With a release window of “currently unknown,” we’re at the point ofOverwatch 2’s development where, even though it’s been officially announced, Blizzard is refraining from spilling too many details. That being said, the details the company is spilling are teasing some pretty intriguing stuff about the game, and all without the risk ofdemoralizingOverwatch 2’s creators with leaks.
Whenever it releases,Overwatch 2will introduce several new maps to the game, which will play host to not only new PvP modes like Push but a slew of PvE content, including story-driven missions and Hero Missions that will let players unlock customizable modifications forOverwatch 2’s ever-growing cast of heroes. That much we know from the game’s announcement earlier this month. What we didn’t know was how these new maps compare toOverwatch 1’s maps in terms of size, until this week.
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On the PlayStation Blog, assistant game director Aaron Keller was answering questions about the game when the topic turned to the maps. According to Keller,Overwatch 2will sport maps that are “almost 2X larger than regularOverwatchmaps,” thanks to the upgraded technology that Blizzard is using for the sequel. Going on, he explained that this tech will allow for greater environmental storytelling in these maps, with “dynamic weather, lightning, explosions” and so on. “We like to say that our maps are almost another character in helping with Overwatch 2 storytelling, he said.
What Keller doesn’t clarify, however, is whether he’s talking aboutOverwatch 2’s maps in general or just the PvE stages. Without that clarification, it’s hard to gauge if the above-mentioned enhancements will apply to the PvP maps as well. Most fans already know thatOverwatch 2’s PvP content will be available inOverwatch 1(raising concerns aboutwhetherOverwatch 2is just full-priced DLC), and that brings with it the question of whether those who stick with the first game will miss out on experiencing these larger maps Keller is hyping.
What’s more, while it’s nice for fans to finally get substantial storytelling and worldbuilding in the game itself (unlikeOverwatch 1, where most of that happened in supplementary cinematic trailers, comics, etc.), there is concern thatOverwatch 2’s Story Missions could turn out to be boring.Overwatch 1’s PvE modes have never a highlight in that game next to its PvP, and since the sequel seems to be building off of those, fans worry that a greater focus on narrative might not be enough to keep fans invested. Despite that, Keller believes the Story Missions, along with their accompanying cinematics, will be “a major treat for our players.”
Overwatch 2is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
