Summary
Since its launch in 2016,Overwatchhas captivated players with its engaging roster of characters and rich lore. Ten seasons in, it’s undeniable thatOverwatch 2is maintaining its status asa pillar of the hero shooter genre. Unfortunately, while Blizzard’s live-service shooter has garnered quite a bit of attention since its debut in 2022, not all of it has been positive.
Notably,Overwatch 2has faced a few pitfalls that have been hindering its success. Such obstacles include missing PvE features and the controversial switch to 5v5, which has left some fans wanting more. In fact, these frustrations could be fueling the rise of so-called “Overwatchclones,” with Blizzard’s mistakes enabling an increase in competition.
A Hero Shooter Renaissance May Be on the Horizon
Blizzard Stumbled Upon a Hidden Gem With 2016’s Overwatch
Intriguingly, the development ofOverwatch, originally conceived as projectTitan, may have been a rare instance of striking gold. While hero shooters weren’t a new concept, withTeam Fortress 2being a notable example, none had achieved the critical acclaim ofOverwatch. In fact,Overwatchwent on to winGame of the Year at The Game Awards 2016, making it the first shooter to claim this title sinceCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfarein 2007.
While titles likePaladinsemerged in 2018 to challengeOverwatch, 2024 has seen a significant rise in similar games. This suggests a potential resurgence for the genre and indicates that other studios see an opportunity in the market, perhaps due to the mixed reception ofOverwatch 2. Notable examples include:
As the hero shooter landscape becomes increasingly crowded, new games seem hungry to capitalize on some ofOverwatch 2’s missteps. For example, even though NetEase Games' shooter has yet to officially launch,Marvel Rivalsis already making esports headlinesfor its immersive gameplay and competitive elements. However, instead of simply beingOverwatchcopies, it seems these games are aiming to incorporate some ofOverwatch2’s most appealing features while providing a unique experience.
Concord’s innovative cinematic system is expanding narrative horizons, whileStar Wars: Huntersis adaptingOverwatch-like gameplay for mobile platforms. Similarly, though details are scarce about Valve’s leaked hero shooter, it appears positioned to serve as a spiritual successor to 2007’sTeam Fortress 2,which was praised for its strategic depth and replayability.
“As the hero shooter landscape becomes increasingly crowded, new games seem hungry to capitalize on some ofOverwatch 2’s missteps.”
Fortunately, this healthy competition should benefit bothOverwatch 2’s players and developers. For fans, it offers a wider variety ofcomparable experiences to choose from. Subsequently, for Blizzard, the very existence of these hero-based shooters provides valuable feedback that can helpOverwatch 2continue to refine its formula and keep the game exciting for seasons to come. Still, it is hard not to wonder if there would be less challengers toOverwatch 2’s throne if the game had stuck the landing and avoided controversy. While competition could certainly be good, it also putsOverwatch 2at risk of being overshadowed if Blizzard cannot keep up with other games in the genre.
Overwatch 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
