Overwatch Dev Post Archives & Overwatch 2 Facts & Beta Info

[Kaedi-11739]

OVERWATCH DEVELOPER POST ARCHIVES

This is a categorized archive of all relevant Communication from Blizzard Entertainment regarding Overwatch. This includes all relevant forum posts from the Overwatch Development Team, community managers, and customer service representatives from both the new forums and the old forums. This also includes any relevant Reddit posts, Developer Update Videos, News Articles, Technical Support Articles, Third-Party Interviews, etc. Basically, anything that is not in an organized place. Links to Patch Notes along with descriptions of the key changes in each patch are now included with the recent change to the website structure.

Click here to see how this Guide works

Things I will not include

• Patch Notes will not be linked here. You can find those on the official Overwatch Website by clicking here (Mainly due to how they are presented would break the most of the links every time a new patch was released.)
• Responses on the forums for violations of the Forum Code-of-Conduct unless there is relevant information that can educate the community.
• Any Blizzard representative response in the Technical Support forum, the Bug Report forum, the PTR Feedback Forum, the PTR Bug Report forum, the Looking for Group forums, or the Workshop forum unless the post contains specifically relevant long-term information related to the current state of Overwatch that can contribute to all players. Some links to common sticky posts and support articles are provided here however.
• Any Irrelevant Meme or Prank responses (yes they do have some from time to time).

@JeffreyKaplan

We agree. Lucio’s pickrate in Lucioball is very concerning to us.

• Any posts that hint or preview features or changes to the game that have now been applied in the current patch of the game. For example in 2016 and 2017, Reporting on Console was a heavily requested feature. Since that feature is now in the game, any mentions of that post are no longer included in this archive.
• Any posts that don’t specifically discuss the reasoning of any hero balance changes that have already been applied. (i.e. “Yes, we have plans for Mercy” coming soon.) However, posts that give specific reasoning to hero balance changes will be archived. (i.e. “We have no plans to revert Mercy. We are very satistified with the changes.”)
• Most Blizzard Posts regarding the game’s development in Beta, unless it is historically relevant. I don’t have direct access to the beta forums which have been shut down for years now, not to mention most posts in the Beta are irrelevant to the state of the game today.

How to navigate this guide
To keep things simple, click on the expand header to open that category to view that list of posts. Posts are organized by subject, post author, date, and source. A emoji indicates a post that is no longer available to be replied to. A emoji indicates a post that may be longer relevant to the current state of the game. A emoji indicates a post that contains highly relevant information and is a recommended read for all members of the community. A emoji indicates a post that contains information that is temporarily relevant and will likely be removed from the archives at a later date. A emoji indicates a post that may lead to “dangerous” content, the post is to denote the warning from Blizzard about such content, but be sure to not navigate to the source content in order to protect your accounts. A icon means the content can only be viewed if you have a BlizzCon Virtual Ticket (when the BlizzCon site is open and available).

Why this guide was made
I like maintaining a record of all relevant responses from Blizzard in order to answer questions to other players on these forums. I hope that by sharing this organized database, players will be able to look into past developer responses to be able to cite from when creating constructive content here on the forums. Please let me know in the comments below if I missed any relevant content (be sure to provide a link), or if I just screwed something up (I am sure I mislinked something at least once). As a Forum MVP, I do not represent Blizzard Entertainment, and while all information in this thread is believed to be correct to the best of my ability, there may be mistakes present. Learn more about the Forum MVP program here.

 

DIRECTORY

• Overwatch 2 (in development) NEW!!
• Game Features and Functions
• Game Balance
• Development History, Technical Support, & Overwatch Esports
• Media Content, Lore, and Non-Game Elements

[Kaedi-11739]

OVERWATCH 2 DEVELOPER POSTS & QUICK FACTS

News Articles & Press Releases

• Overwatch 2 Second Beta Frequently Asked Questions
• Overwatch 2 Reveal Event Recap
• Overwatch 2 Launches October 4 as a Free-to-Play Live Experience
• Tune into the Overwatch 2 Reveal Event on June 16
• Overwatch 2 Developer Blog: Designing heroes for a new era
• Overwatch 2 PvP Beta Analysis: How Data and Community Feedback Inform Game Balance
• https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/news/23787374/a-new-journey-is-right-around-the-corner-overwatch-2-pvp-beta-wrap-up/
• Overwatch 2 PvP Beta: Week 2 Developer Blog
• Overwatch 2 PvP Beta: Week 1 Developer Blog
• Welcome to the first Overwatch 2 PvP Beta
• https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/news/23798984/legend-of-talon-and-hero-of-numbani-doomfist-and-orisa-s-tank-overhauls/
• Heroes aren’t born, they’re made: An in-depth introduction to Sojourn
• Uniting gameplay and style: Behind Overwatch 2’s complex map design
• OW2 Inside Look at the Ping System
• OW2 PvP Beta FAQ
• OW2 Community Update
• Developer AMA: Hero balance and design for future PvP
• News Article: Environment States in Overwatch 2: Behind the scenes with the engineering team
• First look at the player-versus-player changes coming to Overwatch 2
• New Leadership for Overwatch
• Overwatch at BlizzConline: A recap
• Behind the Scenes of Overwatch 2’s Development
• Revving Up the Engine—Overwatch 2 “Evolving the Art” Panel Recap
• Story Missions, Hero Missions, Push Maps, and more–Overwatch 2 “What’s Next” Panel Recap

Livestreams and Developer Update Videos

• Overwatch 2: Reveal Event
  • Game Overview Clip
  • PVP Reimagined Clip
  • Seasonal Content Clip
  • Junker Queen Deep Dive Clip
• Developer Update: Sojourn
• Developer Livestream: Alpha Insights & Impressions
• Developer Update: Announcement of Alpha & Beta
• 2021 Developer PVP Update Livestream - Short Version
• Behind the Scenes of Overwatch 2 - Jeff Kaplan and others - 2/19/2021 - YouTube
• Overwatch 2: Evolving the Art - Bill Petras, Arnold Tsang, & John McClure - 11/1/2019 - YouTube
• Overwatch 2: What’s Next - Jeff Kaplan & Aaron Keller - 11/1/2019 - YouTube
• BlizzCon Opening Ceremonies - Jeff Kaplan - 11/1/2019 - YouTube

Developer Interviews

• Press Interview at BlizzCon - Jeff Kaplan and others - 11/1/2019 - YouTube (Provided by HitScan [formerly Overwatch Central])
• 110 Rapid Fire Questions with Overwatch 2’s Jeff Kaplan - 11/15/2019 - YouTube (Provided by GameInformer)
• Gamespot Interview - Jeff Kaplan - 2/25/2021 - Gamespot
• IGN Interview for Blizzconline - Jeff Kaplan - 2/19/2021 - IGN
• How Overwatch is Balanced: Group Up! with OW Devs (Geoff Goodman, Josh Noh) - 6/1/2022 - YouTube (Provided by SVB)

Cinematic Shorts

• Cinematic Short: The Wastelander - Junkerqueen
• Overwatch 2 Cinematic Trailer: Zero Hour

Origin Stories

• Origin Story: Junkerqueen
• Origin Story: Sojourn

Hero reworks & Gameplay Trailers

• Release Date Reveal Gameplay Trailer
• Sojourn Gameplay Trailer
• Bastion New Look
• Bastion Rework Preview
• Sombra Rework Preview
• Overwatch 2 Gameplay Trailer

