Overwatch 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Overwatch 2 across the outlets.
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Overwatch Fan Creates Stunning Zenyatta and Rammatra Artwork
An artist named Stereo-Anami has created a highly praised piece of fan art featuring Overwatch characters Zenyatta and Rammatra, highlighting their complex relationship and individual motivations. The artwork has resonated deeply within the Overwatch community, demonstrating continued engagement with the game's lore and characters despite ongoing discussions about the game's development and monetization.
Overwatch director says addressing the 5v5 versus 6v6 debates 'cost us trust': 'We should have listened…
Overwatch 2 game director Aaron Keller admitted that the controversial shift from 6v6 to 5v5 gameplay format cost the team player trust. He stated that while a 6v6 mode remains popular, the team is still unsure how to best integrate it long-term. Keller emphasized a new development approach focused on listening to player feedback and protecting the core game's identity.
"You've got to shut this down" - Jeff Kaplan recalls the "disaster" of Blizzard MMO Titan's development
Former Blizzard designer Jeff Kaplan described the cancelled MMO Titan as a "disaster" born from hubris following World of Warcraft's success. The ambitious project, intended to feature a dual-world structure with secret agent and business simulation elements, suffered from a lack of cohesion and clear direction, ultimately costing Blizzard an estimated $83 million before its cancellation in 2013. Kaplan admitted leadership, including his own, was ultimately responsible for the failure, with elements of Titan later influencing Overwatch.
Former Overwatch Boss Jeff Kaplan Has Some Advice For Gamers Who Complain About Games They'll Never Play: 'Shut the F*** Up. No One Cares' - IGN
Former Overwatch boss Jeff Kaplan shared his candid advice for gamers who complain about titles they have no intention of playing, stating they should "shut the f*** up" as "no one cares." Kaplan, who is now working on a new game called The Legend of California, expressed frustration with the negativity in gaming culture and advocated for more positive engagement with games.
Gamescom 2024 Steam Deck News, Reviews Including Bakeru and SCHiM, New Verified Games, Discounts, and More – TouchArcade
This week's Steam Deck Weekly covers Gamescom 2024 news, including impressions and reviews of Bakeru, Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, SCHiM, Gestalt: Steam and Cinder, and the Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun expansion. It also highlights new Steam Deck Verified and Playable games, along with ongoing sales and discounts.
Overwatch co-creator claims he was told if game didn’t hit certain revenue goals “we’re gonna lay off a 1000 people and it’s gonna be on you”
Overwatch co-creator Jeff Kaplan revealed that he was threatened with layoffs of 1,000 employees if Overwatch 2 did not meet specific revenue targets. Kaplan stated that unreasonable expectations placed on the Overwatch League contributed to his departure from Blizzard Entertainment.
Jeff Kaplan Reveals Shocking CFO Ultimatum That Ended His Blizzard Career
Former Overwatch co-creator Jeff Kaplan revealed that a CFO's ultimatum regarding revenue targets for Overwatch was the primary reason for his departure from Blizzard Entertainment in 2021. This ultimatum, which threatened 1,000 layoffs if targets weren't met, is seen by the community as a catalyst for Overwatch 2's monetization issues and a symptom of broader industry toxicity.
Overwatch 2 Players Return for Mauga, Hawaiian Shirt Dreams
Overwatch 2 is experiencing a resurgence in player count, largely driven by the popularity of the tank hero Mauga. Players returning after leaving during early seasons are praising Mauga's character design, gameplay, and personality, with many expressing a desire for his Hawaiian shirt cosmetic. This renewed engagement is attributed to improved game balance and exciting new content from Blizzard Entertainment.
"You have a vocal minority screaming the loudest": Marvel Rivals devs are careful with balancing because players found Jeff the Land Shark OP until they discovered a quick fix
Marvel Rivals developers are carefully considering game balancing due to vocal player feedback, as exemplified by the initial overestimation of Jeff the Land Shark's power. Executive producer Danny Koo highlighted that player complaints about the character's strength were resolved once a simple counter-play mechanic was discovered. The game is being developed by NetEase Games.
Jeff Kaplan Calls Activision Exit His Biggest ‘F**k You Moment’
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan described his 2021 exit from Activision Blizzard as his biggest 'f**k you moment,' suggesting deep dissatisfaction with the company's direction and workplace conditions during a period of significant crisis. His departure and subsequent comments highlight ongoing issues within the gaming industry regarding creative control and developer treatment.
