Overwatch
News, coverage and analysis tracking Overwatch across the outlets.
Blizzard explains visual updates to Overwatch's AnranOverwatch game director Aaron Keller addressed community and voice actor feedback regarding the visual design of the new character Anran. Following backlash over her initial appearance, Blizzard is implementing updates to make her visuals more aligned with her described personality as a confident and fierce leader, moving away from a perceived 'baby face' look. The changes, set to go live on April 14, focus on her eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and posture.- Issues and ActivismOverwatch has announced a redesign for the character Anran following backlash from players and the voice actor. The decision comes after significant community feedback regarding the character's previous design and portrayal.
- Overwatch reveals player-demanded facial revision for Anran to make her more ‘fiery and fierce’Overwatch is releasing an updated character model for Anran in Season 2, addressing player feedback that her initial design did not convey the 'fiery and fierce' persona intended by the developers. Game director Aaron Keller had previously acknowledged the concerns and promised revisions, which have now been previewed with before-and-after images. The update aims to strengthen her overall presence and align with the creative vision for the character.
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 2Blizzard 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 membersTake-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 KoreaNexon 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 BacklashOverwatch 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 KoreaNexon 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 OriginalOverwatch 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 MapOverwatch'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 StanceOverwatch 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 DevonaThis 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 JobA 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 aboutThis 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 MomentThe 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 BestA 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.