Demonstration Matches

• Overwatch 2 Beta Bash - April 2022
• Colloseo - OWL Grand Finals - October 2021
• Dorado - OWL Grand Finals - October 2021
• Havana - OWL Grand Finals - October 2021
• New York - OWL Grand Finals - October 2021
• Super: Tank Player Perspective - OWL Grand Finals - October 2021
• Jesce: Support Player Perspective - OWL Grand Finals - October 2021
• Doha: Damager Player Perspective - OWL Grand Finals - October 2021

Developer Responses

Click here to expand the developer responses list

New Heroes

• AndyB confirms that a cinematic short for Sojourn is coming soon - AndyB - 6/9/2022
• AndyB confirms that a cinematic short for Sojourn is coming soon - AndyB - 6/9/2022
• AndyB confirms that Sojourn has a dog in the story - AndyB - 6/9/2022
• AndyB confirms there are more Tank and Support heroes coming - AndyB - 2/10/2022
• AndyB reminds the community more new heroes are coming in later beta phases for Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 2/10/2022
• Josh Noh also confirms hero balance changes are being made in consideration of new heroes - Josh Noh - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB explains that they are not yet ready to talk about any more new heroes until they get much closer to the release of the game - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB assures that new heroes in development are taken into consideration for balance changes to existing heroes in Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• It is unlikely there will ever be a child-aged hero in Overwatch 2 - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

New Maps

• Aaron tries to cover up a slip about the existance of a Gothenberg PVP map teased in BlizzCon 2019 - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Aaron Keller hints at a possible new PVP map type for settings like Gothenberg and India - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

Changing to the 5v5 ruleset and to solo tanking

• AndyB explains how they are carefully evaluating any change with the new ruleset impacts how fun a hero is to play or play against in Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB clarifies on how different high-mobile heroes are being reevaluated for Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains how a single tank will impact the effectiveness of the support role - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB assures to not get too worried about changes with open queue rulesets yet - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB addresses the concern of high-mobile heroes with the new 5v5 ruleset - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB again confirms the dev team is not ready to confirm if Open Queue will remain in Overwatch - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains the overall development philosophy in changing from two tanks to one with the new 5v5 ruleset - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB assures that off-tank heroes will continue to feel relevant when the game goes to a 5v5 ruleset - AndyB - 8/27/2021 - Reddit
• Aaron Keller understands the concern of losing tank to tank voice interactions in gameplay - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the trade-offs and challenges of going to a 5v5 ruleset - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the goal for changes to main tanks and off-tanks to a unified role - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman believes that off-tank players should enjoy the changes to the solo tank experience of 5v5 - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Scott Mercer explains that Role Queue will remain but Open Queue is not yet decided on due to the balance changes - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman says they are uncertain if 6v6 rulesets will remain when Overwatch 2 releases - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

Hero balance changes

• Andy hints that signficant changes to Symmetra’s gameplay balance is coming but there are no reworks planned - AndyB - 6/9/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy explains Alpha perception and reaction regarding Doomfist - AndyB - 4/20/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy explains the reasoning for Doomfist’s abilities to mimic fighting games - AndyB - 4/20/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy explains how Doomfist’s new Power Block ability works - AndyB - 4/20/2022 - Official Forums
• Josh Noh details how many changes to tanks have been relatively small to make them viable in the solo-tank environment for 5v5 - Josh Noh - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Josh Noh explains the challenges in balancing the healing with the new 5v5 ruleset and how they are experimenting with a healing debuff - Josh Noh - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Josh Noh explains how changes to tank-busting heroes are being approached - Josh Noh - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Josh Noh details about how Zarya plays with her new dual particle barrier cooldown - Josh Noh - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman shares his reaction to pro player feedback with heroes, notably Sombra and Zarya - Geoff Goodman - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the effectiveness of the Support and Damage role passives - Geoff Goodman - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman gives a very detailed explanation to how supports feel very impactful in the 5v5 format and why they are experimenting with the healing debuff mechanic - Geoff Goodman - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman details further adjustments to Bastion since the pro player playtests - Geoff Goodman - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman speculates on how Supports are currently performing in the 5v5 format - Geoff Goodman - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains what would change in Doomfist’s kit if he is moved to the tank role - Geoff Goodman - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman details Doomfist being tested to be reworked into the Take role but has not confirmed if that will stay yet or not - Geoff Goodman - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB reminds everyone that the build seen in the VODs of Overwatch 2 Pro Player demo matches is subject to change - AndyB - 10/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reminds the community how the “soul” of Overwatch will still be the same even with the hero reworks - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB assures that the team will be addressing more details to the upcoming balance changes especially around support heroes in future updates - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB observes the feedback about how damage role heroes in Overwatch 2 tend to have more of an individual impact and how that compares to the current state of the live game - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that they are not looking to increase healing with Overwatch 2 changes - AndyB - 9/28/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why the team is experimenting with a global healing debuff mechanic in Overwatch 2 playtests and that it is subject to change upon release - AndyB - 9/27/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that damage output seen in the OWL Grand Final Exhibition Matches is not likely to be what will be seen in the retail release - AndyB - 9/28 /2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why Bastion’s new sentry mode has a fixed timer - AndyB - 9/27/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB confirms that Bastion’s new Configuration: Artillery ability will pierce ceilings - AndyB - 9/27/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB shares that the development build was similar to the demonstration build in the Overwatch League Grand Finals exhibition matches - AndyB - 9/27/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains how Discord and Mercy’s Damage Boost affects the new 5v5 ruleset - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB confirms Cassidy’s flashbang ability is considered on being removed but not confirmed if that is happening yet - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reminds the community that upcoming changes for heroes in Overwatch 2 is not being done without considering the feedback from the community - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB says balance changes for Brigitte are not yet ready to be revealed - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB assures feedback for support changes is being noted - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB shares some details to how supports are going to be adjusted for Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB assures that feedback regarding crowd control changes to damage heroes is being passed on to the developers - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• Geoff Goodman explains the changes of Overhealth and Armor - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman hints at the possible balance channges for Sombra including how her hack would change - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman assures the overall goal to have abilities that make each hero feel unique is still the same going into Overwatch 2 - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the possiblities and challenges of moving Mei or Doomfist into the tank role in Overwatch 2 - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the minimum expectations for changes to Mei in Overwatch 2 - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman hints at changes for Bastion - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Scott Mercer speculates about the hero passive changes for the Damage role on whether they can deal more damage to barriers- Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman shares that they are still exploring possible ways for Mei to still freeze with her primary fire - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman shares Lucio’s soundwave abilities is unlikely to change in Overwatch 2 - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Why CC abilities are being adjusted among Tank and non-Tank roles - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

Game Mode Changes

• Aaron Keller shared they had plans to tweak Paris and Horizon Lunar Colony but those plans are now on indefinite hold - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Aaron Keller stated they have not made any decisions on what to do with Assault (2CP) Maps after they are removed from Quick Play and Competitive - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

PVE Modes

• Andy confirms that PVE modes are still being developed - AndyB - 6/9/2022 - Official Forums
• Aaron Keller speculates at the idea of classic abilities no longer in the game returning for PVE talents - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

