Overwatch 2 Is Failing Its Way Into Reinventing Overwatch 1

30.03.2024 - 20:59 / screenrant.com / Cornelia Lucht

Since its release in 2022, has attracted more than its fair share of controversy. From its admittedly rough launch to its heavy emphasis on microtransactions, it's easy to wonder why Blizzard has implemented these changes from the original, especially since one of the main draws of the sequel, a dedicated PvE mode, was canceled.

Many of the changes did not please players, as 2023 and 2024 did not treat kindly. Last year witnessed both the end of the official Overwatch League and a continued litany of financial struggles. Combined with all the criticism players levied towards the sequel, Blizzard has finally taken notice and taken steps to ameliorate the troubled hero shooter. Season 10 will launch the 40th hero of the game alongside massive shifts in how players obtain new heroes, bringing the game closer to its original iteration in 2016.

WhenSeason 10 launches in April 2024, players should expect to see a myriad of changes to. The most significant news is that heroes will no longer be coupled to the battle pass. After unlocking the regular roster, players will have free access to new characters like Lifeweaver, Mauga, and Illari. Before Season 10, if players wanted to use the new heroes in a timely fashion, they would have to spend $10.

While a step in the right direction, this brings closer to its roots instead of tarnishing the legacy. Veteran players of the series will recall thatnew heroes in the original did not cost more money beyond the game's initial price. It is suspected that the game's poor financial situation catalyzed this change. reported that Blizzard employees on the team did not receive a profit-sharing bonus in August 2023, a rarity for the company.

Season 10 promises other fun updates for, including Blizzard's 40th hero, Venture. In addition to being Blizzard's first playable non-binary character, the DPS offers mobility across the map using their drill. Blizzard's commitment to making inclusive characters is an admirable step in representation for the LGBTQ+ community, and eagle-eyed X (formerly Twitter) user Hazelet even noticed that the patch on Venture's jacket reflects the colors of the non-binary pride flag. While still significantly differs from its predecessor, the title retains the franchise's commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the hero roster.

Season 10 players will also experience the Clash mode teased at BlizzCon 2023. The mode will feature five capture points on a mirrored or straight map. At the start of the game, each team will control two points, with the center point belonging to no one. Players will vie to capture all five points to win. The Clash mode will debut on a new map, Hanaoka, which is translated from Japanese into English as "."

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