(Image credit: Blizzard)
Blizzard Entertainment stirred controversy by transitioning its popular hero shooter, Overwatch, into a freemium live service model now called Overwatch 2. This transformation, rather than offering a conventional sequel, seemed more like a significant update with grand future aspirations. However, recent buzz suggests the company might be planning to drop the ‘2’ from its name.
Fans have been speculating after alleged leaks from Overwatch 2 Season 16 hinted at considerable changes, particularly concerning hero skin cosmetics. Previously, within the game, each hero’s original skin was labeled as from Overwatch 1, while the updated versions carried the Overwatch 2 tag. The latest rumors propose renaming Overwatch 1 skins to ‘Classic’, and Overwatch 2 skins to ‘Valorous’, intensifying theories that the ‘2’ might vanish entirely.
The leaks further revealed an early glimpse of Juno’s Mythic skin, alongside a reinterpreted Junker Queen’s Zeus outfit and a new collaboration with Gundam, continuing Overwatch’s trend of anime partnerships. While this information ignites fan discussions online, it’s all speculative until Activision Blizzard addresses these rumors, or until the new season’s launch sheds light on potential title adjustments.
Historically, Blizzard has faced challenges in justifying the necessity of Overwatch 2 as a separate iteration, especially as it primarily adjusted how the game monetizes. Although the projected co-op campaign for the sequel was ultimately abandoned, and the original 6v6 setup was readopted, elements reminiscent of the 2016 Overwatch reemerged, even including the return of loot boxes. Yet, to Blizzard’s credit, Overwatch 2 recently introduced substantial innovations such as upgradeable perks and an expansive third-person mode.
Anticipations for an Overwatch anime or a Diablo horror film persist, driven by the assertion from Blizzard’s president that, “we are Blizzard Entertainment, not just Blizzard Games.” Interesting times are ahead for the enthusiasts of the community, with weekly digests and beloved tales fueling the excitement further.