Other responses

• AndyB confirms everyone who signs up will get into the beta at some point regardless if they get the Watchpoint bundle or not - AndyB - 6/9/2022
• Andy reminds that data from the first Beta test will be revealed later - AndyB - 5/17/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy explains why prepping static graphics is different than prepping for video presentations for announcements - AndyB - 4/20/2022 - Official Forums
• The Doomfist and Orisa designs are still in development following their rework announcements - AndyB - 4/20/2022 - Official Forums
• Jodie confirms a player’s mock-up illustration to how the new Ping System works - Jodie - 3/24/2022 - Official Forums
• Jodie elaborates how Sombra interacts with the new Ping System - Jodie - 3/24/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB states there is a spam prevention feature with the new Ping System - AndyB - 2/10/2022 - Offical Forums
• AndyB comments about the upcoming Ping features for Overwatch - AndyB - 2/10/2022 - Offical Forums
• AndyB hopes to provide more opportunties to show off playtests to the community in the future - AndyB - 10/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB assures they are still welcoming all of the feedback and speculation of Overwatch 2 changes and how that helps shape the future of the game - AndyB - 10/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB reiterates that they hope to get more content for Overwatch 2 out for everyone to see, but that it is not intended to convince player’s perceptions of the upcoming changes - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB reminds the community all changes seen in the OWL Grand Finals exhibition matches are subject to change before even the beta launch and that Overwatch 2 will still feel like Overwatch - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB again confirms all collected items from Overwatch 1 will move into Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that carefully rolling out details to hero reworks is part of the overall communication rollout leading up to Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that carefully rolling out details to hero reworks is part of the overall communication rollout leading up to Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB takes note of feedback about being able to explore the new PVE extensions to existing maps in custom games - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB states they are not ready to talk about the game system performance for Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• Arnold Tsang hints at Sombra’s new looks is coming soon (which has since been revealed) - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang confirms most of the Overwatch 2 new hero looks are completed - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang confirms the new looks will become the default skins for each hero and that all previously owned skins will carry over to Overwatch 2 - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Aaron Keller speculates at the possibly of a free-camera system to check out skins and poses of heroes - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Aaron Keller speculates at the possibly of an arcade mode where players can play with the PVE talent tree abilities - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• John LaFleur says they still plan to keep Workshop features in with Overwatch 2 - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• John LaFleur says they still plan on making sure the Nintendo Switch version of Overwatch 2 will still feel great to play - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• John LaFleur confirms there will be a lot of changes to the game engine and appearnence - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke hopes to launch Overwatch 2 on all platforms but has not confirmed that will be done - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• John LaFleur confirms there will eventually be a beta for Overwatch 2 but does not specify when - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• More improved A.I. is planned to come for Overwatch 2 - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the core development philosophy for Overwatch going into Overwatch 2 - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan again confirms that portrait borders will go away in Overwatch 2 - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains that the same development team is working on both Overwatch and Overwatch 2 - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• XP Level Portrait Borders are to be removed in Overwatch 2, but recogition for playtime is still going to be considered - Jeff Kaplan - 4/17/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that Overwatch 2 will bring new gameplay for both PVE and PVP. - Jeff Kaplan - 2/3/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints that match-specific stats is likely to come with Overwatch 2. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan states they want to provide more helpful statistics to players in Overwatch 2. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints that they are discussing on adding a proper scoreboard for Overwatch 2. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms that every story mission with have an intro and an outro. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/14/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that the Rio De Janeiro Mission Intro and Outro from the Overwatch 2 play demo at BlizzCon 2019 are planned to be longer. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/14/2020 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke shares that no ability branch from “Project Titan” or early Overwatch 1 development was rebuilt for Overwatch 2’s talent system - Bill Warnecke - 11/7/2019 - Reddit
   

Overwatch 2 Quick Fact List (UPDATED)

About the release of Overwatch 2

• Overwatch 2 is considered a live-service game delivering content on a seasonal basis.
• The game will launch on October 4th, 2022 with all new features including new heroes, a new “core” gamemode called “Push”, and new maps. New PVE content including Story Missions and Hero Missions will launch starting in future seasons in 2023.
• Overwatch 2 will be Free to Play for everyone (regardless if you own Overwatch 1) with optional purchases including premium currency and seasonal Battle Passes.
• Overwatch 2 will have an updated graphics engine and updated sound engine.
• Heroes will have a new default skin appearance in Overwatch 2.
• There will be a new gameplay HUD to be more streamlined.
• Players from Overwatch 1 will be able to access their collected content (skins, emotes, sprays, etc.) on Overwatch 2.
• Cross-Progression will be available upon the launch of Overwatch 2 and players can access all collected items from all platforms linked to the same BattleNet account.
• There is no release date for Overwatch 2 as of the announcements made in Blizzconline on February 19th, 2021

New Maps

• New Confirmed PVP maps include:
  • Circuit Royale (Monte Carlo) - Escort
  • New Queen Street (Toronto, Canada) - Push
  • Midtown (New York, United States) - Hybrid
  • Colosseo (Rome, Italy) - Push
• Unconfirmed maps include:
  • Gothenburg, Sweden - Originally was seen as an Assault map in BlizzCon 2019, but the Assault PVP map type is being removed from core gamemodes.
• New Story Mode PVE Maps include:
  • Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
  • Toronto, Canada
  • India

New Heroes premiering at launch.

• Sojourn - Damage Role
• Junkerqueen - Tank Role
• Upcoming Support Hero

Changes to PVP Modes

• 5v5 - Overwatch 2 core gamemodes will change to a 5v5 format with Role Queue modes using 1 Tank, 2 Damage, and 2 Support heroes.
• PUSH - Push is a new core PVP mode that combines elements from both Control and Escort. A neutral robot/omnic stands in the center of the primary route of a symmetrical map with teams spawning at each end. The teams will engage and attempt to gain control of the robot (similar to gaining control of a payload). The team that is in control of the robot will begin escorting that Robot until it reaches an obstacle on the primary route, where then the robot will start pushing it (this causes him to move slower). If the robot pushes past the halfway point between the center starting point and the final objective point, a forward spawn for that team unlocks. The robot will start to walk in the opposite direction if the opposing team takes control of the robot. If the robot reaches the center point of the map after a team has a forward spawn activated, that forward spawn will be closed. The team that can push forward the greater distance within 10 minutes or successfully pushes the robot to the endpoint of the opposite end of the map will win.
• The Assault (a.k.a. 2CP) map type will be retired from Competitive Play in Overwatch 2. It may still appear in other game modes and there is no word on whether maps that were originally the Assault map type will change or appear as a different map type.
• The Overwatch Team is currently experimenting with dramatic changes to all heroes including the introduction of Role Passives and significant reworks to all existing Tank heroes.
  • Role Passives are passive benefits granted to heroes of a specific role. Right now this includes tanks giving less ultimate charge for damage taken and have knockback resistance, damage heroes gaining additional movement ability for flanking, and support heroes regaining health after avoiding damage for a time.
  • Tank overhauls are geared to making the Tank role more of an upfront brawler rather than be a defensive guard. Some changes include giving Reinhardt the ability to use 2 Firestrikes, be able to cancel his charge, but have his barrier at very limited health (was seen at 800 HP).

PVE Modes

• Story Missions - The primary story mode will consist of 4 players working together to complete a series of objectives against computer-controlled enemies (similar to the Overwatch Archives PVE missions). There will be item abilities that are picked up which can be used by any hero including manual turrets, grenades, shields, and health pods.
• Hero Missions - Hero Missions are designed to be deeply replayable similar to that of World Quests in World of Warcraft and will play on the existing PVP maps with variable objectives. Missions include holdouts, boss battles, and more. All heroes can be selected in all Hero Missions.
• Archive Missions - Players will be able to enjoy the Archive PVE missions that have been released previously in Overwatch 1
• In-Game Cinematics - Every Story Mission will include a cinematic intro and outro.
• Talent System - Players will be able to level up their heroes throughout the game and gain new and more powerful versions of their key abilities and ultimates (which are exclusive to PVE modes).

