Blizzard Entertainment has announced significant changes to the plans for the PvE (Player versus Environment) component of Overwatch 2, shifting its focus towards the live multiplayer experience. Game director Aaron Keller and executive producer Jared Neuss shared insights into the decision and its impact on the game in an interview with GameSpot.
A Shift in Priorities
Blizzard initially dedicated a considerable portion of its resources to developing Overwatch 2’s PvE side after its announcement at BlizzCon 2019. However, as development progressed, the team realized that this approach was negatively impacting the live multiplayer component of the game. The gap between hero releases became too long, prompting the decision to refocus resources on the live game.
The Importance of the Live Multiplayer Experience
About a year before the game’s October 2022 launch, the team recognized the need to provide players with fresh and exciting experiences. This shift in strategy aimed to ensure regular content updates and prevent prolonged content droughts, a concern raised by the extended development of the PvE component. The goal was to make Overwatch 2 an engaging and continuously evolving multiplayer game.
Abandoning the Original PvE Vision
As a result of this reevaluation, Blizzard made the decision to abandon the original plans for the PvE Hero Mode and associated power progression system. Instead, the focus shifted towards story missions that would explore the game’s lore and provide narrative-driven experiences. While elements such as expanded hero talents have been removed from the game, the team still intends to deliver PvE content through these story missions.
Repurposing PvE Assets for PvP Events
Despite the changes, Blizzard is not discarding all the work done on the PvE component. The maps, mission structures, and other assets developed for PvE will be repurposed for PvP (Player versus Player) events. This approach allows the team to leverage the existing PvE assets to enhance the multiplayer experience and introduce new and exciting gameplay opportunities.
Engaging the Player Community
Blizzard acknowledges that the changes to Overwatch 2’s PvE component may initially confuse and frustrate players who were looking forward to the original vision. However, the team is committed to delivering a robust multiplayer game that evolves over time. They aim to establish a co-development relationship with the player community by being transparent about the development process and incorporating player feedback into future updates.
Looking Ahead:
While the cancellation of the original PvE plans may disappoint some fans, Blizzard intends to create an ongoing and engaging experience with regular content updates. They have outlined upcoming plans, including the introduction of new heroes, maps, modes, and PvE events. The focus will be on providing players with a dynamic and constantly evolving multiplayer game that continues to explore the rich lore of the Overwatch universe.
Blizzard’s decision to shift its focus away from the original PvE plans for Overwatch 2 demonstrates the studio’s commitment to delivering a compelling live multiplayer experience. While the PvE component has undergone significant changes, the team plans to repurpose assets for PvP events and continue telling the game’s story through engaging narrative-driven missions. Players can look forward to regular content updates that keep Overwatch 2 fresh and exciting.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X|S
