# Overwatch > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Overwatch > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Overwatch.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overwatch > Source revision: 1357363973 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Video game franchise}} {{About|the franchise|other uses}} {{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox video game series | title = ''Overwatch'' | image = Overwatch.svg | caption = | platforms = [Windows](/source/Windows), [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4), [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One), [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch), [PlayStation 5](/source/PlayStation_5), [Xbox Series X/S](/source/Xbox_Series_X%2FS), [Nintendo Switch 2](/source/Nintendo_Switch_2) | developer = [Blizzard Entertainment](/source/Blizzard_Entertainment) | first release version = ''[Overwatch](/source/Overwatch_(2016_video_game))'' | first release date = May 24, 2016 | latest release version = ''[Overwatch 2](/source/Overwatch_2)'' | latest release date = October 4, 2022 | publisher = Blizzard Entertainment | genre = [First-person shooter](/source/First-person_shooter), [hero shooter](/source/hero_shooter) | spinoffs = | creator = | artist = | writer = | composer = }} '''''Overwatch''''' (abbreviated as '''OW''') is a [multimedia franchise](/source/multimedia_franchise) centered on a series of multiplayer [first-person shooter](/source/first-person_shooter) (FPS) video games developed by [Blizzard Entertainment](/source/Blizzard_Entertainment). ''[Overwatch](/source/Overwatch_(2016_video_game))'' was released in 2016. ''[Overwatch 2](/source/Overwatch_2)'' was released in 2022 and the original game was taken offline upon its release, though Blizzard renamed it back to ''Overwatch'' in 2026. ''Overwatch'' features [hero-based](/source/hero_shooter) combat between two teams of players fighting over various objectives, along with other traditional gameplay modes. Released in 2016, ''Overwatch'' lacked a traditional story mode. Instead, Blizzard employed a [transmedia storytelling](/source/transmedia_storytelling) strategy to disseminate lore regarding the game's characters, releasing [comics](/source/Overwatch_(digital_comic_series)) and other literary media, as well as [animated media](/source/Overwatch_animated_media) that includes short films. The game enjoyed both critical and commercial success, and garnered a devoted following. The fan community around the franchise has produced a large amount of content including art, [cosplay](/source/cosplay), fan fiction, anime-influenced music videos, Internet memes, and [pornography](/source/Overwatch_and_pornography). Blizzard helped launch and promote an esports scene surrounding the game, including an annual [Overwatch World Cup](/source/Overwatch_World_Cup), [Overwatch League](/source/Overwatch_League) a [minor league](/source/Overwatch_Contenders), and the [Overwatch Champions Series](/source/Overwatch_Champions_Series) which borrowed elements found in traditional American sports leagues. ==Gameplay== Both games in the ''Overwatch'' series are team-based [hero shooter](/source/hero_shooter)s. Players select a hero character from a large roster (52 as of Season 2), divided among three class types. These are: Tanks, who have higher health and generally meant to help protect their teammates from damage, but are larger and easier to hit; Damage, who act as the team's offensive leads; and Support, who heal, provide buffs for teammates, or de-buff the opposing team. Each role also features sub-roles with extra passives. These sub-roles include 'Initiator', 'Stalwart', and 'Bruiser' for Tank. 'Specialist', 'Flanker', 'Recon', and 'Sharpshooter' for Damage. 'Medic', 'Tactician', and 'Survivor' for Support. Players are generally free to change to different heroes while inside their spawn room during the course of a match in response to the current tactics employed by other players. As of the development of Overwatch 2, a standard game features one tank player, two damage players and two support players, a change from having two of each class in its predecessor. Players choose their class before the match, and can only pick characters within that class for the duration of the game. There are different styles of game modes, however, that allow players to choose characters from any class throughout the game. Each hero has a skill kit that includes a primary attack, active skills that require a cooldown period before they can be used again, passive skills that remain active at all times, and an Ultimate skill that can only be used once they fill their Ultimate meter either by damaging opponents, mitigating damage, healing teammates or by passively generating it over time. An update in 2025 saw each hero receive a total of four unique abilities known as perks.{{cite web|last=Cochran|first=Allyson|url=https://www.thegamer.com/overwatch-2-perks-heroes-selection-guide/|title=Overwatch 2: Perks, Explained|work=TheGamer|date=February 19, 2025|accessdate=March 7, 2025}} Each hero has two minor and two major perks; minor perks consist of smaller changes to a hero's kit, while major perks are intended to affect the match more significantly. At the beginning of each match, all heroes are set to level 1 for each player. As the match progresses, players can individually level up their respective heroes, minor perks are unlocked at level 2, and major perks are unlocked at the maximum level 3. When perks become available, players may only select one of each type of perk; a selected perk becomes irreversibly attached to the current hero for the remainder of the match. If a player switches to another hero mid-match, the previously selected hero retains their level and perk progress. Game types of ''Overwatch'' are split between standard matches, competitive play, custom games, and arcade modes. Standard matches have [matchmaking](/source/Matchmaking_(video_games)) based loosely on the player's skill level as measured by the game. Competitive mode uses more strict matchmaking based on a player's current rank on the competitive ladder, with their rank increasing or decreasing when they win or lose a game, respectively. Arcade modes do not use matchmaking and are generally more experimental modes compared to standard and competitive modes.{{cite magazine |last=Peckham |first=Matt |url=https://time.com/4344566/overwatch-interview/ |title='Overwatch' Wants To Appeal To Every Kind of Gamer |magazine=[Time](/source/Time_(magazine)) |date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608225905/http://time.com/4344566/overwatch-interview/ |archive-date=June 8, 2016 }} Custom games are created via the workshop and can be utilised to make game modes that are very different from the base game. The workshop, is the software in Overwatch which creates the game using either presets and settings or rules and conditions made by code. These game modes can be published directly onto Overwatch’s custom browse tab or shared off platform using a 5 digit alphanumeric code. Standard and competitive game modes are randomly selected at the start of each match, and are objective based, requiring teams to control a fixed objective point for a duration of time, or escort a payload to a target zone before match time expires. These modes include: * '''Assault''' (introduced in ''Overwatch''): Also known as 2 Capture Points (or 2CP), Assault has the attacking team tasked with capturing two target points in sequence on the map, while the defending team must stop them.{{cite web |title=BlizzCon 2014: 5 Facts About Overwatch |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/07/blizzcon-2014-5-facts-about-overwatch |website=IGN |date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=November 8, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.pcinvasion.com/blizzards-overwatch-what-we-know-so-far |title=Blizzard's Overwatch: What we know so far |website=PC Invasion |date=November 8, 2014 |access-date=July 21, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723071151/http://www.pcinvasion.com/blizzards-overwatch-what-we-know-so-far |archive-date=July 23, 2015 }} Assault-style maps were removed from main gameplay rotation after ''Overwatch 2'' released but available in the game's arcade mode. It is still available in the game's custom game modes.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/23355352/overwatch-assault-maps-ow2-redesigns-blizzard | title = Overwatch's Assault maps are going away but could return, reworked, in Overwatch 2 | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = September 15, 2022 | accessdate = September 15, 2022 | work = [Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website)) }} Since Season 2, Assault-style maps are available in ''Arcade Mode'' daily routines. * '''Escort''' (introduced in ''Overwatch''): Also known as "Payload" by the community, The attacking team is tasked with escorting a payload to a certain delivery point before time runs out, while the defending team must stop them. The payload vehicle moves along a fixed track when any player on the attacking team is close to it, increasing in speed if multiple attackers are present, the increase capping at 3, but will stop if a defending player is nearby; should no attacker be near the vehicle, it will start to move backwards along the track. The payload will also heal any attacking players by 10 health per second while they are near the payload. Passing specific checkpoints will extend the match time and prevent the payload from moving backwards from that point. * '''Hybrid (Assault/Escort)''' (introduced in ''Overwatch''): The attacking team has to capture the payload (as if it were a target point from Assault) and escort it to its destination, while the defending team tries to hold them back. * '''Control''' (introduced in ''Overwatch''): Each team tries to capture and maintain a common control point until their capture percentage reaches 100%. This game mode is played in a best-of-three format. Control maps are laid out in a symmetric fashion so no team has an intrinsic position advantage. * '''Push''' (introduced in ''Overwatch 2''{{'}}s launch): Each team attempts to secure control of a large robot that pushes one of two barriers to the opposing team's side of the map, whilst being escorted by at least one team member, stopping when enemy players are nearby, similar to the payload movement system in Escort. The team that pushes the payload fully to the other side, or furthest into the enemy territory before the time runs out, wins the match.{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/01/blizzard-announces-overwatch-2-at-blizzcon | title= Blizzard Announces Overwatch 2 at BlizzCon | first = Michael | last = Domanico | date = November 1, 2019 | access-date = November 1, 2019 | work = [IGN](/source/IGN) }} * '''Flashpoint''' (introduced in ''Overwatch 2'' in 2023): Similar to Control, each team attempts to capture and maintain a common control point until their capture percentage reaches 100%. This game mode takes place on significantly larger maps with five separate control points, which take a shorter amount of time to capture as compared to a standard Control map. A central control point is always activated first; after it is secured by one team, the remaining four are activated in a random order. The first team to secure three control points wins.{{Cite web|date=June 22, 2023|first1=Shailyn|last1=Cotten|first2=Jen|last2=Rothery|first3=Samuel|last3=Heaney |title=Overwatch 2 Guide – Overwatch 2 Flashpoint |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/overwatch-2/Overwatch_2_Flashpoint |access-date=2023-08-16 |website=[IGN](/source/IGN) |language=en}} *'''Clash''' (introduced in ''Overwatch 2'' in 2024): Clash maps feature symmetrical maps with five control points. Teams initially vie for control of the central point, with the winning team progressing to the next control point, towards the opponent's base. Opponents can push back by winning control points and shifting the next point away from their base. If a team captures the point closest to the opponent's base, they win. Otherwise the match plays out until one team wins control five times.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/overwatch/440047/when-does-overwatch-2-season-12-start-and-whats-included | title = When does Overwatch 2 season 12 start, and what's included? | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = August 15, 2024 | accessdate = September 8, 2024 | work = [Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website)) }} Arcade modes may include variations of the above modes with experimental rules, and can also include modes like [Deathmatch](/source/Deathmatch_(video_games)) and [Capture the Flag](/source/Capture_the_Flag). Other common arcade modes include: * '''Elimination''' (introduced in ''Overwatch'' in 2016): Two teams face off in a series of rounds, attempting to wipe out the other team; once a player is killed they remain out of the game until the next round, though they can be revived by Mercy's 'Resurrect' ability. If no team has won a round by a certain time, then the winners are decided by the team that can first take a neutral control point. Players cannot change heroes until the next round. Some of these can be played in "lockout" mode, in which the heroes selected by the winning team for a round are "locked" and cannot be selected in future rounds.