Other Quick Facts

• The game will introduce a new dog character related to one of the heroes which according to Jeff Kaplan “people will fall in love with.” It is confirmed not to be any existing dog (such as Orisa’s French Bulldog).
• No heroes from Overwatch 1 will be removed.
• Overwatch 2 will replace Overwatch 1 entirely.
• Loot Boxes will be removed upon the launch of Overwatch 2. It is not yet known what will happen to Loot Boxes, Gold Currency, or Competitive Points, but details will be provided in the months to come leading up to the launch of Overwatch 2.
• All players will be required to enable Phone Notifications on their Blizzard BattleNet acccount in order to play Overwatch 2.

[Kaedi-11739]

Game Features and Functions

Competitive Play | Skill Rating

COMPETITIVE SEASON NEWS BLOGS

• NEWS POST - Beta Competitive Play
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 1(Progression Tiers Removed, Sudden Death Rules Changed, Rewards Added)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 2 (SR Scale & Tier Revamp, CP Revamp, Time Bank Rules Added, Sudden Death Removed, Increased Penalties)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 3 (Rank resets removed, SR slightly decreases from ending SR)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 4 (Defensive Spawn Timer Rules Introduced)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 5 (no major changes)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 6 (Seasons now two months, CP payout adjustments, Diamond and lower now drop to lower tiers, SR decay reductions, changes to SR adjustments, SR starting decreases removed, control maps now best out of 3)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 7 (No major changes)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 8 (PBSR Removed for Diamond and higher ranks, Matchmaking now also follows Group SR restrictions)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 9 (No major changes)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 10 (No major changes)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 11 (SMS Protect required for PC Top 500)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 12 (Avoid As Teammate increases to 3, Grand Masters can now pair within 350 SR [up from 250])
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 13 (no major changes)
• NEWS POST - Competitive Season 14 (no major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 15 (no more offseason)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 16 (grouping up in Grand Masters limited to parties of 2 or less)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 18 (Role Queue now live)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 19 (Introducing Map Rotation)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 20 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 21 (Hero Pools)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 24 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 25 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 26 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 27 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 28 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 29 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 30 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 31 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 32 (No major changes)
• FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT - Competitive Season 33 (No major changes)

COMPETITIVE MODE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RULE CHANGES

• Season 27 Top 500 Qualifcation started earlier due to the original season launch bug - Josh Nash - 3/9/2020 - Official Forums
• Season 26 Extended Due to a bug - Josh Nash - 3/4/2020 - Official Forums
• Introducting Permanent Open Queue for Competitive Play - Michael Heiberg - 7/2/2020 - News Post
• Refining Hero Pools and Retiring Map Pools - Scott Mercer - 4/9/2020 - News Post
• Grouping up in Grand Masters now limited to parties of 2 or less - Scott Mercer - 4/29/2019 - Official Forums
• Groups and Matchmaking in Overwatch - Scott Mercer clarifies the misconceptions that grouping up in Competitive Overwatch is a disadvantage and addresses the benefits to grouping up - Scott Mercer - 6/20/2018 - Official Forums
• New/rework content is now available in Competitive two weeks from the release of that content instead of next of the next season - Scott Mercer - 5/22/2018 - Official Forums
• Overwatch Technical Issues, SR Loss, and Leaver Penalties - Drakuloth - 4/8/2018 - Official Forums
• New heroes and maps are available in the next Competitive Season from the release of that content instead of a week from release (this has since been updated to two weeks after release) - Scott Mercer - 3/16/2018 - Official Forums
• Season 8 Changes: Removal of Performance-Based Skill Rating in Diamond and Higher, Limited Skill Rating Variances in Matchmaking - Scott Mercer - 12/8/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reveals they have long term plans to improve the Competitive Experience - Jeff Kaplan - 10/27/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Details on the Revised 33% Minimum Assault Tie-Breaker Rules- Scott Mercer - 4/19/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Support Skill Rating Misconceptions, Details on Skill Rating Adjustments- Scott Mercer - 4/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Reducing Win Streak Multipliers in SR Adjustments - Scott Mercer - 4/12/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Competitive Play Season 6 Changes - Jeff Kaplan - 8/22/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Season 4 Changes - Tightening on matchmaking group variances - Scott Mercer - 3/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Season 3 Changes: No more rank resets, SR rollback (retired) - Scott Mercer - 10/25/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Season 2 Changes: Group SR Restrictions - Jeff Kaplan - 8/22/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Season 2 Changes: Escort/Assault/Hybrid Time Bank Changes - Lylirra - 8/17/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Competitive Play Season 2 Changes - Jeff Kaplan - 8/15/2016 - Developer Update Video
• Jeff Kaplan announces and explains the removal of Sudden Death in Competitive - 6/23/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Introducing Competitive Play (Season 1) - Jeff Kaplan - 6/17/2016 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Jeff Kaplan introduces Beta Competitive Play - Jeff Kaplan - 4/5/2016 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Popular Community Topics #2 (Preliminary Competitive Philosophy) - Jeff Kaplan - 2/29/2016 - Developer Update Video

SKILL RATING AND HIDDEN MMR

• Scott Mercer explains why there won’t be any MMR reset and gives tips to improving your own skill rating - Scott Mercer - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains the game gains confidence more in your actual skill when you play from a new account - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Principal Designer Josh Noh explains there will not be a direct MMR reset when the Role Queue changes are made on the Competitive game mode - Josh Noh - 7/18/2019
• Geoff Goodman says that a Rank Reset is extremely unlikely to happen - Geoff Goodman - 11/5/2018 - Twitch
• Jeff Kaplan confirms that there is a separate MMR to others modes from Competitive, but looking to minimize imbalanced matches in other modes - Jeff Kaplan - 1/4/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reveals his Competitive Skill Rating and wishes players did not get so frustrated in some matches of Competitive - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains that SR correlates to MMR but it is MMR that dictates the matchmaking in Competitive - Jeff Kaplan - 8/23/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that SR decay does not affect the matckmaking of a player - Jeff Kaplan - 8/23/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan like the idea of SR adjustments in Competitive showing detailed feedback - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Number of games for the (now retired) SR bonus gains after Placement Matches - Scott Mercer - 3/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Why your placement matches take into account of past seasons of Competitive - Scott Mercer - 3/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• How the win-streak multiplier and matchmaker works to minimize MMR mis-alignment (smurfs) - Scott Mercer - 10/20/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Detailed explanation about how the Competitive Matchmaking and SR adjustments work - Scott Mercer - 10/19/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Why some matches may result in less SR gained from a win - Lylirra - 7/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains on how MMR adjustments calculate mis-matches and why they used to account for a leaver before it was removed - Jeff Kaplan - 7/6/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Competitive’s skill rating is not overly inflationary - Jeff Kaplan - 7/5/2016 - Old Official Forums

COMPETITIVE RULESET

• Scott Mercer explains why Hybrid and Assault maps have the “minimum draw” rule during extra rounds where one team ended with no time left and the other with more than minute - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains that any new play modes for the Competitive Ruleset are not likely to happen (This is now outdated since the announcement of the Push gamemode as part of the Overwatch 2 launch)- Geoff Goodman - November 5th, 2018 - Twitch
• Why Time Bank was introduced in Season 2 - Jeff Kaplan - 7/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why hero limits were added to Competitive - Jeff Kaplan - 7/12/2016 - Old Official Forums

