An Obituary For Overwatch

Iterative releases are something that fans of sports games are more accustomed to. Every year a new NBA, Madden , NHL, MLB or WWE game is released and they're rarely significant departures from the previous installment. These games are usually expected to release annually, so they typically feature nothing more than roster updates with maybe the occasional new mode or gameplay tweak. Yet, despite being essentially the same game – or in some cases being much worse than the game that came before – they'll still cost you the price of a triple-A rele


While this is all well and good for Overwatch 2 , what becomes of the overall hero shooter genre? Right now the core three are Overwatch , the ancient Team Fortress 2 , and Apex Legends - which is more of a battle royale, really, but technically counts. Apex actually may be the best example of how this genre will evo


While we don't know for certain that the game is actually in development, its release will likely make a splash across the gaming industry, especially if it goes free to play, or manages to add in some new feature that no one's ever thought of. Plus, its eSports scene could become an even bigger deal, which will just pour more cash into the coffers of Blizzard and Activis

As a result, most of my Overwatch group began to fall off of the game since it was beginning to feel stagnant. It was no longer an evolving experience that was exciting and fresh. Instead, it was a game that was stuck in a holding pattern waiting for its sequel to come and revitalize


Thirty years before the present day, the world was sent into one of the deadliest wars in history. Omnica Corporation created Omnics to help improve various productions and hoped the robotics would create worldwide economic equality. However, the facilities were shut down after investigations unearthed evidence of corporate fraud . Sometime after, the now-abandoned facilities suddenly came to life and began producing Omnic arm

Overwatch 2 was announced much too early, likely to pave over controversy at the time surrounding the company and its many scandals. We were given an awkward glimpse at PvE content that wasn’t ready for the spotlight in the slightest, while progression systems linked to certain characters have been dumped entirely in the version coming next month. Blizzard didn’t know what it wanted the sequel to be, and it still doesn’t, so we are stepping hesitantly into a future where I desperately hope this hero shooter can earn its place. The original game is being shut down as it arrives, with its younger sibling intended to replace everything it stood for as heroes, cosmetics, and everything else is carried across as part of a hopefully seamless transition. I’ll miss what is being left behind, and so will many others.


Roughly eight years before the present day, a terrorist organization called Talon attacked an Overwatch facility in Oslo. More specifically, a businessman named Antonio was behind the attacks. Morrison wanted to work with the Italian government in taking him down, but Reyes opted for his own operation. He infiltrated Antonio’s home with a team that consisted of himself, Genji Shimada, Moira O’Deorain, and Jessee McCree. However, Reyes killed Antonio instead of capturing him, which started a series of events that would spell the end of Overwa


Kaplan does seem to have big plans for Overwatch 2 , and the story mode may end being phenomenal. If there's a good number of missions, new skills, and a high level of replayability, then it might turn out to be a game deserving of your hard-earned dollars. But right now, Overwatch 2 seems like the same old Overwatch , only now everyone has a fancy new hairst


And that brings us back to the question of __ whether Overwatch 2 needs to exist, or if it's just one giant Activision-endorsed cash grab. While the story mode is enticing, these missions could have easily been added into the base game as DLC. Many players would have gladly paid $20 or $30 to play through a cinematic adventure with Tracer and company, but instead, we're getting a new game that will likely be priced at the same level as other triple-A releases. This means if you want to see the journey of Overwatch's revival you're going to have to pony up $60, and that doesn't feel justifia

Overwatch’s corporate identity was clear to see through its diverse cast and clear attempts at inclusion, made worse by queer characters who were never given any strong narrative within the world itself. On the surface it was a bold official statement, but dig any deeper, and you were left wanting so much more as Blizzard chased demographic approval. Its universe had so much potential for excellent stories and worthwhile sociopolitical commentary, but this clear ambition was brushed aside as the years went on in favour of recycled seasonal events and development of a sequel that is only now lumbering towards the finish line. I once looked up to Overwatch, but now I can’t help but view its failings and cynical business practices for what they really are. I still love so much about it, and the warm memories it brings to the forefront of my mind are clear proof that Blizzard struck gold with this one.