{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-patch-15 |title=Overwatch patch 1.5 – Sombra and the Arcade |first=Ben |last=Barrett |date=November 15, 2016 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=[PCGamesN](/source/PCGamesN) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206192432/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-patch-15 |archive-date=February 6, 2017 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-anniversary-maps |title=Three new Overwatch maps landing next week – one is Sombra's house |first=Ben |last=Barrett |date=May 18, 2017 |access-date=May 18, 2017 |work=[PCGamesN](/source/PCGamesN)}} * '''Total Mayhem''' (introduced in ''Overwatch''): A game mode similar to the base team-versus-team matches, but where all heroes have double health, and all cooldowns are significantly reduced, allowing players to use abilities and ultimates more often, typically creating chaotic matches. * '''Mystery Heroes''' (introduced in ''Overwatch''): Also based on team-versus-team matches, players are randomly assigned a hero when the match starts, with the character changing upon each death. *'''Stadium''' (introduced in ''Overwatch 2'' in 2025): Stadium maps are played in a best-of-seven (in Competitive Play) or best-of-five (in Unranked) format. During each round, players earn in-game currency that then can be used between rounds to purchase improvements for their chosen hero. These rounds are played on different maps of varying game modes, featuring Control, Push and Clash. Stadium also allows players to play from a [third-person](/source/third-person_shooter) camera to aid with certain improvement combinations.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/news/522508/overwatch-2-perks-system-stadium-mode-explained | title = Overwatch 2's new perks system and Stadium mode, explained | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = February 12, 2025 | accessdate = February 12, 2025 | work = [Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website)) }} A recent update added Payload Race as a mode, where the players have to escort a payload to the final destination while preventing the opposing team from doing the same. ==Premise== {{seealso|Characters of the Overwatch franchise}} ===Omnic Crisis=== ''Overwatch'' is set sixty years into the future{{NoteTag|Upon the 2016 release of the original ''Overwatch'' video game}} of a fictionalized Earth, as well as thirty years after the "Omnic Crisis" is resolved and six years after the Petras Act is signed. Omnics are [artificial intelligence](/source/Artificial_intelligence) (AI) robots that were created to assist humans in manufacturing and global economic equality efforts.{{cite web|last=Ramos|first=Jeff|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline|title=The definitive Overwatch timeline|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=April 28, 2017|accessdate=October 5, 2022}} During this period, humanity prospered as omnics helped stabilize society. The Omnic Crisis involved "omniums" (large facilities that churned out omnics) beginning to produce hostile omnics, many of which were [bastion](/source/Bastion_(Overwatch)) units. These hostile omnics began attacking humans, beginning their assault in [Russia](/source/Russia). Individual nations initially responded to the crisis with their own programs.{{cite web|last=Adler|first=Matthew|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/07/overwatch-story-synopsis-ow-2-timeline-2|title=Overwatch: The Story So Far|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=January 13, 2020|accessdate=October 5, 2022}} The [United States](/source/United_States) launched the secret Soldier Enhancement Program, modifying soldiers into [mercenaries](/source/Mercenary). [Jack Morrison](/source/Soldier%3A_76) and [Gabriel Reyes](/source/Reaper_(Overwatch)) were among the most notable test subjects of the program. Meanwhile, [Germany](/source/Germany) responded to the crisis through the Crusaders, an elite force of soldiers heavily suited in armor inspired by [knight](/source/knight)s and wielding weapons such as hammers. The Crusaders were led by Balderich von Adler, until he handed the reins to a young [Reinhardt Willhelm](/source/Reinhardt_(Overwatch)) following a battle in Eichenwalde. Removed from the crisis, scientists on the [moon](/source/Moon)-based Horizon Lunar Colony create genetically modified animals to test long-term habitation in space. Among these animals is an [ape](/source/Ape) named [Winston](/source/Winston_(Overwatch)). Other apes on the colony revolted, killing all scientists in the process. However, Winston created a rocket and escaped to Earth. While Russia opted to handle the waves of omnics on their own, nations failed to quell the crisis individually. As a result, the [United Nations](/source/United_Nations) (UN) assembled Overwatch, a strike team led by Reyes and Morrison. Reyes served as Overwatch's Strike Commander, leading the task force that included Morrison, Wilhelm, [Egyptian](/source/Egypt) sniper [Ana Amari](/source/Ana_(Overwatch)), [Swedish](/source/Sweden) weapons engineer [Torbjörn Lindholm](/source/Torbj%C3%B6rn_(Overwatch)), and [Singaporean](/source/Singapore) AI scientist [Dr. Mina Liao](/source/Characters_of_Overwatch).{{cite web|last=LeBoeuf|first=Sarah|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/19/21186567/overwatch-echo-release-ptr-new-hero-abilities-ult-blizzard|title=Meet Echo, Overwatch's new hero with 'the most game-changing' powers yet|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=March 19, 2020|accessdate=October 5, 2022}} Within a few years, the Omnic Crisis was declared over and Overwatch transitioned toward being a [peacekeeping](/source/Peacekeeping) organization. ===Overwatch Generation and Blackwatch=== After the end of the crisis, an ensuing [golden age](/source/Golden_age_(metaphor)) of heroism and [global peace](/source/World_peace) was dubbed the "Overwatch Generation".{{cite web|last=Shaw|first=Olympia|url=https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/19809396/|title=Fading Glory: On the Trail of Jack Morrison|publisher=[Blizzard Entertainment](/source/Blizzard_Entertainment)|date=July 6, 2015|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Despite this, separate human–omnic conflicts sprung up in [Korea](/source/Korea) and [Australia](/source/Australia). Meanwhile, the [Indian](/source/India)-based Vishkar Corporation developed a technology that allowed its users, or "architechs", to create physical objects with light. Vishkar took this technology to [Rio de Janeiro](/source/Rio_de_Janeiro) and while initially well-intentioned, the corporation began to abuse Rio's population. A group of omnics called the Shambali also emerged. Led by [Tekhartha Mondatta](/source/Characters_of_Overwatch), they believe that omnics possess a soul and aim to revitalize human–omnic relations. A growing rift between Morrison and Reyes arose after the former was promoted to Strike Commander. After Reyes lost command of Overwatch, he took control of Blackwatch, a covert operations unit. American bounty hunter [Cole Cassidy](/source/Cassidy_(Overwatch)),{{NoteTag|Known as Jesse McCree when ''Overwatch'' released in May 2016, the character was renamed Cole Cassidy in August 2021, following Blizzard's "effort to remove in-game references to real people, particularly developers implicated in allegations of widespread discrimination and harassment at Activision Blizzard."{{cite web|last=Chalk|first=Andy|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-overwatch-comic-begins-the-story-of-cole-cassidys-new-name/|title=A new Overwatch comic begins the story of Cole Cassidy's new name|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=November 9, 2021|accessdate=October 5, 2022}}}} [Irish](/source/Republic_of_Ireland) geneticist [Moira O'Deorain](/source/Moira_(Overwatch)), and [Japanese](/source/Japan) cyborg ninja [Genji Shimada](/source/Genji_(Overwatch)) joined as members of Blackwatch. The latter was part of the eponymous Shimada Clan [crime family](/source/Crime_family) alongside his brother, [Hanzo](/source/Hanzo_(Overwatch)). After a falling out, the family ordered Hanzo to kill Genji. On the brink of death, Genji was rehabilitated into a cyborg by Overwatch medical director [Angela Ziegler](/source/Mercy_(Overwatch)). ===Fall of Overwatch=== A [terrorist](/source/Terrorism) organization, Null Sector, meanwhile emerges in [London](/source/London). Lacking rights in [England](/source/England), omnics are forced to live in the Underworld, a city beneath the streets of London.{{sfn|Marks|2016|p=3}} Composed of these omnics facing persecution following the Omnic Crisis' conclusion, Null Sector launches a surprise attack on King's Row. Dismissing orders from the [British Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_the_United_Kingdom), Morrison deploys Overwatch agents Wilhelm, Lindholm, Ziegler, and the newly-recruited [Lena Oxton](/source/Tracer_(Overwatch)) on an ultimately successful mission to stop Null Sector's forces. Blackwatch is enlisted to fight against Talon, a terrorist threat seeking to set off another crisis. While in [Italy](/source/Italy) on a covert operation to kidnap Talon's leader, Reyes ultimately kills him, exposing Blackwatch to the public. Public distrust in the organization begins to swell and the UN launches an investigation into Blackwatch following their fiasco in Italy. Already in a strained relationship, Morrison and Reyes find themselves at further odds with each other as a result. An argument between the two at Overwatch's headquarters in [Switzerland](/source/Switzerland) ends in an explosion, after which both are presumed dead.{{cite web|last=Shaw|first=Olympia|url=https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/20130523/|title=Overwatch is Back: Uncertainty and Hope After UN Confirms Vigilante Activity|publisher=[Blizzard Entertainment](/source/Blizzard_Entertainment)|date=May 27, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} After these events, the UN signed the Petras Act, outlawing any further activity by Overwatch. As any other action would be deemed illegal, Overwatch disbanded. Both Morrison and Reyes end up surviving, however. Morrison begins a [vigilante](/source/Vigilantism) crusade under the name [Soldier: 76](/source/Soldier%3A_76) against Overwatch's former enemies. Reyes is able to render himself temporarily incorporeal as a result of a life-saving procedure conducted by O'Deorain. Now operating under the name [Reaper](/source/Reaper_(Overwatch)), Reyes joins Talon. ===Recall=== Six years after the Petras Act is signed, a second Omnic Crisis emerges in Russia. Staying at Watchpoint, a former Overwatch facility based in [Gibraltar](/source/Gibraltar), Winston follows the developing situation. Reaper then breaks into Watchpoint and attacks Winston. While Winston is able to thwart Reaper, the latter's attack is the catalyst for the former's issuing of a recall of former Overwatch agents.{{NoteTag|This recall serves as the start point of the original ''Overwatch'' game.{{cite web|last=Purchese|first=Robert|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/everything-you-need-to-know-about-overwatchs-story|title= Yes, Overwatch has a story. Here's everything you need to know |work=[Eurogamer](/source/Eurogamer)|date=March 3, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} "It's Winston who illegally reconnected the Overwatch network, and it's he who issues the Overwatch Recall - calling back into service all agents - upon which the game begins."}} Oxton, known by the call sign [Tracer](/source/Tracer_(Overwatch)), is the first to answer; she is later followed by Genji, Wilhelm, Lindholm, Cassidy, and Ziegler, known by the call sign [Mercy](/source/Mercy_(Overwatch)). After the recall, Reaper and Talon sniper [Amélie Lacroix](/source/Widowmaker_(Overwatch)) (known as [Widowmaker](/source/Widowmaker_(Overwatch))) attempt to steal a gauntlet for their leader [Akande Ogundimu](/source/Doomfist). They are stopped by Winston and Tracer. Widowmaker later assassinates Mondatta as he gives a speech in London. ===Return of Talon=== Following the assassination of the leader of Talon, his daughter Marzia Bartalotti was due to assume leadership, but was ousted by Doomfist and other Talon members. Denied of her position, she secretly begins developing connections with new associates while training her skills as a swordmaster in coliseum battles, becoming known as Vendetta. Ten years later, she appears at a Talon meeting, challenging Doomfist to combat, and ends up slicing off his arm and asserting control over Talon. With Vendetta's leadership, she begins a series of attacks on Overwatch bases as revenge for the death of her father. ==Development== {{Main|Development of Overwatch}} [[File:Overwatch at GDC 2016 (25259995644).jpg|thumb|250px|Blizzard employees discussing ''Overwatch'' at [GDC 2016](/source/Game_Developers_Conference)]] Prior to the original game's announcement, Blizzard had been interested in making a team-based multiplayer shooter for a while.{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7174991/blizzard-announces-overwatch|title=Overwatch is Blizzard's new team-based multiplayer shooter|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=November 7, 2014|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} ''Overwatch'' has its development origins rooted in ''[Titan](/source/Titan_(Blizzard_Entertainment_project))'', a Blizzard project that was cancelled in 2013.