HERO POOLS

• Hero pools have been removed from Competitive Play entirely - Molly Fender - 6/8/2020 - Official Forums
• Scott Mercer explains that Hero Pools only affect Masters and Grandmasters in matches where the average SR is 3500 or higher. - Scott Mercer - 5/1/2020 - Official Forums
• Changes to Hero Pools, Masters & Grandmasters Only, sourced only from Overwatch League - Scott Mercer - 5/1/2020 - Official Forums
• Mixing Up The Meta: Scott Mercer on Hero Pools - Scott Mercer - 3/5/2020 - News Post
• Hero pools may change to where they only affect upper ranks of Competitive Play. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Hero pools will not vary at each skill tier but might in the future. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff notes the approach to the heroes decided will be refined over time. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Hero pools will never be limited down to 1 selectable hero per role - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Hero pools will be decided by the development team and there will be some guideline to deciding what heroes are rotated out of the metagame each week. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains they are still introducing hero pools even if they are going to be more aggressively tackling hero balance and the perceived metagame for Overwatch as an effort to introduce player creativity. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• A season-long (2-month) hero rotation is unlikely for hero pools. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the reasoning for introducing Hero Pools and confirms it may not return for season 22 if it does not work out well for season 21 of Competitive Play. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Hero pools starting out may have a variable range of heroes restricted from Competitive Play in the first five weeks. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Hero pools may rotate faster than a week if needed. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums

HOW LEAVERS AFFECT COMPETITIVE MATCHES

• Scott Mercer explains why backfilling or pausing are not a good ideas for Competitive modes - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains that Competitive matches are cancelled early when a player AFKs or disconnects early - Jeff Kaplan - 1/23/2020 - Reddit
• Leaving a Competitive Match in the post-game sequence does not allow a player to be queued for a match until the previous match post-game is completely resolved - Jeff Kaplan - 3/29/2018 - Official Forums
• There is no penalty for leaving a Competitive match in the post-game sequence - Jeff Kaplan - 3/29/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan says they are investigating on options to handle mass outages to avoid issuing Competitive Leaver Penalties (note, since this post the development team will now disable Competitive Play during known server end issues) - Jeff Kaplan - 10/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Introduciton of Permanent Competitive Bans to Overwatch - Josh Engen - 9/19/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why they can’t tell the difference if a player left by accident or intent in a Competitive Match - Jeff Kaplan - 8/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan share the philosophy of removing players who leave Competitive games completely rather than labeling them or placing them into a separate queue - Jeff Kaplan - 6/8/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Scott Mercer on handling leavers, boosters, and tankers - Scott Mercer - 3/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan evaluates the idea of a ready check system before a group queue for Competitive - Jeff Kaplan - 1/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why increasing SR penalties will never be used as a leaver deterrent in Competitive - Jeff Kaplan - 12/6/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there are no handicaps/catch-up mechanics when there is a leaver - Jeff Kaplan - 9/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why matches do not cancel after a minute and explain the balancing of the leaver penalty between disconnecting players and serial leavers - Jeff Kaplan - 9/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan assures that if the majority of your games are played to completion you should not get banned from Competitive - Jeff Kaplan - 9/14/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why disconnections are penalized for leaving Competitive Play - Jeff Kaplan - 9/14/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Removing handicaps for SR adjustments when there is a leaver - Lylirra - 7/7/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Competitive Leaver Rules and how they affect the remaining players - Scott Mercer - 6/29/2016 - Old Official Forums

HERO AND MAP RELEASES IN COMPETITIVE

• Josh Nash confirms that starting with Sigma, new heroes will have no layover time before they are allowed to be played in Competitive Play) - Josh Nash - 4/14/2020 - Official Forums
• Why Brigitte was withheld from Season 9 of Competitive Play (rule no longer applies to new hero releases) - Jeff Kaplan - 3/20/2018 - Official Forums

COMPETITIVE ARCADE MODES

• Jeff Kaplan shares a detailed graph on how Competitive Open Queue 2020 is played compared to Competitive with Role Queue) - Jeff Kaplan - 4/16/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan assures that more mini-Competitive Seasons for arcade game modes are coming) - Jeff Kaplan - 3/2/2018 - Official Forums

OTHER COMPETITIVE RESPONSES

• Jodie explains what she doesn’t like about hero pick and ban systems - Jodie - 1/16/2021 - Official Forums
• Josh Nash explains how cross-play affects Top 500 Leaderboards - Josh Nash - 7/6/2021 - Official Forums
• Scott Mercer explains why they decided to not restrict Competitive to 6-person group stacks - Scott Mercer - 7/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares select hero offensive win rates from 1/5/2018 to 3/5/2018 - Jeff Kaplan - 3/5/2018 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why you should not read into your stats too much - Jeff Kaplan - 9/19/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details which regions get top 500 - Jeff Kaplan - 7/21/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints at the possibility to spectate Competitive matches - Jeff Kaplan - 7/5/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that Competitive is not a progression based system - Jeff Kaplan - 7/5/2016 - Old Official Forums

PLAYER DISTRIBUTION

• Jeff Kaplan reveals player distribution in Competitive Play during season 8 - Jeff Kaplan - 2/20/2018 - Official Forums

ONE-TRICKING

• Jeff Kaplan responds to pro player Effect about his frustrations with Competitive and One-Tricking - Jeff Kaplan - 1/29/2018 - Reddit

COMPETITIVE POINTS, GOLDEN WEAPONS, AND REWARDS

• Scott Mercer shares they have no plans to make golden weapons available outside of Competitive Play - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan states that Competitive may not get many more rewards to ensure it remains as an attractive mode to competitive players - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan states that Competitive may not get many more rewards to ensure it remains as an attractive mode to competitive players - Jeff Kaplan - 12/8/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints at the possibility for animated sprays outside of Competitive Top 500 rewards - Jeff Kaplan - 11/21/2016 - Old Official Forums

 

Matchmaking | Servers | Role Queue

MATCHMAKING

• Why the Global Play Matchmaking changes affects those who want to play out-of-region servers - Josh Nash - 6/22/2021 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke explains why it is unlikely players would be able to specify their preference in queue times and match quality - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains no player behaviors including voice chat is used for matchmaking - Jeff Kaplan - 9/21/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains why there is no dedicated datacenter location option for matchmaking modes - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there is no dedicated solo queue for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains that timed played is not a contributing factor to matchmaking - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan addresses they want to improve backfilling so that you do not go into a match about to end in defeat - Jeff Kaplan - 3/16/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms that backfilling will not go away in casual modes - Jeff Kaplan - 3/16/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan notes that they don’t want to put more filters, such as defining each tank role, that could increase queue times - Jeff Kaplan - 3/16/2020 - Official Forums
• Why matches can feel rigged or unfair at times when they are really not - Scott Mercer - 3/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Matchmaking is designed to be more accurate the more you play - Scott Mercer - 10/25/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Why sometimes the matchmaker pairs groups against solo players - Scott Mercer - 10/20/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Detailed explanation about how the Competitive Matchmaking and SR adjustments work - Scott Mercer - 10/19/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why high rated Competitive players can appear in your quick play games - Jeff Kaplan - 5/26/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why queue times can be long for some players - Jeff Kaplan - 5/22/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why a player on an alternate account has extremely slow queue times at the start of the account - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that high ranked players may not be able to find a match at low-peak times - Jeff Kaplan - 9/29/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the pros and cons of how restricted the group SR spread can be - Jeff Kaplan - 7/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives a detailed explanation to how Matchmaking works and why the old Avoid this Player feature was removed - Jeff Kaplan - 6/20/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Backfilling works the way it does and confirming there will be no backfilling in Competitive Play - Jeff Kaplan - 6/17/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan again dismisses the theory the game forces a 50% win rate - 6/13/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that experience level is not a factor in the game’s matchmaking - 6/13/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan dismisses the theory the game forces a 50% win rate - 5/24/2016 - Old Official Forums