Jeff Kaplan calls Overwatch 2 "one of my biggest mistakes," names devs who "didn't like PvP" and executive pressure as reasons for troubled development
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan described the development of Overwatch 2 as one of his biggest mistakes, citing internal team members who disliked PvP and pressure from Activision management for a 2019 release. Kaplan also mentioned that initial ideas for Overwatch 2 were conceived as early as 2015, prior to the original game's launch.
'We'll Lay Off a Thousand People': Blizzard CFO's Outrageous Threat Was the Last Straw for Overwatch Director
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan has explained that a threat from Blizzard's CFO to lay off a thousand employees if revenue targets were not met was the primary reason for his 2021 departure. Kaplan recalled the incident as a significant "f*ck you" moment, leading him to leave the company after nearly 20 years. The article also touches on the pressures surrounding the Overwatch League and the eventual transition to Overwatch 2.
Overwatch's Director Quit Following Outrageous Ultimatum from Blizzard Big Wig
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan has explained his 2021 departure from Blizzard Entertainment, citing an ultimatum from the company's CFO regarding revenue targets. Kaplan felt immense pressure and a lack of trust, leading him to resign after nearly 20 years with the company. The article also touches on the ambitious Overwatch League and the development pressures that led to Overwatch 2.
Jeff Kaplan Says Overwatch League Pressure Helped Drive His Blizzard Exit
Former Overwatch team head Jeff Kaplan revealed in a Lex Fridman podcast interview that immense pressure from the overmarketed Overwatch League contributed to his departure from Blizzard Entertainment. He detailed how unrealistic revenue expectations and commitments to investors diverted resources from game development, culminating in a meeting with Activision's CFO that solidified his decision to leave. Kaplan has since announced his new project, an indie multiplayer action-survival FPS called The Legend of California.
How well do you know Baldur's Gate 3's second, and More... | TAG
PC Gamer has released a new quiz testing knowledge of Baldur's Gate 3's second act, with playtesters for Dawn of War 4 requesting longer combat sequences due to their enjoyment of the game's visual spectacle. The article also includes quick updates on Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Starfield mods, a Red Dead Redemption 2 next-gen update, and Overwatch 2's latest patch.
Jeff Kaplan Drops Bombshell About ‘Contentious’ Activision Exit
Overwatch co-creator Jeff Kaplan described his 2021 departure from Activision Blizzard as the biggest "f**k you moment" of his career, suggesting a deeply contentious exit. This revelation sheds light on potential issues within Blizzard during the development of Overwatch 2 and contributes to a broader discussion about how major game studios treat their creative talent.
"We're going to lay off 1,000 people and that's going to be on you": Ex-Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan says redundancy ultimatum led to his Blizzard exit
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan revealed that his 2021 departure from Blizzard was prompted by an ultimatum from the company's CFO regarding revenue targets and potential layoffs. Kaplan stated that the pressure to meet financial goals, exacerbated by the demands of the Overwatch League, led him to leave the company he had intended to retire from. The article also touches on the challenges faced by the development team due to the league's overmarketing and resource drain.
"It felt surreal": Overwatch co-creator allegedly left Blizzard after a former exec said he'd be responsible for 1,000 layoffs if the shooter didn't hit financial targets
Overwatch co-creator Jeff Kaplan has revealed that he left Blizzard Entertainment in 2021 after a former executive allegedly stated he would be responsible for 1,000 layoffs if the shooter did not meet financial targets. Kaplan expressed feeling in control of the game's direction prior to this incident, which reportedly served as his breaking point.
'That Was the Biggest F*** You Moment I Had in My Career' — Jeff Kaplan, Former Boss of the Overwatch Team, Finally Reveals Why He Left Blizzard - IGN
Former Overwatch boss Jeff Kaplan revealed that extreme financial pressures from Activision Blizzard led to his departure after nearly 20 years. He cited the Overwatch League's overselling to investors and the subsequent demand for revenue generation as major factors that diverted resources and created an unsustainable environment for the development team.
Former Overwatch Lead claims he was given a horrid ultimatum: meet revenue goals or 1,000 developers would lose jobs
Former Overwatch lead Jeff Kaplan revealed that he was given an ultimatum by former Blizzard CFO Dennis Durkin: meet specific revenue goals for Overwatch or 1,000 developers would lose their jobs. Kaplan stated this pressure, partly due to the financial strains of the Overwatch League, significantly impacted his career at Blizzard. He is now working on a new survival game called The Legend of California with an independent studio.