{{cite magazine|last=Peckham|first=Matt|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/11/blizzard-overwatch-blizzcon/|title=Blizzard Unveils the Shooter ''Overwatch'', Its First New Franchise in Two Decades|magazine=[Wired](/source/Wired_(magazine))|date=November 7, 2014|accessdate=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108061433/https://www.wired.com/2014/11/blizzard-overwatch-blizzcon/|archive-date=November 8, 2014}} Elements of ''Titan'' were reworked into ''Overwatch'', which was announced at [BlizzCon](/source/BlizzCon) in November 2014. ''Overwatch'' became Blizzard's first new series since they launched ''[Diablo](/source/Diablo_(series))'' in 1996, as well as their first attempt at making an FPS game. After the game's announcement, ''[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))'' wrote that it "appears to feature Blizzard's signature chunky, slightly cartoonish style." A beta for the game was launched in 2015. [Jeff Kaplan](/source/Jeff_Kaplan), Michael Chu, and Scott Mercer served as the game's lead director, lead writer, and principal game designer, respectively.{{cite magazine|last=Starkey|first=Daniel|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/05/overwatch-the-rare-positive-shooter/|title=How Overwatch Became a Rarity: The Troll-Free Online Shooter|magazine=[Wired](/source/Wired_(magazine))|date=May 30, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|author=Seven|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2650196-principle-game-designer-scott-mercer-on-overwatchs-competitive-mode-and-future|title=Principal Game Designer Scott Mercer on Overwatch's Competitive Mode and Future|work=[Bleacher Report](/source/Bleacher_Report)|date=July 5, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Blizzard hired writer [Alyssa Wong](/source/Alyssa_Wong) to ''Overwatch''{{'s}} writing team in 2018.{{cite web|last=Goslin|first=Austen|url=https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/8/1/17639448/overwatch-writing-blizzard-nebula-award-winner-alyssa-wong|title=Overwatch writing team adds Nebula Award winner Alyssa Wong|work=[Heroes Never Die](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=August 1, 2018|accessdate=October 6, 2022|archive-date=August 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801221012/https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2018/8/1/17639448/overwatch-writing-blizzard-nebula-award-winner-alyssa-wong|url-status=dead}} Kaplan departed from Blizzard in April 2021, after which Aaron Keller took over Kaplan's duties as lead director.{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|url=https://www.polygon.com/22394111/overwatch-jeff-kaplan-quits-blizzard-aaron-keller|title=Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan leaves Blizzard|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=April 20, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} After the release of ''Overwatch'', Blizzard's developers continued to add to the game through free updates, introducing new characters, maps, game modes, and cosmetic items, often as part of [seasonal events](/source/Overwatch_seasonal_events).{{cite web|last=Matulef|first=Jeffery|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-12-07-overwatchs-post-release-heroes-and-maps-will-be-free|title=Overwatch's post-release heroes and maps will be free|work=[Eurogamer](/source/Eurogamer)|date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Minotti|first=Mike|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/overwatch-lead-jeff-kaplan-on-moira-mercys-troubles-and-fixing-toxicity/|title=Overwatch lead Jeff Kaplan on Moira, Mercy's troubles, and fixing toxicity|work=[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)|date=November 3, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} The different gameplays of individual heroes were also tuned and patched in response to player feedback and statistics regarding the meta found within the game.{{cite web|last=Myers|first=Maddy|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/10/almost-everyone-is-playingoverwatch-with-a-mercy-on-their-team-now/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025012231/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/10/almost-everyone-is-playingoverwatch-with-a-mercy-on-their-team-now/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 25, 2017|title=Almost Everyone Is Playing Overwatch With A Mercy On Their Team Now|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=October 13, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Pereira|first=Chris|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-update-patch-notes-dva-nerf-reaper-buff-/1100-6458166/|title=Overwatch Update Patch Notes: D.Va Nerf, Reaper Buff, And More|work=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)|date=June 1, 2018|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} As Kaplan followed a philosophy that emphasized players' perception of game balance, he affirmed that meta shifts to ''Overwatch'' were beholden to its players and not its developers; ''[Heroes Never Die](/source/Polygon_(website))'' wrote on Kaplan's belief that if the community thought ''Overwatch''{{'s}} meta was broken, then it actually was and vice versa.{{cite web|last=Gilliam|first=Kyle|url=https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2017/7/26/16027816/jeff-kaplan-overwatch-balance-meta-dive-dva-winston|title=Jeff Kaplan wants the Overwatch meta to evolve from players, not balance changes|work=[Heroes Never Die](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=July 26, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} This would go on until the announcement of Overwatch 2 at Blizzcon 2019 introducing a sequel to the game, promising a new [PvE](/source/Player_versus_environment) story based game mode that explored a new Omnic Crisis as well as new PvE game modes that focused on leveling characters to unlock new ability traits.{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=2019-11-01 |title=Blizzard announces Overwatch 2 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/1/20943766/blizzard-overwatch-2-sequel-announcement-blizzcon-2019 |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}} As development for Overwatch 2 was happening, the development of Overwatch itself saw a slower release of content. Finally, Overwatch 2 would release in August of 2023 after facing multiple delays due to the [COVID](/source/COVID-19_pandemic) pandemic. Overwatch was unable to keep its promise of a full PvE story game mode after release with the developers shifting focus towards PvP gameplay. This was and still is seen as a controversial decision with many feeling like there was no need for a sequel to be made.{{Cite web |last=Gwilliam |first=Michael |date=2024-03-22 |title=Overwatch 2 PvE completely canceled after poor sales: report |url=https://www.dexerto.com/overwatch/overwatch-2-pve-completely-canceled-after-poor-sales-report-2607049/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Dexerto |language=en}} After its release, Overwatch 2 would continue the previous cycle of releasing new heroes, maps, and game modes. In February 2026, as part of a new story and seasonal approach, Blizzard rebranded ''Overwatch 2'' as simply ''Overwatch''. ==Games== ===''Overwatch'' series=== {{main|Overwatch (2016 video game)|Overwatch (2023 video game)}} The original ''[Overwatch](/source/Overwatch_(2016_video_game))'' game was released by Blizzard on May 24, 2016, for [PC](/source/Windows) platforms, as well as [eighth generation console platforms](/source/Eighth_generation_of_video_game_consoles) [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4) and [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One).{{cite web|last=Bratt|first=Chris|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/overwatch-release-date-leaked|title= Overwatch release date confirmed |work=[Eurogamer](/source/Eurogamer)|date=March 8, 2016|accessdate=October 31, 2022}} A version of the game developed by [Iron Galaxy](/source/Iron_Galaxy) for the [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch) was later released on October 15, 2019.{{cite web|last=Saed|first=Sherif|url=https://www.vg247.com/overwatch-nintendo-switch-confirmed-release-date|title=Nintendo announces Overwatch is officially coming to Switch|work=[VG247](/source/VG247)|date=September 4, 2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Blizzard shut down servers for the game on October 3, 2022.{{cite web|last=Sawyer|first=Will|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-1-shut-down-date/|title=What time does Overwatch 1 shut down?|work=[GamesRadar+](/source/GamesRadar%2B)|date=October 7, 2022|accessdate=December 1, 2022|orig-date=October 3, 2022}} Blizzard released ''[Overwatch 2](/source/Overwatch_2)'' via [early access](/source/early_access) on October 4, 2022.{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|url=https://www.polygon.com/23163925/overwatch-2-release-date-free-to-play|title=Overwatch 2 launches in October, will be free to play|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=June 12, 2022|accessdate=October 31, 2022}} The game was made free-to-play on PC, along with ports for the [Nintendo Switch 2](/source/Nintendo_Switch_2), [PlayStation 5](/source/PlayStation_5), and [Xbox Series S/X](/source/Xbox_Series_S%2FX) platforms, supporting full cross-platform play.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Nat|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch-2/crossplay-cross-progression|title=Is Overwatch 2 crossplay or cross-platform?|work=[PCGamesN](/source/PCGamesN)|date=October 6, 2022|accessdate=October 31, 2022}} As of December 2025 there are 44 playable heroes.{{Cite web |title=Overwatch, a Team-Based Shooter |url=https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-gb/heroes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816014548/https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-gb/heroes/ |archive-date=August 16, 2025 |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=overwatch.blizzard.com |language=en-GB |url-status=live }} With a major update in February 2026, Blizzard rebranded ''Overwatch 2'' as just ''Overwatch'', addressing the development team's new focus on incorporating more narrative via seasonal storylines and treating ''Overwatch'' as a "forever game".{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/overwatch-2-name-change-blizzard-explains/ | title = Blizzard explains why it's dropping the 2 from Overwatch 2 | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = February 4, 2026 | accessdate = February 8, 2026 | work = [Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website)) }} A mobile version, ''Overwatch Rush'', was unveiled in February 2026, being developed by an internal team separate from Team 4 in Blizzard. The game is presented in a top down mode to be more amenable to mobile players. The planned release and the extent of available heroes and game modes is not yet known at the time of this announcement.https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/mobile-rush-reveal ===''Heroes of the Storm'' crossover=== {{Main|Heroes of the Storm}} Until the warm reception of ''Overwatch''{{'s}} beta, Blizzard was unsure of representing ''Overwatch'' characters in ''[Heroes of the Storm](/source/Heroes_of_the_Storm)'', their crossover multiplayer battle online arena (MOBA) video game.{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|url=https://www.destructoid.com/no-ifs-ands-or-butts-heroes-of-the-storms-tracer-is-a-beast/|title=No ifs, ands, or butts: Heroes of the Storm's Tracer is a beast|work=[Destructoid](/source/Destructoid)|date=April 19, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Around a month prior to the release of ''Overwatch'', Blizzard added Tracer to the MOBA, modeled by Marc Brunet who was one of the original artists on Titan; ''[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)'' called Tracer's addition to the game "a marketing move [for ''Overwatch''], for sure."{{cite web|last=Thursten|first=Chris|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/tracer-brings-genuinely-new-ideas-to-heroes-of-the-storm/|title=Tracer brings genuinely new ideas to Heroes of the Storm|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=April 21, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Afterwards, other characters and map elements from ''Overwatch'' were incorporated into ''Heroes''. By the time the game transitioned to a maintenance mode in July 2022,{{cite web|last=Bailey|first=Dustin|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/heroes-of-the-storm-is-officially-dead-as-blizzard-shifts-into-permanent-maintenance-mode/|title=Heroes of the Storm is officially dead as Blizzard shifts into permanent maintenance mode|work=[GamesRadar+](/source/GamesRadar%2B)|date=July 8, 2022|accessdate=October 19, 2022}} a total of nine characters became playable in ''Heroes of the Storm'',{{NoteTag|Ana, D.Va, Genji, Hanzo, Junkrat, Lúcio, Mei, Tracer, and Zarya were the nine ''Overwatch'' franchise characters added to ''Heroes of the Storm''.