SERVERS

• Bill Warnecke confirms the Bahrain servers is available for the PS4 console platform - Bill Warnecke - 4/14/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke confirms the introduction of the Bahrain (Middle East) datacenter and why some locations like Germany appear temporarily - Bill Warnecke - 4/14/2020 - Reddit
• Matt Whited confirms the introduction of the Bahrain (Middle East) datacenter - Matt Whited - 4/14/2020 - Official Forums

ROLE QUEUE

• Priority Passes earned from losing a match are reduced from two down to one and passes refunded for waiting too long - Josh Nash - 1/15/2021 - Official Forums
• Priority Passes are seperated from Competitive and Quick Play modes - Josh Nash - 12/2/2020 - Official Forums
• Why Priority Passes cannot be used in groups of 5 or more - Josh Nash - 11/20/2020 - Official Forums
• Introducting Priority Passes - Josh Nash - 11/19/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms that they are looking to address the issues of long role queue wait times after backfilling - Jeff Kaplan - 3/16/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan teases that the 1-3-2 role lock might be tested on the Experimentation playcard sometime when it comes out - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares an extended experiment of the development team running playtests using a 1 tank, 3 damage, 2 support role lock and shares the benefits and disadvantages that system had. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/14/2020 - Official Forums
• Scott Mercer gives updates to the progress of the Role Queue Beta - Scott Mercer - 8/27/2019
• Scott Mercer clarifies that MMR from Role Queue Beta applies to next season’s Placements/Matchmaking - 8/27/2019
• Role Queue in Overwatch, Role Queue Beta Season, Season 17 Ending Early - News Blog - 7/18/2019
• Role Queue, Role Queue Beta Season, Season 17 Ending Early - Jeff Kaplan - 7/18/2016 - Developer Update Video

 

Quick Play | Arcade Game Modes | Training Modes

• Jeff Kaplan assures heroes selected in Mystery Heroes is purely random - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan confirms that additional Arcade mode slots are going to be added in October 2017 - Jeff Kaplan - 8/4/2019 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan states to look into the possibility of having Quick Play Classic be able to earn achievements - Jeff Kaplan - 8/4/2019 - Official Forums
• Why Total Mayhem sparingly appears in the weekly arcade rotation - Jeff Kaplan - 5/1/2019 - Official Forums
• Why Mystery Heroes is chaotic in nature - Jeff Kaplan - 3/2/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the challenges of setting certain rules and limits in some arcade modes like No Limits - Jeff Kaplan - 10/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why no hero limits were removed from Competitive and Quick Play ruleset - Jeff Kaplan - 10/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan states that it is not likely to have more than 5 modes in the Arcade mode rotation (Outdated as modes have been expanded to 7) - Jeff Kaplan - 10/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares his feelings about how Mystery Heroes works - Jeff Kaplan - 6/8/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Health Packs are not available in the arena maps by default rule set - Jeff Kaplan - 4/21/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why the “Most Played” and activity meters on the arcade modes was removed - Jeff Kaplan - 2/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Lucio and Mercy are not selectable in Mystery Duel - Jeff Kaplan - 2/1/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Capture the Flag - Jeff Kaplan - 1/24/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Jeff Kaplan hints at the possibility of Achievements for select arcade modes - Jeff Kaplan - 1/13/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why wins are required to earn weekly arcade rewards - Jeff Kaplan - 12/2/2016 - Old Official Forums

TRAINING MODES

• Jeff Kaplan wishes they could add AI for Pharah but it would be one of the most challenging to do it for - Jeff Kaplan - 6/15/2017 - Old Official Forums

 

Custom Games | Workshop

• Jodie confirms that Horizon Lunar Colony and Paris will remain available in custom games - Jodie - 3/15/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB comments on the new custom game browser - AndyB - 9/21/2021 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke confirms adding more than one Solider: 76 bot will add the number increment to the 76 instead of append to the name - Bill Warnecke - 4/14/2020 - Reddit
• Workshop Update Grants Unprecedented Power For Creators - Dan Reed & Zach Metcalf - 4/9/2020 - News Post
• Jeff Kaplan evaluates the possibility of a password feature for custom games - Jeff Kaplan - 2/16/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan notes that the game engine can “time scale” - 3/25/2017 - Old Official Forums

Seasonal Events | Special Promotions

DEVELOPER RESPONSES

• Andy again confirms the Remixed skins are not the only Legendary skins coming out this year - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy explains why the Anniversary Remix skins are significant content additions as we wait for Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy confirms Remixed skins will appear in Anniversary Loot Boxes - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy confirms six Remixed skins are appearing in each Remix event - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy clarifies his comment from earlier this year about there being more Legendary skins does only include the Anniversary Remix skins - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• There are no current plans for the Pink Mercy skin to return for distribution - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• Announcement about the Anniversary Remix Events in 2022 - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why there was only two Legendary skins for the 2022 Year of the Tiger Lunar New Year event - AndyB - 1/25/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB notes that the Cassidy’s New Blood Challenge mini-event was not intended to showcase Cassidy’s new name but was actually delayed to change the content for it - AndyB - 11/1/2021 - Official Forums
• Changes to how weekly rewards are earned from seasonal events and mini-events - Josh Nash - 4/6/2021 - Official Forums
• Pachimarchi Mini-Event did not provide Twitch Drops - Josh Nash - 8/5/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the reasoning for the specific spelling in Brigitte’s Feskarn skin - Jeff Kaplan - 8/5/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the process in choosing heroes and skins for limited-time promotions - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan details plans for the Winter Wonderland 2018 seasonal event - Jeff Kaplan - 11/2/2018 - Twitch
• Why Capture the Flag is not a primary map type/game mode - Jeff Kaplan - 8/15/2018 - Official Forums
• Why LucioBall is 3v3 - Jeff Kaplan - 8/15/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers shares details on the D.Va Nano-Cola Twitch Streaming Promotion - Tom Powers - 5/8/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers shares details on the Pink Mercy Twitch Streaming Promotion - Tom Powers - 5/8/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that the appearance of event items are on a different drop rate from that regular items - Jeff Kaplan - 10/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Why the R.I.P. Victory Poses are only available to purchase by credits during the Halloween Event - Josh Engen - 10/10/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why the not all heroes are available to select in the Junkenstein’s Endless mode - Jeff Kaplan - 10/10/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan elaborates on the internal controversy of Zayra’s Totally 80’s skin - Jeff Kaplan - 10/10/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why seasonal Brawls are not always available in Custom Game - 4/20/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu details that more lore-based interactions are unlocked the more you play the Uprising Brawl - Michael Chu - 4/12/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan states there is no plans for an Easter-themed event - Jeff Kaplan - 3/29/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Seasonal events are likely to run annually - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan confirms that drop rates for each seasonal event remain the same - Jeff Kaplan - 2/14/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan states there is no plans for a Valentines or Easter-themed event - Jeff Kaplan - 12/21/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the business philosophy of seasonal events - Jeff Kaplan - 8/3/2016 - Old Official Forums

