchteam. There will be an Ask Me Anything session on theOverwatchsubreddit on May 24. The focus will be on the past five years ofOverwatch’s development, so it’s ’s fifth anniversarythan about PvP or other gameplay. It’s still an opportunity for fans to ask about those subjects, however.
Clearly, when Keller says thatBlizzardis dedicated to sharing more, he apparently meant starting immediately. Two events happening in May is a fast turnaround. It’s also an important statement by Keller, because Blizzard’s lack of communication and details aboutOverwatch 2has been one of the largest criticisms of its ongoing development so far. Blizzard will hopefully continue the trend into June and beyond.
Overwatchfans are undoubtedly hungry for more information aboutOverwatch 2. As Keller says in the video, PvE and co-op have previously been discussed, but PvP hasn’t. Since PvP is easilyOverwatch’s, and presumablyOverwatch 2’s main focus, it’s surprising that Blizzard hasn’t shared any information about it yet. The May 20 presentation could end up being thebiggestOverwatch 2event yet.
Overwatch 2is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