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/15/junkrat-and-ana-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm|title=Junkrat and Ana are Coming to Heroes of the Storm|last=Marks|first=Tom|date=September 15, 2017|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|access-date=October 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915231255/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/15/junkrat-and-ana-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm|archive-date=September 15, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/04/25/heroes-of-the-storm-adds-everyones-favorite-overwatch-hero/|title='Heroes of the Storm' adds everyone's favorite 'Overwatch' hero|last=Lumb|first=David|date=April 25, 2017|work=[Engadget](/source/Engadget)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426010724/https://www.engadget.com/2017/04/25/heroes-of-the-storm-adds-everyones-favorite-overwatch-hero/|archive-date=April 26, 2017|access-date=October 31, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|url=https://www.destructoid.com/overwatchs-genji-and-hanamura-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm/|title=Overwatch's Genji and Hanamura are coming to Heroes of the Storm|work=[Destructoid](/source/Destructoid)|date=April 17, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}}} while battlegrounds based on the ''Overwatch'' maps Hanamura and Volskaya Industries were also included. A number of ''Overwatch''-themed skins have been introduced for ''Heroes of the Storm''{{'s}} "''Overwatch'' cosplay" event in May 2021.{{cite web|last=Koch|first=Cameron|title=New Overwatch Skins For Heroes Of The Storm Turn Blizzard Icons Into Cosplayers|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-overwatch-skins-for-heroes-of-the-storm-turn-blizzard-icons-into-cosplayers/1100-6491668/|work=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)|date=May 18, 2021|access-date=October 19, 2022|language=en-US}} ==Esports== {{Main|Overwatch League|Overwatch Contenders|Overwatch World Cup|Overwatch Champions Series}} {{See also|Overwatch Apex}} While not originally developed with esport support in mind, ''Overwatch'' would see a considerable esport scene prop up around the franchise shortly after its first game's release. According to Kaplan, although Blizzard had success with committing to esports while developing ''[Starcraft II](/source/Starcraft_II)'', they found "it's dangerous to be overly committed to esport too early in the lifespan of the game." To avoid sacrificing approachability as they did with ''Starcraft II'', Blizzard opted to gauge how the ''Overwatch'' community would develop around esports over time as they did with ''[Hearthstone](/source/Hearthstone)''.{{cite web|last=Lahti|first=Evan|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-game-interview-jeff-kaplan/ |title=Blizzard's blueprint: Overwatch as a competitive FPS|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529172322/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-game-interview-jeff-kaplan/ |archive-date=May 29, 2016 }} This included the introduction of the game's competitive mode some months after the game's launch after seeing how players took towards ''Overwatch''; Blizzard saw the ladder-approach they used as a means for skilled players to reach high ranks as to be noticed by esport team organizers.{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/overwatch-birth-of-a-professional-esports-league-w517207 | title = 'Overwatch': Birth of a Professional Esports League | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = February 28, 2018 | work = [Glixel](/source/Glixel) | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180302164742/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/overwatch-birth-of-a-professional-esports-league-w517207 | archive-date = March 2, 2018 | url-status = dead}} [ESPN](/source/ESPN) and ''[Gamasutra](/source/Gamasutra)'' wrote that the game had a favorable foundation to succeed as an esports title, citing the game's sufficient difference from established esports games, its variety in maps and characters, and strong support from its developer, as well as its speed and short match times.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/15422203/why-overwatch-next-big-esport |title=Why Overwatch is the next big esport |first=Dan |last=Szymborski |date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |work=[ESPN](/source/ESPN) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611013423/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/15422203/why-overwatch-next-big-esport |archive-date=June 11, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/BryantFrancis/20160512/272494/Overwatchs_biggest_contribution_to_esports_growth_speed.php |title=Overwatch's biggest contribution to esports' growth: speed |first=Bryant |last=Francis |date=May 12, 2016 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |work=[Gamasutra](/source/Game_Developer_(website))|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616172222/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/BryantFrancis/20160512/272494/Overwatchs_biggest_contribution_to_esports_growth_speed.php |archive-date=June 16, 2016 }} The first organized, prize-winning competitions for ''Overwatch'' started in mid-2016, a few months after launch. The esports organizer [ESL](/source/ESL_(company)) held the first international ''Overwatch'' competition in August 2016, dubbed the ''Overwatch'' Atlantic Showdown.{{cite web |last=Saedler |first=Philipp |url=http://www.eslgaming.com/article/esl-host-first-international-overwatch-competition-six-figure-prize-pool-gamescom-2016-2925 |title=ESL to host first international Overwatch® competition with a six-figure prize pool at gamescom 2016 |publisher=[ESL Gaming](/source/ESL_(company)) |date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612165726/http://www.eslgaming.com/article/esl-host-first-international-overwatch-competition-six-figure-prize-pool-gamescom-2016-2925 |archive-date=June 12, 2016 }} The competition used four open qualifiers beginning in June, followed by regional qualifiers and then a final online qualifier. Eight teams then competed for a six-figure prize in the finals to be held at [Gamescom](/source/Gamescom) 2016 from August 20 to 21.{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/esl-announces-first-six-figure-overwatch-tournament/ |title=ESL announces first six-figure Overwatch tournament |work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer) |date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613015903/http://www.pcgamer.com/esl-announces-first-six-figure-overwatch-tournament/ |archive-date=June 13, 2016 }} [Turner Broadcasting](/source/Turner_Broadcasting)'s [ELeague](/source/ELeague) announced the first ''Overwatch Open'' tournament, starting in July 2016, with a total prize pool of $300,000, with plans to broadcast the finals on Turner's cable channel [TBS](/source/TBS_(U.S._TV_channel)) in September 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-heads-to-tv-for-a-new-tournament/1100-6442112/ |title=Overwatch Heads to TV for a New Tournament |first=Mat |last=Paget |date=July 22, 2016 |access-date=October 19, 2022|work=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724213546/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-heads-to-tv-for-a-new-tournament/1100-6442112/ |archive-date=July 24, 2016 }} ''Overwatch'' achieved a high level of popularity as an esport in South Korea, with the first game surpassing ''[League of Legends](/source/League_of_Legends)'' and topping [gaming cafés in the country](/source/PC_bang) in terms of player count.{{cite web|last=Chalk|first=Andy|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-surpasses-league-of-legends-in-koreas-gaming-cafes/|title=Overwatch surpasses League of Legends in Korea's gaming cafes|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=June 27, 2016|accessdate=October 19, 2022}} The game also influenced the creation of an esports tournament in the region, under the brand name "[APEX](/source/Overwatch_Apex)", which operated until January 2018.{{cite web |last=Allen |first=Eric Van|url=https://compete.kotaku.com/overwatch-apex-league-is-over-1821842880 |title=Overwatch APEX Tournament Series is Over |work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku) |date=January 6, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309182906/https://compete.kotaku.com/overwatch-apex-league-is-over-1821842880 |archive-date=March 9, 2018 }} [[File:Dallas Fuel Fans - 2.jpg|thumb|250px|Fans watching the "Battle for Texas" match between the OWL's [Dallas Fuel](/source/Dallas_Fuel) and [Houston Outlaws](/source/Houston_Outlaws)]] Blizzard announced its own official [Overwatch World Cup](/source/Overwatch_World_Cup) (OWWC) tournament in August 2016.{{cite web|last=O'Connor|first=James|url=https://www.vg247.com/the-overwatch-world-cup-will-take-place-during-blizzcon|title=The Overwatch World Cup will take place during Blizzcon|work=[VG247](/source/VG247)|date=August 5, 2016|accessdate=October 8, 2022}} The first annual OWWC would be played later that November at BlizzCon 2016, where Blizzard also announced the formation of their [Overwatch League](/source/Overwatch_League) (OWL).{{cite magazine|last=Hill|first=Nathan|url=https://www.wired.com/story/overwatch-videogame-league-aims-to-become-new-nfl/|title=The Overwatch Videogame League Aims to Become the New NFL|magazine=[Wired](/source/Wired_(magazine))|date=December 5, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|last=Molina|first=Brett|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/11/04/blizzard-launch-pro-sports-league-overwatch/93292006/|title=Blizzard to launch pro sports league for 'Overwatch'|work=[USA Today](/source/USA_Today)|date=November 5, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} The OWL borrowed various elements from traditional sports leagues like the [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League) (NFL),{{cite web|last=Bond|first=Paul|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/activision-blizzard-create-esports-league-overwatch-video-game-944096|title=Activision Blizzard to Create eSports League for 'Overwatch' Video Game|work=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)|date=November 4, 2016|accessdate=October 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130044202/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/activision-blizzard-create-esports-league-overwatch-video-game-944096|archive-date=November 30, 2016|url-status = live |df = mdy-all}} including a [developmental league](/source/List_of_developmental_and_minor_sports_leagues) called [Overwatch Contenders](/source/Overwatch_Contenders) (OWC).{{cite web|last=Chalk|first=Andy|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/australia-and-south-america-will-join-overwatch-contenders-in-2018/|title=Australia and South America will join Overwatch Contenders in 2018|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=November 27, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} The OWL also implemented permanent teams organized in league placements rather than the use of [promotion and relegation](/source/promotion_and_relegation).{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/4/13511762/overwatch-league-is-blizzards-ambitious-new-esports-org-includes-city |title=Overwatch League is Blizzard's ambitious new esports org, includes city-based teams |first=Philip |last=Kollar |date=November 4, 2016 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website)) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105223420/http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/4/13511762/overwatch-league-is-blizzards-ambitious-new-esports-org-includes-city |archive-date=November 5, 2016 }} The OWL secured billionaire sports team owners to become OWL team owners and established 12 franchises around the world by September 2017, with plans to expand further in later seasons, which would be 20 at its peak.{{cite web|last1=Darcy|first1=Kieran|last2=Wolf|first2=Jacob|url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/24203693/how-blizzard-convinced-robert-kraft-other-billionaires-buy-overwatch-league|title=How Blizzard convinced sports billionaires to buy into the Overwatch League|publisher=[ESPN](/source/ESPN)|date=July 26, 2018|accessdate=October 19, 2022}}{{cite news|last=Chalk|first=Andy|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-league-adds-final-three-teams-in-houston-dallas-and-philadelphia/|title=Overwatch League adds final three teams in Houston, Dallas, and Philadelphia|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=September 20, 2017 |accessdate=October 19, 2022}} Contracted players on these franchises were guaranteed a minimum salary, benefits, and revenue sharing. Preseason games for the inaugural OWL season took place in December 2017.{{cite web|last=Alonzo|first=Damian|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-league-preseason-power-rankings/|title=Overwatch League preseason power rankings|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=December 5, 2017|accessdate=October 8, 2022}} The first OWL regular season game was played between the [Los Angeles Valiant](/source/Los_Angeles_Valiant) and [San Francisco Shock](/source/San_Francisco_Shock) to a sold out crowd at [Blizzard Arena](/source/Blizzard_Arena) in January 2018.{{cite web|last=Alonzo|first=Damian|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/opening-day-of-overwatch-league-lived-up-to-the-hype/|title=Opening day of Overwatch League lived up to the hype|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=January 11, 2018|accessdate=October 8, 2022}} To support viewership of its professional competitions, Blizzard released a companion ''Overwatch'' application in November 2018, which allowed viewers to watch matches through a spectator mode.