WithOverwatch 2officially announced, game director Jeff Kaplan is opening up about the sequel’s ongoing development and how it affected the original game. Namely, Kaplan acknowledges that the development ofOverwatch’s live service was put on pause while Blizzard focused onOverwatch 2. Being able to open up to theOverwatchcommunity about this, according to Kaplan, is extremely relieving. Blizzard is excited to be able to communicate clearly aboutOverwatch’s future again.
Overwatchplayers already know by now that the game’s live service updates have been disappointing for some time, in that Blizzard hasn’t been expanding seasonal modes or adding much in terms of new playable content. In an interview with Kotaku, Kaplan explains why, saying, “Overwatch 2 was 100 percent the reason.” Kaplan seesOverwatch 2’s announcement as an adequate explanation, both for the lack of pastOverwatchupdates and for the ongoing absence asOverwatch 2finishes development.
RELATED:Overwatch 2 Director Talks ‘Demoralizing’ Leaks
“I sit right next to one of the designers ofJunkenstein’s Revenge– this brilliant guy named Mike Heiberg – and he’s like ‘I have all these ideas I want to do for Halloween this year.’ And I’m like ‘I understand, Mike, but we’re focused on [Overwatch 2] right now.’ So it’s hard for us.”
Kaplan describes the current state ofOverwatchas a temporary pause in the game’s live service. Obviously seasonal events and new skins continue to roll out, butgame director Jeff Kaplanis referring to new modes and changes.Overwatch 2will kickstart the live service back up to full speed, bringing with it new maps, heroes, and more.
As previously announced,Overwatch 2is currently at development at Blizzard, though it has no currently announced release date and seems unlikely until 2021. WhenOverwatch 2launches,Overwatchplayers will have complete access to the new competitive mode and all it includes. The list featuresnew heroes, new maps, and a complete visual overhaul as part of an engine upgrade. And yes, all cosmetics and microtransactions will also carry over, whether you buyOverwatch 2or not.
Overwatchis available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.Overwatch 2has no current release date, but is confirmed for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
MORE:Overwatch 2: 5 Features We’re Excited About (& 5 That Have Us Worried)
