Overwatch
News, coverage and analysis tracking Overwatch across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Blizzard reveals Overwatch hero Anran's new "fiery and fierce" look, following player backlash over 'same-face syndrome'
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a redesigned look for Overwatch hero Anran following player feedback regarding 'same-face syndrome' and a perceived 'baby face'. Game director Aaron Keller stated the team aimed to strengthen her presence and make her appear more 'fiery and fierce'. The redesign is set to launch with Season 2, with Blizzard encouraging continued community feedback for future character releases.
Overwatch will free Anran from her "baby face" in Season 2, director confirms, and her voice actor approves: "She looks much more like the strong older sibling we knew her to be"
Blizzard Entertainment is updating the character design for Anran in Overwatch Season 2, aiming for a stronger, more mature appearance that better reflects her role as a fierce older sibling. Game director Aaron Keller confirmed the changes, which were also approved by voice actor Fareeha Andersen. This redesign process is serving as a learning experience for the development of future heroes.
Overwatch's Anran finally gets her glow-up. "Playful" is out, "sincere" is in, but is it enough?
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a reworked character model for the Overwatch hero Anran, following player complaints about her previous appearance. The developer has shifted the character's aesthetic from 'playful' to 'sincere'.
Overwatch's Anran redesign fixes her controversial 'baby face' in Season 2: 'This process has really helped dial in the next set of heroes'
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed an updated character model for Anran in Overwatch, addressing fan and voice actor concerns about her previous 'baby face' design. Game director Aaron Keller explained the changes focus on strengthening her presence and making her appear older and more confident. This redesign will be implemented with the launch of Season 2.
Blizzard Unveils Anran's Redesigned Face In Overwatch Season 2
Blizzard Entertainment has unveiled a redesigned face for the Overwatch hero Anran ahead of Season 2, addressing player feedback that her original appearance was too similar to other characters and lacked a mature presence. Overwatch director Aaron Keller stated the team focused on her eyes, eyebrows, and mouth to create a more sincere and mature expression, with subtle posture changes also implemented. The updated design will launch with Overwatch Season 2 on April 14.
Report: Take-Two lays off the head of AI and multiple team members
Take-Two Interactive has reportedly laid off the head of its AI division and multiple team members. In separate news, Nexon has partnered with Blizzard Entertainment to publish Overwatch in South Korea, with services tailored for the region.
Nexon agrees to publish Overwatch in Korea
Nexon has agreed to publish Blizzard Entertainment's Overwatch in Korea. The companies are collaborating to provide services specifically tailored for the Korean market, with PC being the primary platform.
‘We Moved Away From That Baby Face’ — Overwatch Reveals Updated Look For Anran Following Fan Backlash
Overwatch has revealed an updated character model for Anran following significant fan backlash regarding the initial design. The developers stated they moved away from the 'baby face' aesthetic in response to community feedback.
Nexon agrees to publish Overwatch in Korea
Nexon has agreed to publish Overwatch in Korea, taking over from Blizzard Entertainment. The article also discusses Sony's past strategies regarding remasters and remakes, questioning their current business decisions and leadership changes.
Overwatch Players Call Portrait System ‘Absurdly Overdesigned’ vs Original
Overwatch players are criticizing the portrait system in Overwatch 2, calling it 'absurdly overdesigned' compared to the simpler UI of the original Overwatch. The discussion, which gained significant traction on Reddit, highlights a community preference for clarity and functionality in game interfaces over excessive visual flair. Players hope Blizzard Entertainment will consider simplifying the portrait designs based on this feedback.
Overwatch’s NieR Collab Accidentally Breaks Blizzard World Map
Overwatch's recent NieR: Automata collaboration introduced a new 'sunset' lighting for the Blizzard World map that has made it visually difficult to play, resembling Sombra's invisibility filter. Players are actively avoiding the map due to the poor visibility and color distortion, impacting the intended celebratory atmosphere of the collaboration and the map itself.
Overwatch Fans Question Cassidy’s ‘Uncomfortable’ Aiming Stance
Overwatch players are discussing Cassidy's aiming stance, with many finding it uncomfortable and stiff, not fitting his seasoned gunslinger persona. This conversation highlights the importance of character animation in player connection and game world believability, with the community hoping for potential refinements from Blizzard Entertainment.
MMO Week in Review: Queen Devona
This week's MMO news roundup covers updates for Guild Wars Reforged, layoffs at MechWarrior studio Piranha Games, and a potential acquisition of Epic Games by Disney. The article also touches on political discussions surrounding game shutdowns in Europe and new early access dates for Heroes of Might and Magic Olden Era.
Overwatch Fan Creates Stunning Echo Ballerina Skin, Hopes for Blizzard Job
A fan artist has created a highly detailed ballerina skin concept for the Overwatch character Echo, sharing it on Reddit and expressing a desire to be hired by Blizzard Entertainment. The concept highlights the community's passion for the character and the potential for more unique cosmetic options in Overwatch 2.
5 dead games I still can’t stop thinking about
This article discusses five 'dead games' that, despite player abandonment or functional abandonment, remain memorable due to their strong core concepts or communities. Games like Anthem, Deceive Inc., Gigantic, Titanfall 2, and Paladins: Champions of the Realm are examined for their initial appeal and the reasons for their decline, often citing issues with live-service models, market timing, or lack of sustained support.
Overwatch Community Declares Game ‘Truly Back’ After Classic POTG Moment
The Overwatch community is experiencing a resurgence of enthusiasm, with players declaring the game is 'truly back' following classic Play of the Game moments. This renewed optimism is attributed to recent balance changes by Blizzard Entertainment that have made more heroes viable and fostered exciting team-based gameplay. These moments are creating a positive feedback loop, encouraging players to return and share their positive experiences.
Stunning Symmetra Cosplay Shows Why Overwatch Fans Are the Best
A Symmetra cosplay shared on the Overwatch subreddit has garnered significant attention and praise from the community. The detailed costume, created by user Clau_cy1, highlights the passion and creativity within the Overwatch fanbase, serving as a reminder of the game's appeal beyond its gameplay.
Nexon is taking on Overwatch publishing duties in Korea ‘within the year’
Nexon and Blizzard Entertainment have partnered to publish Overwatch on PC in Korea, with operations beginning later this year. Nexon will handle live service and business operations tailored to the Korean market, while Blizzard will continue overall game development. This partnership follows a previous deal where Nexon began publishing for the StarCraft IP in Korea.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several individuals from the publication discuss their gaming plans for a UK bank holiday weekend. Topics include returning to Cyberpunk 2077 after its updates, trying out indie titles like Raccoin and Discopup, and revisiting games like Overwatch and Atomfall. Some mention upcoming DLC and new cars for racing simulators.
Blizzard’s new game hints that a UE5 open world shooter, with a focus on cinemetic storytelling is on the way
Blizzard Entertainment is actively hiring for an unannounced AAA open-world shooter project utilizing Unreal Engine 5. Job postings reveal a focus on cinematic storytelling, advanced combat mechanics, and potentially a new intellectual property or a revival of the StarCraft franchise. The game is in early pre-production, with a potential reveal possibly at BlizzCon in 2026.