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/329772/Blizzard_launches_standalone_soupedup_Overwatch_viewer_for_esports_event.php | title = Blizzard launches standalone, souped-up Overwatch viewer for esports event | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = October 31, 2018 | access-date = October 19, 2022 | work = [Gamasutra](/source/Game_Developer_(website)) | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181101055210/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/329772/Blizzard_launches_standalone_soupedup_Overwatch_viewer_for_esports_event.php | archive-date = November 1, 2018 | url-status = dead }} However, by 2023 the Overwatch League would collapse owing partly due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic) {{citation needed span|date=March 2024|(although some said that the pandemic would ultimately extend the OWL's shelf life)}} and a lack of interest from owners.{{cite news |last1=Fudge |first1=James |title=Teams Vote to Exit Overwatch League |url=https://esportsadvocate.net/2023/11/teams-vote-to-exit-overwatch-league/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |work=The Esports Advocate |date=November 8, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Esguerra |first1=Tyler |title=Blizzard confirms Overwatch League is officially dead |url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/breaking-blizzard-confirms-overwatch-league-dead |access-date=November 8, 2023 |work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports) |date=November 8, 2023}} The OWL would be replaced in 2024 by the [Overwatch Champions Series](/source/Overwatch_Champions_Series) (OWCS), a partnership between Activision-Blizzard, [ESL](/source/ESL_(company)) and WDG Esports that moreso resembled traditional esports circuits. The OWCS will be made up of 3 regions, with North America and EMEA being each one big region with tournaments having [Swiss-style](/source/Swiss-system_tournament) Open Qualifying followed by a group stage and double-elimination knockout stage twice per split. Asia, meanwhile, will be divided into Korea, Japan and Pacific subregions, with the best teams from these subregions qualifying for the OWCS Asia Championship for each split. The top teams from these regions will qualify for two international events, the OWCS Major in the spring for split 1 and the OWCS Season Finals in the fall for split 2.{{cite news |last1=Manske |first1=Madine |title=Blizzard unveils new global circuit to replace defunct Overwatch League |url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/blizzard-unveils-new-global-circuit-to-replace-defunct-overwatch-league |access-date=23 January 2024 |work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports) |date=23 January 2024}} ==Other media== ''Overwatch'' was developed to lack a traditional story or campaign mode and instead Blizzard conveyed narrative elements through a [transmedia storytelling](/source/transmedia_storytelling) method.{{cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Caty|url=https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/overwatch-pleasure-transmedia-narratives/|title=Overwatch and the pleasure of transmedia narratives|work=[Kill Screen](/source/Kill_Screen)|date=June 13, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Frank|first=Allegra|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/30/15492290/overwatch-story-lore-campaign-tribeca-games-festival-2017|title=How Overwatch still stuffs story into a campaign-less game|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=April 30, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} While voice lines and map elements in ''Overwatch'' reveal some of its universe's lore, the bulk of the story surrounding its [characters](/source/Characters_of_Overwatch) is told through animated short films and literary media.{{sfn|Marks|2016|p=1}} Character biographies and fake news reports containing story pieces have also been published on Blizzard's website.{{cite web|last=Valdes|first=Giancarlo|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/how-blizzard-is-using-overwatch-to-evolve-its-storytelling-approach/|title=How Blizzard is using Overwatch to evolve its storytelling approach|work=[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)|date=November 19, 2015|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Tamburro|first=Paul|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/originals/852992-overwatch-2-launch-reactions-glowing-success-or-big-disappointment|title=Overwatch 2 Launch Reactions: Glowing Success or Big Disappointment?|work=[GameRevolution](/source/GameRevolution)|date=October 5, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Chu remarked that Blizzard's method of storytelling with ''Overwatch'' demonstrated a "gameplay first" philosophy.{{cite web|last=Warr|first=Philippa|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/overwatch-michael-chu-interview|title= Overwatch's Michael Chu On Lore And Storytelling |work=[Rock Paper Shotgun](/source/Rock_Paper_Shotgun)|date=May 23, 2016|accessdate=October 19, 2022}} ===Animated projects=== {{Main|Overwatch animated media}} [[File:Overwatch Zero Hour character lineup.png|thumb|250px|''Overwatch'' characters as they appear in the ''[Zero Hour](/source/Overwatch_animated_media)'' cinematic trailer (2019)]] As part of the original game's announcement, Blizzard released an animated "cinematic trailer" for ''Overwatch'' on November 7, 2014.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqnKB22pOC0 |title=Overwatch Cinematic Trailer |publisher=PlayOverwatch|via=YouTube |date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=October 6, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609072339/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqnKB22pOC0 |archive-date=June 9, 2016 }}{{cite web|last=Marshall|first=Cass|url=https://www.polygon.com/23035760/overwatch-2-beta-fandom-community-culture-fans|title=It may be too late to save the Overwatch fandom|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=April 27, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} They would repeat this to announce ''Overwatch 2'', releasing the ''Zero Hour'' cinematic trailer in 2019.{{cite web|last=Sirani|first=Jordan|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/01/blizzard-announces-overwatch-2-at-blizzcon|title=Blizzard Announces Overwatch 2 at BlizzCon|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=August 16, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Blizzard also released animated short films to help flesh out "the real meat" of ''Overwatch''{{'s}} lore.{{cite web|last=Fahey|first=Mike|url=https://kotaku.com/whats-more-exciting-than-overwatch-more-overwatch-anim-1741288560|title=What's More Exciting Than ''Overwatch''? More ''Overwatch'' Animation.|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=November 8, 2015|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} These shorts employed 3D [computer-generated animation](/source/Computer_animation), and received praise from video game journalists, with some likening their quality to those of works from Disney and [Pixar](/source/Pixar).{{NoteTag|Sources that share such an opinion include: {{cite web|last=McKeand|first=Kirk|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/what-to-play/overwatch-characters-and-lore-interview/|title=Breaking the lore - How Overwatch weaves compelling stories into a multiplayer shooter|work=[Telegraph.co.uk](/source/The_Daily_Telegraph)|date=May 24, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528161118/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/what-to-play/overwatch-characters-and-lore-interview|archive-date=May 28, 2016|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Schager|first=Nick|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/29/overwatch-gaming-s-newest-addiction-makes-a-groundbreaking-case-for-diversity.html|title='Overwatch': Gaming's Newest Addiction Makes A Groundbreaking Case For Diversity|work=[The Daily Beast](/source/The_Daily_Beast)|date=May 29, 2016|access-date=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Reyes|first=Jess|url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/overwatch-2-beta-twitch|title=''Overwatch 2'' beta proves there's still life in Blizzard's flagship shooter|work=[Inverse](/source/Inverse_(website))|date=April 27, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Pereira|first=Chris|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/meis-new-overwatch-animated-short-is-both-adorable/1100-6452802/|title=Mei's New Overwatch Animated Short Is Both Adorable And Sad|work=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)|date=August 24, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}}} that ''Recall'', the first of these shorts, was released on March 21, 2016.{{cite web|last=McKeand|first=Kirk|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatchs-first-animated-short-recall-premieres-on-march-21|title=Overwatch's first animated short, Recall, premieres on March 21|work=[PCGamesN](/source/PCGamesN)|date=March 16, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} It was centered around Reaper's attack on Winston at Gibraltar and Winston's following recall of former Overwatch agents. Blizzard released nine more shorts through 2018; ''Reunion'' was the last of these shorts until ''The Wastelander'' was released in 2022.{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|url=https://www.polygon.com/23171093/overwatch-2-junker-queen-cinematic-origin-story-lore|title=Overwatch 2's new animated short reveals Junker Queen's origin|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=June 16, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Aside from short films, Blizzard also released "origin story" videos for Soldier: 76 and each character added to ''Overwatch''{{'s}} playable roster post-launch. An origin story for King's Row Uprising, a tie-in for an [in-game event](/source/Overwatch_seasonal_events) was also released.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5wDV8x6w7s|title=King's Row Uprising Origin Story {{pipe}} Overwatch|publisher=PlayOverwatch|via=YouTube|date=April 11, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} These origin story videos are designed to provide players with the background of new characters.{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Dalton|url=https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-sojourn-origin/|title=Overwatch 2 Reveals Sojourn's Origin Story|work=Game Rant|date=April 13, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Origin stories are animated in the style of [motion comics](/source/motion_comics) and are shorter than Blizzard's 3D-animated short films. An animated series based on ''Overwatch'' was in development after Netflix optioned the property from Blizzard in early 2020,{{cite web |last1=Reichert |first1=Corinne |title=Blizzard's Diablo and Overwatch are getting animated series |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/blizzards-diablo-and-overwatch-are-getting-animated-series/ |publisher=[CNET](/source/CNET) |access-date=January 31, 2025}} but fell through later that year after Blizzard sued Netflix over the "poaching" of Blizzard's [chief financial officer](/source/chief_financial_officer) (CFO) Spencer Neumann.{{cite web|last=Colbert|first=Isaiah|url=https://gizmodo.com/we-finally-know-why-overwatch-2-never-got-a-netflix-animated-series-2000505201|title= We Finally Know Why ''Overwatch 2'' Never Got a Netflix Animated Series|work=[Gizmodo](/source/Gizmodo)|date=September 30, 2024|accessdate=October 2, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |title=Netflix Sued Again for Poaching — This Time by Activision Blizzard |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/activision-blizzard-sues-netflix-poaching-spencer-neumann-1234846539/ |website=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine)) |date=December 4, 2020 |access-date=January 31, 2025}} ===Comics=== From 2016 to 2018, Blizzard published [''Overwatch'', a 16-issue comic series](/source/Overwatch_(digital_comic_series)), beginning with "Trainhopper".{{cite web|last=Frank|first=Allegra|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/12/21/14039994/overwatch-comics-animated|title=Overwatch's comics are even better in motion|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=December 21, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Some issues, such as "Uprising", served as tie-ins to in-game events.{{cite web|last=Plante|first=Corey|url=https://www.inverse.com/article/29994-overwatch-uprising-backstory-comic-tracer|title=New Comic Starts to Tell the Story of How Overwatch Fell Apart|work=[Inverse](/source/Inverse_(website))|date=April 5, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Motion comic versions of the series were also released, produced by Madefire Studios.{{cite web|last=Plante|first=Corey|url=https://www.inverse.com/article/25580-overwatch-animated-comics-blizzard-madefire|title=Watch the 'Overwatch' Tracer Reveal in the Animated Comics|work=[Inverse](/source/Inverse_(website))|date=December 22, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} These motion comics included sound effects and official music featured in-game. Originally a digital comic series, Blizzard partnered with [Dark Horse Comics](/source/Dark_Horse_Comics) to publish a hardcover anthology in 2017, which collected the series' 12 issues released to that point.