Overwatch
News, coverage and analysis tracking Overwatch across the outlets.
Blizzard eliminates 'small number' of roles in ChinaBlizzard Entertainment has eliminated a small number of roles in China as part of an operational model evolution in the region. Studio president Johanna Faries stated these changes are intended to strengthen regional publishing and product management capabilities. This news follows broader layoffs announced by Xbox, impacting thousands of employees across Microsoft's gaming division.- Safe Gaming Guide for Adults: Anti-Toxicity in 2026 | TAGThis guide offers strategies for adult gamers to combat online toxicity and improve their gaming experience. It introduces TAG's safety score for rating games based on community health and provides platform-specific tools for managing communication and blocking players. The article emphasizes the benefits of private lobbies, playing with trusted friends, and seeking out positive communities to mitigate the negative impacts of toxic online environments.
With the sword of Microsoft hanging over it, Blizzard quietly drops Overwatch in Korea into the hands of NexonBlizzard Entertainment is transferring publishing duties for Overwatch in Korea to Nexon, with a new PC service set to launch on August 12. This move comes amidst significant restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division, including layoffs and studio divestitures. Nexon aims to enhance the Overwatch experience through hyperlocalization and advanced live operations.
Blizzard devs in the dark for now as president of the World of Warcraft and Diablo studio says they "can expect to hear more" soon about Microsoft's plan for the studio as Xbox faces 3,200 job cutsAmid significant layoffs impacting approximately 3,200 positions at Xbox, Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries has communicated to staff that more details regarding the studio's future under Microsoft will be shared soon. While Blizzard's major franchises like World of Warcraft and Diablo appear largely untouched for now, the company is bracing for potential restructuring and changes in the coming months.- Engagement RingOverwatch has received mixed reviews on Steam following its recent updates. While some players express satisfaction with the game's direction, a significant portion of the community has voiced concerns, leading to a 'Mixed' rating on the platform.
Overwatch escapes "Mostly Negative" Steam reviews 3 years after becoming the worst-rated game on Valve's store: "In 2026, we finally got back to just Overwatch"Overwatch has seen its Steam review rating improve from "Mostly Negative" to "Mixed" after three years. This shift is attributed to a recent influx of positive player feedback, with some reviews praising new characters, battle pass value, and cosmetic offerings, despite ongoing criticisms regarding microtransactions and past disappointments.
Overwatch's Steam reviews creep up to "mixed" as playercount surgesOverwatch is experiencing a surge in player count on Steam, with recent reviews improving to a "mixed" status after previously being "mostly negative." Despite new content and collaborations, player criticism largely targets Blizzard Entertainment's aggressive microtransaction pricing, with some bundles costing up to $100.
Epic Games makes peace with ex-Fortnite insider as huge leak lawsuit comes to an endEpic Games has settled its lawsuit against former contractor Hayden Cohen, who was accused of leaking unannounced Fortnite content. The agreement permanently bans Cohen from sharing Epic's confidential information and does not include any public payment. The leaks reportedly revealed dozens of upcoming collaborations and development plans.- WRUP: Tips to make your fireworks incredibly unsafe editionThis week's "What Are You Playing" roundup features community members discussing their weekend gaming plans. Titles mentioned include Farever, The Division 2, Final Fantasy XIV, Doom: Infinite, Octopath Traveler II, Spyro the Dragon, Overwatch, Stronghold 4, and Warframe. The discussion also touches on outdoor grilling preferences.
What are we all playing this weekend?Several members of the gaming team shared their weekend plans, which include continuing walkthroughs of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Lords of the Fallen, trying out demos for Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Lullabies Made of Static, and returning to games like Soulframe and Overwatch. One team member is also focusing on coding a game prototype with their brother.
Heroes of the Storm esports is back, but it's just for one dayBlizzard Entertainment is bringing back Heroes of the Storm esports for a special one-day event as part of the Blizzard Classic Cup at BlizzCon 2026. The event will feature a rerun of the 2018 HGC finale and include legacy matches for StarCraft, StarCraft 2, and Warcraft 3, alongside Overwatch World Cup and other Blizzard esports tournaments.- Evening PatchesSeveral games have received recent updates, including Battlefield 6 with patch 1.3.3.0, Diablo IV launching its Season of Death Awakening (Season 14), and Overwatch retail patch notes being released on June 30, 2026. Seafarer: The Ship Sim also received an update.
- WRUP: Things the cat tube produces editionThis week's "What Are You Playing" roundup features community members discussing their gaming plans, including Guild Wars 2, Star Wars Galaxies Legends, The Division 2, and Warframe. Several staff members also shared personal anecdotes about unique family traditions, ranging from elaborate fireworks displays to specific holiday meals and egg-cracking games.
- Blizzard’s Overwatch pumps out another collab, this one with J-pop group YOASOBIBlizzard Entertainment has announced a collaboration event for Overwatch with the J-pop duo YOASOBI, running from June 30th to July 20th. The event features six special hero skins with unique designs and VFX, along with a short story, music video, and map adjustments.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffsMicrosoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
Blizzard’s Unannounced StarCraft Title: The Hard FactsEvidence suggests Blizzard Entertainment is developing a new AAA open-world shooter set in the StarCraft universe, moving away from its Real-Time Strategy roots. The project is built on Unreal Engine and led by former Far Cry executive producer Dan Hay, indicating a significant shift in franchise direction and development strategy.
Nu är det spelhelg, för bövelen!Several individuals share their gaming plans for the weekend, covering a diverse range of titles including Assassin's Creed Rogue, 007 Legends, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Last of Us Part II. Some are revisiting classics like Red Faction: Guerrilla and X-COM, while others are trying new addictive experiences like Ball x Pit.
Razer announces Soma Chroma RGB gaming chairRazer has announced the Soma Chroma, a new gaming chair featuring customizable RGB lighting that can sync with gameplay from over 300 integrated titles. The chair, priced at $499 USD, is designed for immersion and offers a battery power option for unrestricted movement. It is scheduled for release on June 25, 2026.- Issues and ActivismOverwatch players are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the high cost of new in-game skins, leading to a revolt within the community. This backlash highlights ongoing player concerns regarding the monetization strategies employed by Blizzard Entertainment.
- MMO Business Roundup: EA’s latest layoffs, Overwatch’s pricy cosmetics, and GAAS nuanceThis business roundup covers recent events in the MMO industry, including layoffs at Electronic Arts affecting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams. Former Path of Exile developer Chris Wilson shared nuanced views on live service games, acknowledging drawbacks like problematic monetization and player demands. Additionally, Overwatch's high-priced Nyan Cafe cosmetic skins have drawn community backlash.