One of the worst-kept secrets for this year’s BlizzCon is the existence of a sequel for the blockbuster first-person shooter Overwatch. During the highly-anticipated opening ceremony of BlizzCon 2019, the team at Blizzard Entertainment finally unveiled details about the sequel, simply titled Overwatch 2. As previously rumored, the sequel will prominently feature some player-versus-enemy modes and elements.
After jokingly acknowledging leaks, Jeff Kaplan showed off a dramatic cinematic video, featuring Winston, Tracer, and mei fighting Null Sector in Paris. Following the reveal, Kaplan came back on stage to share gameplay footage featuring four-player co-op Hero Missions. Players can level up their heroes, and customize and upgrade their abilities. PvP will also feature a new core gameplay mode called “Push,” which will be on the BlizzCon 2019 floor with a map based on Vancouver.
Also playable on the floor this weekend is a PvE mission based in Rio de Janeiro. An upcoming panel will unload details on the new graphics engine, with all of the 31 heroes receiving updated looks and designs. In addition to classic heroes, Sojourn will be a new Hero for the game, though Kaplan declined to provide any more details about her. Judging from the cinematic video, it is likely that Echo from the McCree short film will also be a new playable Hero.
Interestingly enough, Kaplan described both Overwatch games as a “shared” experience, with the first Overwatch game receiving the new maps and heroes as Overwatch 2, with customization options from the first game carrying on to the sequel.
The reveal of Overwatch 2 comes at a tumultuous time for the developer and publisher, with a Nintendo Switch port for the first game recently releasing and organized protests against Blizzard in full force today, due to the company’s stance on speech regarding the ongoing Hong Kong protests. Blizzard Entertainment President J. Allen Brack addressed the controversy at the top of the presentation, giving a sort of “apology” while not addressing Hong Kong by name and not reversing any of the company’s decisions.
Along with Overwatch 2 were reveals for Diablo IV and a World of Warcraft expansion titled Shadowlands. Both the cinematic trailer and the gameplay trailer are embedded below. No platforms or release date for Overwatch 2 were announced.
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