{{cite web|last=Yehl|first=Joshua|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/15/art-of-overwatch-and-hardcover-anthology-comic-on-the-way-from-dark-horse-and-blizzard|title=Art of Overwatch and Hardcover Anthology Comic On the Way From Dark Horse and Blizzard|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=May 15, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} An expanded edition of the anthology was released in December 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3008-580/Overwatch-Anthology-Expanded-Edition-HC|title=Overwatch Anthology: Expanded Edition HC|publisher=[Dark Horse Comics](/source/Dark_Horse_Comics)|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} From 2020 to 2021, Blizzard and Dark Horse published ''Tracer - London Calling'' a five-issue [limited series](/source/Limited_series_(comics)).{{cite web|last=Malgieri|first=Fabrizia|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/read-the-first-issue-of-overwatch-tracer-london-calling-for-free/|title=Read the first issue of Overwatch: Tracer - London Calling for free|work=[Gamereactor](/source/Gamereactor)|date=September 15, 2020|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Written by [Mariko Tamaki](/source/Mariko_Tamaki) and illustrated by [Babs Tarr](/source/Babs_Tarr), print versions of each issue were also released. Rachael Cohen and Deron Bennett served as the series' colorist and letterer, respectively.{{cite web|last=Schedeen|first=Jesse|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-tracer-london-calling-graphic-novel-dark-horse|title=Overwatch: Tracer Cuts Loose in 'London Calling' Graphic Novel|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=March 1, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} A graphic novel collecting the five issues and featuring cover art by artist Bengal was physically released on September 28, 2021. Another five-issue limited series, ''New Blood'' was released from November 2021 to March 2022.{{cite web|last=Watts|first=Steve|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-comic-new-blood-expands-the-lore-behind-cole-cassidys-name-change/1100-6497749/|title=Overwatch Comic New Blood Expands The Lore Behind Cole Cassidy's Name Change|work=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)|date=November 8, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Richardson|first=Liz|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/overwatch-releases-new-blood-comic-series-finale|title=Overwatch releases New Blood comic series finale|work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports)|date=March 15, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Similar in style to ''London Calling'', the series followed Cassidy post-''Zero Hour'' on his journey to recruit members to the newly revived Overwatch.{{cite web|last=Morrow|first=Emily|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/overwatch-releases-third-issue-of-its-new-blood-comic|title=Overwatch releases third issue of its New Blood comic|work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports)|date=January 14, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Both ''London Calling'' and ''New Blood'' also served as tie-ins for in-game [seasonal events](/source/Overwatch_seasonal_events).{{cite web|last=Garcia|first=Ethan|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/cassidys-new-blood-challenge-announced-for-overwatch|title=Cassidy's New Blood Challenge announced for Overwatch|work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports)|date=November 7, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} ===Other literary media=== A [graphic novel](/source/graphic_novel) titled ''Overwatch: First Strike'' was teased by Blizzard in 2016,{{cite magazine|last=Hilliard|first=Kyle|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/03/16/blizzard-teases-all-its-planned-overwatch-animated-shorts-and-comics.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319162539/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/03/16/blizzard-teases-all-its-planned-overwatch-animated-shorts-and-comics.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=March 19, 2016|title= Blizzard Teases All Its Planned Overwatch Animated Shorts And Comics|magazine=[Game Informer](/source/Game_Informer)|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=October 6, 2022}} but it was ultimately scrapped. Posting on ''Overwatch''{{'s}} official forums, Chu stated that Blizzard decided to cancel ''First Strike'' due to considerable changes made to the narrative and characters of ''Overwatch'' since ''First Strike'' was first conceived.{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|url=https://www.polygon.com/comics/2016/11/18/13680790/overwatch-graphic-novel-canceled-first-strike-blizzard-entertainment|title=Blizzard cancels Overwatch graphic novel|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=November 18, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} The novel was to be penned by writer Micky Neilson and artist Ludo Lullabi.{{cite web|last=Morrison|first=Angus|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/blizz-details-overwatch-comics-and-animated-shorts/?|title=Blizz details Overwatch comics and animated shorts|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=March 17, 2016|accessdate=October 19, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318083548/http://www.pcgamer.com/blizz-details-overwatch-comics-and-animated-shorts/ |archive-date=March 18, 2016 }} Shortly before the publishing of the first volume of their ''Overwatch'' comic series anthology, Dark Horse released ''The Art of Overwatch'' on October 24, 2017. The 100-page book showcased concept art and illustrations from ''Overwatch''{{'s}} development team, accompanied by their commentary.{{cite web|last=Schedeen|first=Jesse|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/20/comic-con-2016-dark-horse-and-blizzard-partner-for-new-overwatch-comics |title=Comic-Con 2016: Dark Horse and Blizzard Partner for New Overwatch Comics|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=July 20, 2016|access-date=October 19, 2022|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721160058/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/20/comic-con-2016-dark-horse-and-blizzard-partner-for-new-overwatch-comics |archive-date=July 21, 2016 }} In 2019, Blizzard released ''Bastet'', ''What You Left Behind'', and ''Valkyrie'', three short stories which centered on Soldier: 76, [Baptiste](/source/Characters_of_the_Overwatch_franchise), and Mercy, respectively.{{cite web|last=Oh|first=Ashley|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/7/18172470/overwatch-soldier-76-gay-bisexual|title=Blizzard quietly confirms another LGBTQ Overwatch hero|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=January 7, 2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Marshall|first=Cass|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/17/18682375/overwatch-baptiste-short-story-what-you-left-behind|title=New Overwatch short story stars Baptiste, teases new skin|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=June 17, 2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Beckhelling|first=Imogen|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/overwatch-short-story-gives-glimpse-at-mercys-life-ahead-of-sequel|title=Overwatch short story gives glimpse at Mercy's life ahead of sequel|work=[Eurogamer](/source/Eurogamer)|date=November 12, 2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Further short stories, ''Stone by Stone'' and ''Code of Violence'', centering on Symmetra and Reaper, respectively, have also been released.{{cite web|last=Dacanay|first=Ralston|url=https://www.dbltap.com/posts/symmetra-s-new-voice-lines-bring-awareness-to-her-autism-in-overwatch-2-01geaaxr9n6e|title=Symmetra's New Voice Lines Bring Awareness to Her Autism in Overwatch 2|work=DBLTAP|date=October 1, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Marshall|first=Cass|url=https://www.polygon.com/22937636/reaper-code-of-violence-overwatch-challenge-novella|title=Overwatch's Reaper's Code of Violence Challenge is live, and includes a novella|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=February 22, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Also in 2019, Blizzard released an official ''Overwatch'' cookbook.{{cite web|last=Heller|first=Emily|url=https://www.polygon.com/deals/2019/6/20/18693257/overwatch-cookbook-pre-order-amazon|title=Upcoming official cookbook imagines Overwatch heroes' favorite meals|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=June 20, 2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Shortly before the early access period for ''Overwatch 2'', Blizzard ''Yōkai'', which explored story elements regarding [Kiriko](/source/Kiriko_(Overwatch)). They later released ''Ramattra: Reflections'' and ''As You Are''.{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Richard|url=https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-ramattra-short-story-reflections-lore-omnic-uprising/|title=What Overwatch 2's Latest Short Story Tells Players About Ramattra|work=[Game Rant](/source/Screen_Rant)|date=December 12, 2022|accessdate=June 15, 2023}} The latter was released leading into the game's 2023 Pride event and established [Pharah](/source/Pharah) and Baptiste as LGBTQ+ characters.{{cite web|last=Duncan|first=Charlie|url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/06/07/overwatch-2-pharah-baptiste-sexuality-lgbtq/|title=Overwatch characters Pharah and Baptiste confirmed to be queer: 'Holy s**t!'|work=[PinkNews](/source/PinkNews)|date=June 7, 2023|accessdate=June 15, 2023}} On June 2, 2020, ''The Hero of Numbani'', a [young-adult novel](/source/young-adult_novel) by [Nicky Drayden](/source/Nicky_Drayden) was published.{{cite web|last=Peres|first=Pedro|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/overwatchs-first-official-novel-the-hero-of-numbani-to-release-on-june-2|title=Overwatch's first official novel, The Hero of Numbani, to release on June 2|work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports)|date=May 26, 2020|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} The story, functioning as a loose novelization of [Orisa](/source/Orisa_(Overwatch))'s origin story, follows Efi Ofadele, an 11-year old inventor.{{cite web|last=Richardson|first=Liz|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/the-hero-of-numbani-overwatchs-first-young-adult-novel-is-a-must-read-for-fans|title=The Hero of Numbani: Overwatch's first young adult novel is a must-read for fans|work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports)|date=June 3, 2020|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Ofadele creates Orisa in order to help protect the fictional country of Numbani. A second ''Overwatch'' young-adult novel, this time authored by Lyndsay Ely, was released on June 1, 2021.{{cite web|last=Carpenter|first=Nicole|url=https://www.polygon.com/22517045/overwatch-deadlock-novel-teen-jesse-mccree|title=Overwatch's new YA novel finally gives us teen heartthrob McCree|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=June 3, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} The novel, titled ''Deadlock Rebels'', centered on Cassidy and [Ashe](/source/Ashe_(Overwatch)) during their teenage years. ===Merchandise=== The popularity of ''Overwatch'' led various companies to launch merchandise lines featuring its characters.{{cite web|last1=Hussain|first1=Tamoor|last2=Potter|first2=Will|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/coolest-overwatch-merch-at-blizzards-gamescom-stor/2900-1415/#1|title=Coolest Overwatch Merch At Blizzard's Gamescom Store|work=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)|date=August 24, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} [Funko](/source/Funko) produced several figurines as part of their "Pop!" line.{{cite web|last=Carpenter|first=Nicole|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/overwatch-funko-pop-zenyatta-roadhog-mercy-zarya-sombra-junkrat-20497|title=6 new Overwatch Funko Pop! toys are coming this year|work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports)|date=January 24, 2018|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Tracer is featured prominently in [Good Smile Company](/source/Good_Smile_Company)'s merchandise, with the company distributing both [Nendoroid](/source/Nendoroid) and [Figma](/source/Figma_(toy)) figurines of the character.{{cite web|last=Osborn|first=Alex|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/15/overwatch-tracer-nendoroid-figure-announced|title=Overwatch: Tracer Nendoroid Figure Announced|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=February 14, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Duwe|first=Scott|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/tracer-figma-action-figure-blizzard-15122|title=This customizable Tracer action figure is $70|work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports)|date=June 9, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Good Smile has also featured other ''Overwatch'' characters in their lines.{{cite web|last=Ma|first=Tianxiao|url=https://www.destructoid.com/overwatchs-mei-and-mercy-will-also-become-nendoroids/|title=Overwatch's Mei and Mercy will also become Nendoroids|work=[Destructoid](/source/Destructoid)|date=February 19, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} [Lego](/source/Lego) has also produced an [''Overwatch'' set of figurines](/source/Lego_Overwatch).