DEVELOPER UPDATE VIDEOS

• Tracer’s Comic Challenge - Jeff Kaplan - 9/20/2019 - Developer Update Video
• Storm Rising | Archives 2019 - Jeff Kaplan - 4/16/2019 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch Anniversary Event 2018 - Jeff Kaplan - 5/15/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Pink Mercy Charity Event - Jeff Kaplan - 5/8/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch Archives 2018 - Jeff Kaplan & Tim Ford - 4/2/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch Lunar New Year 2018 - Jeff Kaplan - 2/6/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch Winter Wonderland 2017 - Jeff Kaplan - 12/7/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch Summer Games 2017 - Jeff Kaplan - 8/1/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch Anniversary Event 2017 - Jeff Kaplan - 5/23/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch Uprising (Archives 2017) - Jeff Kaplan - 4/11/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Introducing Seasonal Events - Jeff Kaplan - 8/2/2016 - Developer Update Video

 

Social Features | LFG | Endorsements

• Scott Mercer shares that improvements to the Endorsement system is coming soon and that the current system decays endorsement ratings over games played and not by time passed - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explained how the old “Prefer This Player” tool worked before it was removed - Jeff Kaplan - 4/23/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan recommends using the Looking For Group tool if players want to control the range of skill rating their team has - Jeff Kaplan - 4/17/2020 - Official Forums
• Josh Nash confirms replays will not have text or voice chat logs - Josh Nash - 2/26/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares details about Career Profile privacy and considering a filter for LFG to require public profiles - Jeff Kaplan - 8/31/2018 - Reddit
• Avoid As Teammate feature expanded to three slots - Scott Mercer - 8/31/2018 - Official Forums
• Stats revealed showing reduced toxicity since LFG and Endorsements were introduced - Jeff Kaplan - 7/12/2018 - Official Forums
• Stats revealed showing the positive use of the Looking-for-Group system - Jeff Kaplan - 7/3/2018 - Official Forums
• LFG won’t show filled groups or groups outside of your skill range in the listings - Jeff Kaplan - 6/26/2018 - Official Forums
• You can only endorse up to 3 players per match and any player once for up to 12 hours - Jeff Kaplan - 6/26/2018 - Official Forums
• Updated Player Experience Tools - Changes to Report Categories, Introduction to the “Avoid As Teammate” feature - Scott Mercer - 3/24/2018 - Official Forums
• Introducing Avoid as Teammate - Jeff Kaplan - 3/24/2018 - Developer Update Video

 

General Game Features

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Poll: What’s your favorite game mode - Jeff Kaplan - 3/21/2018 - Official Forums
• Replacing Ping and RTT with Latency - Philip Orwig - 8/8/2018 - Official Forums
• High-Bandwidth Rollout - Lylirra - 8/12/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Lootboxes generate content when received, not when opened - Lylirra - 7/12/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details the Overtime changes in Summer 2016 - Jeff Kaplan 7/21/2016 - Old Official Forums

POSSIBLE UPCOMING REQUESTED GAME FEATURES (that are not yet in the game)

Guild/Clan System

• Jeff Kaplan hints that a Guild/Clan system is still on their wish list but no active development plans - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan says they would be very excited to work on a Clan/Guild system - Jeff Kaplan - 2/16/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shows interest in a clan/guild system - 5/27/2016 - Old Official Forums

Map Editor

• Why creating assets and custom maps is a huge undertaking - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• John LaFleur expresses the difficities in making a map editor for Overwatch - John LaFleur - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains the difficulty in offering a Map Editor - Jeff Kaplan - 3/20/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that Overwatch is a brand new game engine and that a map editor and other editing features are difficult to be made available to users - Jeff Kaplan - 9/21/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares the possibility of user-created content (map editor, etc) - Jeff Kaplan - 6/24/2016 - Old Official Forums

Match History

• Scott Mercer hints that they are looking to provide more features of showing details to past matches played - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan touches up on why there is no match history - Jeff Kaplan - 10/4/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shows interest in a match history feature - 6/7/2016 - Old Official Forums

Crossplay (players on different platforms playing together)

• Jeff Kaplan hints they still want to explore crossplay for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why cross-platform play is not yet explored for Overwatch - 5/25/2016 - Old Official Forums

Cross-persistence/progression (accessing content and play history across all platforms)

• John LaFleur explains the challenges of adding cross-progression to Overwatch - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Cross-progression for Overwatch is something they are still considering - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan hints at the possiblity at cross-progression/persistance across platforms - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan hints at possiblity of cross-persistent features - Jeff Kaplan - 9/13/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why transferring accounts from platform to platform is not possible - Jeff Kaplan - 10/31/2017 - Old Official Forums

Ping System (Positional Tracker)

• Aaron Keller again hints at the possiblity of a ping system for Overwatch - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan hints that they still experiment with a “ping” system for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 4/23/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details about a “ping system” they tried to implement in Overwatch but did not work well. - Jeff Kaplan - 2/15/2019 - Official Forums

Scoreboards/Medal System Improvements

• Scott Mercer explains the purpose of the Medal system and how it could be improved - Scott Mercer - 7/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints at possiblities for improving the game status (Tab) screen/scoreboard - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

Other Requested Features

• Arnold Tsang confirms that a victory pose showing Symmetra’s golden weapon is in the works - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke hints at cool new features coming for the Workshop - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan reacts at the idea of alternate user interface or weapon effect cosmetics - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan responds to a series of “Quality of life” suggestions on Reddit - Jeff Kaplan - 4/24/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan follows up saying providing direct patch notes in the game client is more difficult to implement than what it seems - Jeff Kaplan - 2/25/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan likes the idea of more custom selections for equipped cosmetics - Jeff Kaplan - 9/24/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan says they will look more into doing more Blizzard crossover skins if they community is interested - Jeff Kaplan - 1/10/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan acknowledges feedback about increased motion sickness from the Kill Cams - Jeff Kaplan - 9/28/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives hints to improve the stats in the Career Profile- Jeff Kaplan - 8/10/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints at the possibility of a tournament mode - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan likes the idea of a health regeneration feature for heroes in Custom Games - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Michael Chu details they wish to add Lore and Media (Comics/Animated Shorts) directly in-game - Michael Chu - 6/28/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Scott Mercer explains why Overwatch is not free-to-play - Scott Mercer - 11/7/2015 - Internet

REQUESTED GAME FEATURES THAT ARE NOT LIKELY TO COME

• Bill Warnecke explains why 120 tick-rate servers are not likely to be available for the live game - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan speculates that getting third-party content into Overwatch is not likely to happen soon - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan gives a very detailed post about a Hero Pick and Ban System and why Overwatch is not likely to use one any time soon. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/22/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that it would be extremely difficult to change Overwatch’s game structure to support more than 12 players. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/14/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains how an experimented 4 Damage / 1 Tank / 1 Healer restricted game mode did not play out well in testing. (A 2/2/2 Role Queue is now implemented) - Jeff Kaplan - 2/14/2018 - Official Forums
• Widowmaker Noire skin not returning to earn - Jeff Kaplan - 8/8/2017 - Old Official Forums
• No Bloom Adjustment Settings Planned for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 3/17/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan again explains why there is no minimap - Jeff Kaplan - 2/17/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why they rather avoid implementing a Hero Ban system) - Jeff Kaplan - 11/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there is no minimap - Jeff Kaplan - 9/19/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there is no per hero leveling progression - Jeff Kaplan - 8/3/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there is no 21:9 friendly FOV options - Jeff Kaplan 7/21/2016 - Old Official Forums
• David Clyde shares the possibility of selecting each hero’s voice language - Jeff Kaplan - 6/23/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Daily Quests are not a planned feature for Overwatch - 6/17/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there is no third-person view option for Overwatch - 6/13/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan further explains why groups are not forced into team chat - 6/10/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why groups are not forced into team chat - 5/25/2016 - Old Official Forums

