Overwatch 2, a 2022 first-person shooter by Blizzard Entertainment, is the sequel to Overwatch (2016). This free-to-play game focuses on player-versus-player (PvP) combat, shifting from the original's six-player teams to five. While initially planned, persistent cooperative modes were scrapped in 2023. The game features reworked characters and launched in early access on October 4, 2022, across multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Windows, and Xbox, with full cross-platform play. Blizzard removed the early access label on August 10, 2023, marking the start of Season 6.
November 1, 2019: Overwatch 2 Announcement
Overwatch 2 was announced at BlizzCon on November 1, 2019, initially planned as a shared multiplayer experience with the original Overwatch. It promised new heroes, maps, and PvP modes for both games.
April 2021: Jeff Kaplan Leaves Blizzard
In April 2021, Jeff Kaplan, the director of Overwatch, left Blizzard. Aaron Keller took over as lead developer for Overwatch 2.
June 2021: Overwatch 2 SMS Verification Issue
The release of Overwatch 2 in October 2022 was met with server issues due to a DDOS attack and a controversial SMS verification system. Players with prepaid phone plans, particularly in the US, were unable to access the game due to the SMS requirement. By June 2021, Blizzard addressed the issue by removing the SMS verification for players who had played Overwatch since at least June 2021.
November 2021: Overwatch 2 Release Delay Announced
Investor documents in November 2021 revealed a delay for Overwatch 2's release, pushing it to at least 2023. The delay aimed to give developers more time to complete production and support the game post-launch.
March 2022: Overwatch 2 Split Release Announced
Blizzard announced a shift in strategy in March 2022, deciding to release Overwatch 2 in parts. The PvP component would launch first, while the PvE content would follow later.
April 2022: Overwatch 2 Beta Access via Twitch
In April 2022, Blizzard offered a limited-time promotion allowing players to gain access to the Overwatch 2 closed beta by watching select Twitch streamers.
April 26, 2022: Overwatch 2 Beta Begins
The first wave of closed beta testing for Overwatch 2 started on April 26, 2022, giving select players a chance to experience the game's PvP content.
October 2, 2022: Original Overwatch Servers Shut Down
On October 2, 2022, the servers for the original Overwatch were shut down as planned, making way for Overwatch 2's launch. Players' cosmetics and in-game currency were transferred to the new game.
October 4, 2022: Overwatch 2 Early Access Launch
Overwatch 2 was released in early access on October 4, 2022, replacing the original Overwatch. It introduced a free-to-play model, 5v5 matches, and new heroes, maps, and modes.
May 2023: Overwatch 2 Developers Announce Cancellation of PvE Plans
In May 2023, the developers of Overwatch 2 announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated PvE (Player versus Environment) mode. The decision was made due to concerns about its potential impact on the PvP (Player versus Player) aspects of the game. Originally intended to be a key feature, the PvE mode was scrapped in favor of story-based events.
August 10, 2023: Overwatch 2 Official Launch
Blizzard removed the early access label for Overwatch 2 on August 10, 2023, marking the official launch of the game with the release of Season 6.
August 2023: Story-Based PvE Missions Added
In August 2023, Overwatch 2 introduced three story-driven PvE missions as part of Season 6. These missions, available for a limited time for free or permanently through purchase, expand the game's lore and offer a cooperative gameplay experience.
September 2023: Hero Mastery Missions Introduced
September 2023 saw the addition of Hero Mastery missions for three heroes in Overwatch 2. These missions are designed to help players improve their skills with specific characters.
2023: Overwatch 2 Release on Steam Met with Overwhelmingly Negative Reviews
Following its 2023 release on the Steam platform, Overwatch 2 was bombarded with an overwhelming number of negative reviews, quickly earning the dubious distinction of the worst-rated Steam game of all time within a mere 48 hours. The overwhelmingly critical response was widely perceived as review bombing, with players expressing their discontent with a number of issues.
2023: Geoff Goodman Departs Blizzard
Geoff Goodman, the lead hero designer for Overwatch 2, left Blizzard in mid-2023.
February 2024: Combat and Competitive System Overhaul
February 2024 brought a significant update with Season 9, overhauling combat and the competitive system in Overwatch 2. Changes included increased hero health, passive healing buffs, and a revamped competitive ranking system that adjusts after each match.
March 2024: Overwatch 2 Introduces Free New Characters in Premium Battle Pass Overhaul
In March 2024, Overwatch 2 game director Aaron Keller announced significant changes to the game's premium battle pass system. The update included making all new characters free for all players, a move aimed at addressing concerns about accessibility and the game's monetization strategy.
March 2024: Blizzard Discontinues Overwatch 2 PvE Missions Due to Poor Sales
In March 2024, reports emerged indicating that Blizzard had discontinued the Overwatch 2 PvE missions due to underwhelming sales. According to sources, the revenue generated from the $15 purchase price for the missions, which included in-game currency and cosmetic items, did not meet expectations, leading to the decision to halt further development.
April 2024: New Heroes Free for All Players
Starting in April 2024 with Season 10, new heroes in Overwatch 2 will be available to all players for free, no longer tied to the battle pass. This change applies retroactively to previously released heroes since the game's launch.