{{cite web|last=Orry|first=Tom|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-lego-is-coming|title=Overwatch LEGO is Coming|work=[USgamer](/source/USgamer)|date=May 22, 2018|accessdate=October 6, 2022|archive-date=May 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522163045/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-lego-is-coming|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Santagelo|first=Nick|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/10/lego-overwatch-first-set-revealed-available-now|title=LEGO Overwatch First Set Revealed, Available Now|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=October 10, 2018|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} As part of their Rivals line, [Nerf](/source/Nerf) has designed ''Overwatch''-stylized toy guns.{{cite web|last=Elfring|first=Mat|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/playtesting-the-new-overwatch-nerf-blasters-am-i-t/2900-2486/|title=Playtesting The New Overwatch Nerf Blasters: Am I Too Old For This?|work=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)|date=January 8, 2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Nerf's parent company, [Hasbro](/source/Hasbro), later launched a set of action figures featuring ''Overwatch'' characters.{{cite web|last=Good|first=Owen S.|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/16/18227436/overwatch-action-figures-hasbro-preorder-gamestop|title=Overwatch gets nine swell action figures — including a huge Reinhardt — from Hasbro|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=February 16, 2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} ===Music=== Since the franchise's beginning in 2016, the games have received six [score](/source/Video_game_music) [album](/source/Soundtrack_album) releases. ;Discography * ''Overwatch Soundtrack'' (2016) * ''Synaesthesia auditiva'' (2018) * ''Overwatch: Cities and Countries'' (2020) * ''Overwatch: Animated Shorts'' (2021) * ''Overwatch: Heroes and Villains'' (2022) * ''Overwatch 2: Original Game Soundtrack'' (2023) ===Crossovers=== Tracer, Mercy, Genji, and D.Va were added as player skins for ''[Fortnite](/source/Fortnite)'' in May 2026.https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/overwatch-collab-trailer ==Reception== {{VG Series Reviews |updated = March 7, 2025 |game1 = [Overwatch](/source/Overwatch_(2016_video_game)) |mc1 = 91/100 (PC){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/overwatch/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Overwatch for PC Reviews|publisher=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|accessdate=October 4, 2022}}
90/100 (PS4){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/overwatch/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|title=Overwatch for PlayStation 4 Reviews|publisher=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|accessdate=October 4, 2022}}
91/100 (XONE){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/overwatch/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one|title=Overwatch for Xbox One Reviews|publisher=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|accessdate=October 4, 2022}}
73/100 (Switch){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/overwatch/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Overwatch for Nintendo Switch Reviews|publisher=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|accessdate=October 4, 2022}} |game2 = [Overwatch 2](/source/Overwatch_2) |mc2 = 79/100 (PC){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/overwatch-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Overwatch 2 for PC Reviews|publisher=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|accessdate=November 11, 2022}}
76/100 (PS5){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/overwatch-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5|title=Overwatch 2 for PlayStation 5 Reviews|publisher=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|accessdate=November 11, 2022}}
78/100 (XSXS){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/overwatch-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x|title=Overwatch 2 for Xbox Series X Reviews|publisher=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|accessdate=November 11, 2022}} }} The original ''Overwatch'' achieved widespread acclaim from both critics and players both prior to and upon release. Pre-release, media outlets "rushed to cover the [game's] beta", which attracted over 9.7 million players.{{cite web|last=Kerr|first=Chris|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/don-t-stop-the-presses-a-glance-at-i-overwatch-s-i-ballooning-media-coverage|title=Don't stop the presses: A glance at Overwatch's ballooning media coverage|work=[Gamasutra](/source/Gamasutra)|date=May 24, 2016|accessdate=October 31, 2022}} [[File:Cosplay of Tracer and D.Va from Overwatch at Animethon 24 - 2017 (35885255703) (color corrected).jpg|thumb|250px|Cosplay of [Tracer](/source/Tracer_(Overwatch)) (left) and [D.Va](/source/D.Va) (right), often cited as among the best and most popular ''Overwatch'' characters both in-game and out{{NoteTag|Sources that share such an opinion include:{{cite web|author=[''Glixel'' Staff](/source/Rolling_Stone)|url=http://www.glixel.com/news/lists/50-most-iconic-video-game-characters-of-the-21st-century-w449203/tracer-w449258|title=50 Most Iconic Video Game Characters of the 21st Century|website=[Glixel](/source/Rolling_Stone)|date=November 17, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122055215/http://www.glixel.com/news/lists/50-most-iconic-video-game-characters-of-the-21st-century-w449203/tracer-w449258|archive-date=November 22, 2016}}{{cite web|last=Knoop|first=Joseph|url=https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/best-overwatch-character/|title=Every Overwatch character, ranked|work=[The Daily Dot](/source/The_Daily_Dot)|date=May 21, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Byrd|first=Matthew|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/overwatch-2-every-character-hero-ranked-worst-best-meta-tier-list/|title=Overwatch 2: Every Character Ranked Worst to Best|work=[Den of Geek](/source/Den_of_Geek)|date=October 6, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|url=https://kotaku.com/overwatch-heroes-ranked-according-to-pornhub-searches-1790993326|title=''Overwatch'' Heroes Ranked, According To Pornhub Searches|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=January 9, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite news|last1=Amenabar|first1=Teddy|last2=Elker|first2=Jhaan|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/video-games/tips/overwatch-tips-tracer-hero/|title=How to excel at Tracer, 'Overwatch's' teleporting agent, according to two pros|newspaper=[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)|date=May 7, 2021|access-date=October 6, 2022}}}}]] The game's PC, PS4, and Xbox One versions all received "universal acclaim", according to [review aggregator](/source/review_aggregator) [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic); these versions all hold a "metascore" of 90/100 or higher on the aggregator. ''Overwatch''{{'s}} [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch) version, however, received "mixed or average reviews" with a 73/100 metascore on the aggregator. Since its release, ''Overwatch'' has been listed by various outlets as one of [the best video games of all-time](/source/List_of_video_games_considered_the_best), particularly within its hero shooter genre and among 21st-century contemporaries.{{NoteTag|Sources or lists that share such an opinion include: *''[IGN](/source/IGN)''{{'s}} "Top 100 Video Games of All Time": No. 51 (2018), No. 50 (2019), and No. 56 (2021){{cite web|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-games/98/51|title=Top 100 Video Games of All Time|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=2018|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} *{{cite web|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|url=https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-games/50|title=Top 100 Video Games of All Time [2019]|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} *{{cite web|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-100-video-games-of-all-time|title=The Top 100 Video Games of All Time|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=May 20, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} *''[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))''{{'s}} "500 best games of all time": No. 198 (2017){{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/30/16717548/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-200-101|title=The 500 best games of all time: 200-101|work=[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))|date=November 30, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} *''[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)''{{'s}} "50 best video games of the 21st century": No. 41 (2019){{cite web|last1=Stuart|first1=Keith|last2=MacDonald|first2=Keza|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/sep/19/50-best-video-games-of-the-21st-century|title=The 50 best video games of the 21st century|work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)|date=September 19, 2019|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} *''[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)'' (2016){{cite web|last=Minotti|first=Mike|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/overwatch-is-the-best-team-shooter-ever-made/|title=Overwatch is the best team shooter ever made|work=[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)|date=May 31, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}}} Voted on by readers, ''Overwatch'' also ranked 29th on a 2018 ''[Game Informer](/source/Game_Informer)'' poll regarding the best video games of all-time.{{cite magazine|last=Hilliard|first=Kyle|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/03/19/readers-choice-top-300-games-of-all-time.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320181854/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/03/19/readers-choice-top-300-games-of-all-time.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=March 20, 2018|title= Reader's Choice Top 300 Games Of All Time|magazine=[Game Informer](/source/Game_Informer)|date=March 19, 2018|access-date=October 6, 2022}} Critics praised ''Overwatch'' for its friendly and inclusive multiplayer atmosphere, able to appeal to new and casual players, as well as more competitive and expert players.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/31/11821148/overwatch-blizzard-multiplayer-first-person-shooter |title=Overwatch and the new wave of friendly online shooters |first=Andrew |last=Webster |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=October 6, 2022 |work=[The Verge](/source/The_Verge)}}{{cite web|last=Purslow|first=Matt|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-is-the-friendliest-most-accessible-fps-you-can-play|title=Overwatch is the friendliest, most accessible FPS you can play|work=[PCGamesN](/source/PCGamesN)|date=May 31, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} The game's colorful and vibrant world and characters, in addition to the playful and team-based nature of its gameplay were cited as driving forces behind the inclusivity and positivity of its player base. While this broad accessibility was a common account by reviewers upon release, outlets later noted that players grew more toxic, particularly on the game's competitive mode.{{cite web|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|url=https://kotaku.com/overwatchs-competitive-mode-is-at-odds-with-the-rest-of-1782990226|title=''Overwatch''{{'s}} Competitive Mode Is At Odds With The Rest Of The Game|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=July 1, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Kaplan concurred with this assessment and led the developers' efforts to curb this toxicity.{{cite web|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|url=https://kotaku.com/how-blizzard-is-trying-to-fix-overwatchs-toxicity-probl-1783749976|title=How Blizzard Is Trying To Fix ''Overwatch''{{'s}} Toxicity Problem|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=July 15, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} The game also experienced considerable commercial success, becoming the 7th-best selling video game of all-time.{{cite web|last=Sirani|first=Jordan|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-selling-video-games-of-all-time-grand-theft-auto-minecraft-tetris|title=The 10 Best-Selling Video Games of All Time|work=[IGN](/source/IGN)|date=August 29, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Although never officially disclosing an exact number of sold copies, Blizzard counted a lifetime total of over 60 million players in 2021.{{cite web|last=Statt|first=Nick|url=https://www.protocol.com/newsletters/entertainment/overwatch-2-free-to-play|title=Overwatch 2 is embracing the future|work=[Protocol](/source/Politico)|date=June 17, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006203245/https://www.protocol.com/newsletters/entertainment/overwatch-2-free-to-play|url-status=dead}} In 2022, ''[Bloomberg](/source/Bloomberg_News)'' published a report stating that the game eventually sold over 50 million copies.{{cite web|last=D'Anastasio|first=Cecilia|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2022-04-29/activision-blizzard-s-overwatch-2-game-is-a-lot-like-the-original-review|title=Activision's Overwatch 2 Is Redefining the Sequel|publisher=[Bloomberg News](/source/Bloomberg_News)|date=April 29, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Fans of the franchise produced a large amount of content including art, cosplay, fan fiction, anime-influenced music videos, Internet memes, and [pornography](/source/Overwatch_and_pornography) featuring ''Overwatch'' characters and elements.