Overwatch 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Overwatch 2 across the outlets.
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Perfect Ten: MMOs whose sequels struggled to land
This article analyzes ten massively multiplayer online games whose sequels failed to achieve the same success as their predecessors. It explores reasons for these failures, including development issues, player migration, and market competition, highlighting titles like MapleStory 2, Overwatch 2, and EverQuest II.
Not So Massively: The Overwatch PvE issue is about accessibility
This opinion piece argues that Overwatch 2 should reintroduce accessible Player vs. Environment (PvE) modes to cater to players with disabilities or those who find Player vs. Player (PvP) too stressful. The author suggests a minimal PvE mode using existing assets could allow more players to enjoy the Overwatch universe and progress their battle passes, aligning with the game's inclusive ethos.
Women and LGBTQ+ Gamers Get the Worst of Online Toxicity. The Data Proves It.
Data indicates that women, LGBTQ+ individuals, Black gamers, and Jewish gamers experience disproportionately high rates of identity-based harassment in online gaming environments. While AI moderation tools are improving, they struggle to address coordinated, multi-platform harassment campaigns, leading to players avoiding games and the industry losing diverse talent. Games like Final Fantasy XIV and Deep Rock Galactic are highlighted for fostering more inclusive communities through design and active community management.
Overwatch 2 Players Launch Boycott Against Repetitive Character Skins
Overwatch 2 players are organizing a boycott against Blizzard Entertainment due to perceived favoritism in character cosmetic skins, primarily for Kiriko and Mercy. The community is urging players to "speak with their wallets" by not purchasing skins for these popular heroes, aiming to influence Blizzard's monetization strategy for live service games. This movement highlights player dissatisfaction with the distribution of in-game cosmetics and seeks a more equitable approach across all characters.
PSN is down, stating officially that 'Some services are experiencing issues' — here's what we know…
The PlayStation Network is currently experiencing service outages affecting gaming and social features. Users are reporting issues accessing online services, with a significant spike in outage reports on Downdetector. The official PlayStation Status page confirms that 'Some services are experiencing issues'.
Introducing the TAG Community Safety Score: Rating Games on What Actually Matters
The TAG Community Safety Score has been introduced to evaluate multiplayer games based on their community safety infrastructure, including moderation, transparency, and player controls, rather than just traditional game quality metrics. The article details the scoring methodology across eight dimensions and provides initial scores for eight major titles, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in their approaches to online safety and player well-being.
Overwatch was originally called "Monetized Shooter" because you had to buy each of its heroes, says co-creator Jeff Kaplan: "F***ing terrible, but at the time, I actually thought that was a good idea"
Overwatch co-creator Jeff Kaplan revealed that the game was initially pitched with the working title "Monetized Shooter." The concept combined elements of League of Legends and Team Fortress 2, with a focus on monetizing heroes. Kaplan ultimately proposed "Overwatch" as the official name.
Overwatch players prove that there's still some good left in them as Winston and co triumph over Talon in the…
The Overwatch Conquest event concluded with the "Overwatch" faction winning against "Talon." Players who participated received an Overwatch-themed Echo epic skin as a reward. The article notes that the win was largely due to the introduction of new characters, making it more of a popularity contest than a true test of loyalty.
How to Report Toxic Players in Every Major Game
This guide details how to effectively report toxic players across major multiplayer games like Call of Duty, Valorant, Apex Legends, and others. It emphasizes providing specific details, timestamps, and clips to ensure reports are actionable by moderation systems, whether AI or human-reviewed. The article also covers platform-level reporting and when to escalate issues beyond in-game tools.
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.
