Overwatch
News, coverage and analysis tracking Overwatch across the outlets.
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Roblox confirms no adult content used in AI training after scraping Open3DLab data
Roblox Corporation has confirmed that an AI agent mistakenly scraped 145.5 GB of 3D assets, including adult content, from Open3DLab's subsidiary sites. The company has decommissioned the agent and stated the data will not be used for AI training. This incident raises concerns about content moderation and the potential for adult material to be included in AI-generated assets offered to Roblox's young user base.
Project Titan's end 'immediately instilled a culture of humility' in the Overwatch team which has helped…
The cancellation of Blizzard's MMO Project Titan instilled a culture of humility and resilience within the Overwatch development team, which has helped them navigate challenges over the past decade. Despite a difficult start and the pressure to create a revenue-generating game, the team has managed to bring Overwatch back on track and is proud of its current state.
Winston’s copypasta fever might be my favorite celebration of Overwatch
The author expresses a fondness for the "Winston copypasta fever" as a unique and enjoyable way the Overwatch community celebrates the game. This phenomenon is compared favorably to the "Winton" meme, highlighting the creative and humorous ways players engage with the title.
Overwatch devs took one look at Jetpack Cat and Bastion's combo and went 'oh, that's a little scary'
Overwatch's Associate Game Director Alec Dawson discussed the initial 'scary' combination of Jetpack Cat and Bastion, which created an "Apache helicopter meta" in the game. While the developers anticipated the potential for imbalance during testing, they deliberately allowed the powerful team-up to be experienced by players before implementing nerfs to preserve exciting gameplay moments.
List of every free Nintendo Switch 2 game
This article lists free-to-play games available on the Nintendo Switch 2, including titles like Fortnite and Overwatch. It also details games that offer a 'Friend's Pass,' allowing players to join a friend who owns the full game.
With Minecraft and Diablo shows already on the way, Netflix reportedly offered Xbox $500m for a bigger film and TV deal
Netflix and Xbox reportedly failed to reach an agreement for a major film and TV adaptation deal, with Netflix offering $500 million and Xbox countering with $800 million. While this specific large-scale deal fell apart due to the price difference, both companies are still collaborating on other projects like animated series for Minecraft and Diablo, and a Gears of War film.
Overwatch’s new ‘AI slop’ Stellar Blade collab has the community split in multiple ways
A recent collaboration between Overwatch and Stellar Blade has divided the gaming community. The article highlights the controversy, with some players referring to the content as 'AI slop,' indicating a strong negative sentiment towards the crossover.
Overwatch's director discusses why King's Row is so iconic, but admits that 'every single map in the game…
Overwatch game director Aaron Keller discusses the enduring popularity and iconic status of the King's Row map. He highlights its balanced design, offering strategic advantages for both attackers and defenders, and providing satisfying team fight moments throughout its layout. The article also touches on player preferences for different map types and modes within the game.
WRUP: Eliot is missing edition
The Massively OP staff and community share their weekend gaming plans, with mentions of City of Heroes, Guardians of the Galaxy, Final Fantasy XIV, and Warframe. Several staff members also discuss games or media they were disappointed by after high expectations, including Guardians of the Galaxy and the original Halloween film.
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan has cut all ties with the game
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan stated in a recent interview that he has completely cut ties with the game and has not played or looked up anything related to it in the five years since leaving Blizzard Entertainment. Kaplan cited the immense pressure from Activision as a factor in his departure.
Jeff Kaplan discusses indie dev, his post-Overwatch life, and fixing Legend of California’s busted ladders
Jeff Kaplan, currently working on the Wild West survival game The Legend of California with his studio Kintsugiyama, discussed his transition from Blizzard Entertainment and the game's development. He expressed a preference for not being the public face of a game and finds indie development freeing, despite facing fiscal realities. Kaplan also confirmed his disconnection from Overwatch and highlighted that fixing issues like the game's ladders is a positive sign for The Legend of California's progress.