{{cite web|last=Hernandez|first=Patricia|url=https://kotaku.com/overwatch-fans-have-turned-dva-into-a-dorito-eating-gre-1780675814|title=''Overwatch'' Fans Have Turned DVA Into A Dorito-Eating Gremlin|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=June 6, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|url=https://kotaku.com/the-best-overwatch-cosplay-1778784763|title=The Best ''Overwatch'' Cosplay|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=May 25, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Minotti|first=Mike|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/overwatch-is-so-anime/|title=Overwatch is so anime|work=[VentureBeat](/source/VentureBeat)|date=May 25, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Bardhan|first=Ashley|url=https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-beta-tracer-butt-porn-sfm-twitter-blizzard-1848880115|title='Behind' The Latest Overwatch 2 Porn Controversy|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=May 4, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} {{Quote box |quote=''Overwatch''{{'s}} announcement trailer, released back in 2014, was bombastic and beautiful, and it kicked off a fervent fandom. Players loved the bright designs, strong characterization, and optimism inherent to the setting. The game's launch and follow-up cinematics only solidified this fan base; people loved to ship characters, imagine their missions, and daydream about future lore. ''Overwatch'' was so widespread and iconic it even revolutionized the [Rule 34](/source/Rule_34) scene; the game was ''everywhere''. | source = Cass Marshall, ''[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))'' (2022) | align = left | width = 25em }} Prior to ''Overwatch 2''{{'s}} release, fans raised concerns over the sequel's transition toward a 5v5 dynamic.{{cite web|last=Byrd|first=Matthew|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/overwatch-2-5v5-multiplayer-mode-changes-controversy-problems/|title=Overwatch 2: Why Some Players Already Hate the New 5v5 Multiplayer|work=[Den of Geek](/source/Den_of_Geek)|date=May 21, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Also predating its release, the sequel attracted both critic and player concerns about whether it would feel like a true sequel with considerable differences from its predecessor. Visuals from the sequel's technical beta were criticized for being too similar to the original game's.{{cite web|last=Jiang|first=Sisi|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/05/overwatch-2-beta-visuals-arent-helping-perception-that-its-barely-an-update/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513235555/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/05/overwatch-2-beta-visuals-arent-helping-perception-that-its-barely-an-update/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 13, 2022|title=Overwatch 2 Beta Visuals Aren't Helping Perception That It's Barely An Update|work=[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)|date=May 10, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} A perceived lack of attention toward support players was also noted during the game's beta.{{cite web|last=Devore|first=Jordan|url=https://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-2-beta-feedback-make-support-heroes-more-enticing/|title=Blizzard wants to make Overwatch 2 beta support heroes more enticing|work=[Destructoid](/source/Destructoid)|date=May 3, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Mercante|first=Alyssa|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-2-beta-junker-queen-impressions/|title=Overwatch 2 beta: Junker Queen has me hanging up my healer hat|work=[GamesRadar+](/source/GamesRadar%2B)|date=July 1, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} In response, Blizzard made efforts to make the support role more enticing to play. Shortly following the sequel's beta period and just weeks prior to the game launching into [early access](/source/early_access), [Kiriko](/source/Kiriko_(Overwatch)) was introduced to the game's playable roster as the first support hero announced in over three years.{{cite web|last=Richardson|first=Liz|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/newest-hero-overwatch-2-kiriko|title=Overwatch 2's newest hero, Kiriko, blends tradition and modernity with a powerful healing kit |work=[Dot Esports](/source/Dot_Esports)|date=September 15, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} While the original game was positively received, elements of its related media garnered some criticism. Writing for ''[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))'' in 2022, Cass Marshall wrote that "''Overwatch''{{'s}} lore has been in stasis for so long, and its fandom has been so willing to make a meal out of the crumbs sprinkled out over the years, that I feel like the fans' version of the cast is more concrete than the actual canon." Natalie Clayton, writing for ''[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)'' similarly opined that "''Overwatch'' has only felt more stagnant as the years go on," as a result of the series' narrative being "almost uniformly backstories, developments happening safely in the past."{{cite web|last=Clayton|first=Natalie|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-needs-to-pull-its-story-out-of-the-past/|title=Overwatch 2 needs to pull its story out of the past|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=April 27, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Clayton added that "relationships never developed or changed. Characters never grew, and the state of the world-at-large was left a static unknown." Marshall cited this lack of significant progression in ''Overwatch'' lore, as well as Blizzard's inconsistent updates to it, particularly from 2018 to 2022, as a factor behind the game's declined in popularity. ''[Valorant](/source/Valorant)'', ''[Rainbow Six Siege](/source/Rainbow_Six_Siege)'', and ''[Apex Legends](/source/Apex_Legends)'' were all cited as gaining favor among existing ''Overwatch'' players.{{cite web|last=Bashir|first=Dale|url=https://sea.ign.com/apex-legends/173848/news/how-apex-legends-succeeded-where-overwatch-failed|title=How 'Apex Legends' Succeeded Where 'Overwatch' Failed|work=[IGN Southeast Asia](/source/IGN)|date=July 2, 2021|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} Developments in ''Overwatch'' media also affected in-game player patterns; after [Soldier: 76](/source/Soldier%3A_76) was canonically revealed to be gay in a comic, his pick rate among players dropped dramatically.{{cite web|last=Rude|first=Mey|url=https://www.out.com/news/2022/10/05/study-gamers-stopped-playing-overwatch-character-after-he-came-out|title=Study: Gamers Stopped Playing Overwatch Character After He Came Out|work=[Out](/source/Out_(magazine))|date=October 5, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Nesseler|first=Cornel|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/video-game-players-avoid-gay-characters/|title=Video Game Players Avoid Gay Characters|work=[Scientific American](/source/Scientific_American)|date=October 5, 2022|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} However, the pick rate returned to previous levels after around three months.Parshakov, Petr; Naidenova, Iuliia; Carlos, Gomez-Gonzalez; Nesseler, Cornel (2019). "Do LGBTQ-Supportive Corporate Policies Affect Consumer Behavior? Evidence from the Video Game Industry". ''Journal of Business Ethics''. '''187''' (3): 421–432. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-022-05137-7 10.1007/s10551-022-05137-7]. [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Do-LGBTQ-Supportive-Corporate-Policies-Affect-from-Parshakov-Naidenova/2c755f4a7c0c3064ee57cbfca7c559d3a5a76a30 248803068]. ''Overwatch 2'' was met with positive reception from critics, albeit less so than its predecessor; the game's PC version holds a 79/100 metascore on review aggregator [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic). All versions indicate "generally favorable reviews. Some reviewers reaffirmed the game's questionable status as a true sequel, likening the game to more of a remix or update.{{cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=October 4, 2022 |title=Overwatch 2 is less of a sequel and more of a remix |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/4/23387041/overwatch-2-review-new-battle-pass-heroes-maps |accessdate=October 5, 2022 |work=[The Verge](/source/The_Verge)}} Players had a more lukewarm reception to the sequel upon its launch, with criticism aimed at its [battle pass](/source/battle_pass) feature and its formerly-required "SMS Protect" system.{{cite web |last=Wheeler |first=CJ |date=September 15, 2022 |title=Blizzard detail Overwatch 2's season one, and its controversial battle passes |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/blizzard-detail-overwatch-2s-season-one-and-its-controversial-battle-passes |accessdate=October 6, 2022 |work=[Rock Paper Shotgun](/source/Rock_Paper_Shotgun)}}{{cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Blizzard scales back ''Overwatch 2''{{'s}} controversial phone number requirement |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/10/blizzard-scales-back-overwatch-2s-controversial-phone-number-requirement/ |accessdate=October 6, 2022 |work=[Ars Technica](/source/Ars_Technica)}}{{cite web |last=Colp |first=Tyler |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Blizzard says it's making progress with Overwatch 2's server woes |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/blizzard-says-its-making-progress-with-overwatch-2s-server-woes/ |accessdate=October 6, 2022 |work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)}} Changes made to online character bios following the launch of ''Overwatch 2'' received criticism from fans.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Christian |date=October 5, 2022 |title=Overwatch 2 Fans Are Not Happy With the Updated Character Bios |url=https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-fans-unhappy-character-bios/ |accessdate=October 6, 2022 |work=Game Rant}} On August 10, 2023, ''Overwatch 2'' was released on Steam, garnering an "overwhelmingly negative" rating on Valve's platform which is the lowest rating any video game can get. ''IGN''{{'s}} Wesley Yin-Poole affirmed that "most of the negative reviews focus on one thing: monetization", detailing that Blizzard received considerable criticism from ''Overwatch''{{'s}} player base when ''Overwatch 2'' launched in late 2022, due to it auto-updating its predecessor into a free-to-play sequel and "rendering the original ''Overwatch'' unplayable". Yin-Poole added that "the backlash revolves around ''Overwatch 2''{{'s}} free-to-play nature, with heroes in the battle pass, the battle pass itself, and Blizzard's new approach to cosmetics all highlighted as negative changes from the original ''Overwatch''".{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=August 11, 2023 |title=Overwatch 2 Steam Launch Immediately Flooded With Negative Reviews |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-2-steam-launch-immediately-flooded-with-negative-reviews |access-date=January 31, 2024 |website=[IGN](/source/IGN) |language=en}} Scholarship on ''Overwatch'' fandom has highlighted the wide range of corporate responses to fan-created content, noting that Blizzard has alternated between supportive and restrictive policies.{{cite book |last=Wirman |first=Hanna Elina |title=Modes of Esports Engagement in Overwatch |publisher=Springer |year=2022 |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Rhys}} ==Notes== {{notelist}} {{notefoot}} ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} * Oh, Taeyeon, Seomgyun Lee, and Hayley Jang. "Outcome Uncertainty and Esports Viewership: The Case of Overwatch League: Journal of Sports Economics." Journal of Sports Economics 24, no. 8 (December 2023): 971–92. https://doi.org/10.1177. * Tomkinson, Sian, and Benn van den Ende. "'Thank You for Your Compliance': Overwatch as a Disciplinary System." Games and Culture 17, no. 2 (2022): 198–218. https://doi.org/10.1177/15554120211026257. ;Sources *{{cite web|last=Marks|first=Tom|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-hidden-lore-of-overwatchs-maps/|title=The hidden lore of Overwatch's maps|work=[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)|date=June 1, 2016|accessdate=October 6, 2022}} ==External links== *[https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/media/stories/ Overwatch – Comics & Short Stories] {{Overwatch|state=expanded}} {{Blizzard Entertainment}} {{Portal bar|Video games}} Category:Overwatch Category:Activision Blizzard franchises Category:Fiction about artificial intelligence Category:Esports games Category:Fictional organizations in comics Category:Multiplayer online games Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2016 Category:Video games adapted into comics Category:Video games adapted into novels Category:Works about the United Nations --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Overwatch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overwatch) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overwatch?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.