Diablo 5 Cinematic Director Confirms Shooting for Cutscenes Has Begun
Blizzard Entertainment has begun video shoots for Diablo 5's cinematics, as confirmed by cinematic director Neil David Carter. The company aims to deliver an ambitious campaign with three distinct narratives, building on its reputation for high-quality cutscenes in titles like StarCraft and Overwatch. Diablo 5 is slated for a 2029 launch.
'I Just Sort of Disconnect' — Jeff Kaplan is Avoiding Overwatch at all Costs
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan revealed that he actively avoids engaging with online discussions and subreddits related to Blizzard's hero shooter to protect his mental well-being. He disconnects entirely from the game's community.
'There is no secret sauce' to a successful live service game according to Overwatch's associate game director, but knowing your audience is a good start
Overwatch's associate game director Alec Dawson and game director Aaron Keller discuss the challenges and strategies behind maintaining a successful live service game. They emphasize that there is no single 'secret sauce,' but rather a consistent focus on making good decisions daily, understanding player needs for novelty and variety within a competitive framework, and ensuring players feel in control of their actions.
Ex-Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan ignores everything about the hero shooter after his 'almost clinical' departure 5 years ago: 'I don't search for my name in Overwatch. I don't search for Overwatch. I sort of just disconnect.'
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan revealed he has completely disconnected from the game and its community since his departure from Blizzard five years ago. He described his exit from World of Warcraft in 2008 as a precursor to his eventual departure from Overwatch, leading to a deliberate separation from the title. Kaplan is now working on a new cowboy-themed survival game called The Legend of California with former Blizzard developer Tim Ford.
Looking back on 10 years of Overwatch, the promises kept, and where Team 4 goes from here
Overwatch celebrates its 10th anniversary, reflecting on its journey as a live service game. Despite past challenges like content droughts and the disappointment surrounding Overwatch 2's PvE, the game is now considered to be in its best state, with developers Aaron Keller and Alec Dawson highlighting the team's passion, commitment to player feedback, and a renewed focus on the core experience. The developers are planning content years in advance, aiming to keep the game fresh and engaging for its dedicated player base.
Ex-Overwatch Director Jeff Kaplan Says He Never Wanted The Spotlight, But The Game Needed A Face
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan reflects on his public-facing role, stating he never sought the spotlight but felt it was necessary for the game's growth and fan engagement. He discusses the personal cost of dealing with player toxicity and his relief in stepping away from Blizzard to work on his new studio's game, The Legend of California.
Jeff Kaplan Says Seperation From Overwatch Was “Clinical”: ” I Never Go Back”
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan stated he has maintained a "clinical separation" from the game since his departure from Blizzard in April 2021. He explained that to protect his own mental well-being and focus on his new independent game, The Legend of California, he avoids engaging with Overwatch content online. Kaplan drew parallels to his earlier departure from World of Warcraft, noting that stepping away from that game was more emotionally impactful.
Jeff Kaplan Was An Industry Icon, Now Peers Ignore His Emails: Ex-Overwatch Director Talks “Humbling” Reality Of Indie Dev
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan discusses the humbling transition from AAA development at Blizzard to leading his independent studio, Kintsugiyama, and its debut title, The Legend of California. He reflects on the challenges of indie development, including industry contacts ignoring his emails, and emphasizes the importance of a developer-run studio focused on creative integrity over corporate mandates. Kaplan also shares personal inspirations for The Legend of California, drawing from his upbringing in California and his father's love for Westerns.
Deadlock Appears to Be a Big Hit from Valve
Valve's in-development MOBA, Deadlock, has achieved a new concurrent player record of 262,145 during its invite-only playtest, surpassing Team Fortress 2's peak. This surge coincided with the addition of a new character, Solomon, who features chess-based abilities. Despite its early access and invite-only status, Deadlock is demonstrating significant player engagement.