REQUESTED GAME FEATURES THAT HAVE LATER BEEN IMPLEMENTED INTO THE GAME

• Jeff Kaplan hints there is an upcoming update to improve communication wheel features) - Jeff Kaplan - 4/14/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms the ability to transfer a custom game lobby will be coming in patch 1.33 - Jeff Kaplan - 1/9/2019 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan hints at the possibility of some type of a “gun game” mode - Jeff Kaplan (This is now known as the “Hero Gauntlet” Mode - 5/9/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints at the development of subtitle support for Overwatch (Subtitles now implemented) - 4/24/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints at the possibility of a replay feature in Overwatch (Now Implemented) - Jeff Kaplan - 12/8/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reacts to the idea of a replay system (Now Implemented) - Jeff Kaplan - 8/6/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan first talks about the possibility of a Replay System (Now Implemented) - Jeff Kaplan - 7/21/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the backbone structure that could eventually be built into a Replay system (Now Implemented) - Jeff Kaplan - 6/17/2016 - Old Official Forums

OTHER GAME FEATURE RESPONSES

• Scott Mercer explains the difficulty in changing Achievements for Overwatch - Scott Mercer - 7/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reminds why the Rate this Match feature was removed - Jeff Kaplan - 2/25/2020 - Official Forums
• As of January 2020, there are no plans for new portrait borders beyond the Diamond 5-star - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke confirms there is no limit to how many Loot Boxes you can collect - Bill Warnecke - 11/7/2019 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shares that updating can happen any day, but prefer Tuesdays to react to any bugs - Bill Warnecke - 11/4/2019 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains why the game has “Remaster” patches - Bill Warnecke - 4/16/2019 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains the original expectations they had with “situational heroes” and how that has since evolved with the community. - Jeff Kaplan - 2/14/2019 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan further explains why there is no fall damage in Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 2/2/2019 - Official Forums
• Lead Engineer Bill Warnecke explains why a Linux version of Overwatch is unlikely - Bill Warnecke - 10/31/2018 - Official Forums
• Poland Flag Player Icon Removed due to legal reasons - Jeff Kaplan - 8/15/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reminds that not every country has a Player Icon due to legal reasons - Jeff Kaplan - 8/15/2018 - Official Forums
• Why Anniversary Legendary Loot Box duplicate issue occurs - Jeff Kaplan - 6/6/2018 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke notes that Overwatch is not a peer-to-peer online game - Bill Warnecke - 3/11/2018 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan states the drop rate for Loot Box items has not been reduced - Jeff Kaplan - 8/28/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Details on the Defensive Respawn Timing Rules - Scott Mercer - 7/27/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Details on how stat cards are generated - Scott Mercer - 7/20/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares that it is difficult to change achievements based on console restrictions - Jeff Kaplan - 7/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why the Rate this Match feature in the post-game was removed - Jeff Kaplan - 6/1/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the logic of classifying Epic and Legendary skins - Jeff Kaplan - 12/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why the main game mode is not 8v8 or 4v4 - Jeff Kaplan - 12/13/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why you are vulnerable and trapped while using emotes - Jeff Kaplan - 12/8/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why the scaling levels from 1 to 20 went away for prestige players - Jeff Kaplan - 11/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains how the old “Prefer this Player” feature worked before it was removed - Jeff Kaplan - 11/3/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there is no medal for the Deaths statistic on the scoreboard - Jeff Kaplan - 10/20/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the purpose of match (orange) text chat - Jeff Kaplan - 9/27/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the function of the “Block” tool - Jeff Kaplan - 8/2/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan dismisses the possibility of heroes being retired - Jeff Kaplan - 8/25/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan states that new heroes and maps added are free to Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 7/10/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why certain abilities do count to triggering overtime - Jeff Kaplan - 7/8/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Bots are not backfilled into Quick Play matches - Lylirra - 6/23/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there is no fall damage in Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 6/20/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that Loot Boxes always generate their contents when received, not opened - Jeff Kaplan - 6/17/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu explains why in an Interview why there is no direct scoreboard - Michael Chu - 5/26/2016 - Internet Article

DEVELOPER VIDEO UPDATES/PRESS RELEASES

• Advanced Communication Wheel - Jeff Kaplan - 4/23/2020 - Developer Update Video
• Introduction of the Experimentation Card and Hero Pools. Updates on anti-cheat intiatives, updates to Replay System, & minor Career Profile updates - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Developer Update Video
• July 2019 Update (Summer Games 2019 preview, Hero 31 coming soon, cheat system feature) - Jeff Kaplan - 7/11/2019 - Developer Update Video
• June 2019 Update (Baptiste short story, Baptiste Reunion Challenge, Replay System, Competitive FFA Season 2, Assault Map Changes) - Jeff Kaplan - 6/17/2019 - Developer Update Video
• The Workshop - Jeff Kaplan - 4/24/2019 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch - What’s Next Panel 2018 - REQUIRES BLIZZCON VIRTUAL TICKET - Michael Chu, Jason Hill, Arnold Tsang, Geoff Goodman - 11/2/2018 - BlizzCon
• Blizzcon 2018 Opening Ceremonies - Blizzard Entertainment - 11/2/2018 - Twitch
• October 2018 Update (Overwatch World Cup Viewer & Various Buffs) - Jeff Kaplan - 10/23/2018 - Developer Update Video
• September 2018 Update (Torb Rework, Various Hero Balancing, Development Focus now on improving the quality of the game, Postponed Social Feature) - Jeff Kaplan - 8/21/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch Korea Fan Festival 2018 - Blizzard Entertainment - 8/22/2017 - Twitch
• Popular Community Topics #4 (Reporting/Toxicity, Various Hero Balancing) - Jeff Kaplan - 1/25/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Happy New Year - Jeff Kaplan - 1/2/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Overwatch - What’s Next Panel 2017 - REQUIRES BLIZZCON VIRTUAL TICKET - Aaron Keller, Michael Chu, David Kang, Geoff Goodman - 11/6/2017 - BlizzCon
• Blizzcon 2017 Opening Ceremonies - Blizzard Entertainment - 11/6/2017 - BlizzCon
• Evolving Overwatch Esports - Jeff Kaplan - 10/26/2017 - Developer Update Video
• New Highlights Feature - Jeff Kaplan - 6/22/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Introducing Endorsements and Looking-For-Group - Jeff Kaplan - 6/5/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Introducing the Game Browser - Jeff Kaplan - 2/7/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Year in Review - Jeff Kaplan - 12/21/2016 - Developer Update Video
• Blizzcon 2016 Update (Patch 1.05, Sombra, Arcade, Oasis) - Jeff Kaplan - 11/08/2016 - Developer Update Video
• Popular Community Topics #3 (Various Hero Balance Changes, Hints at new modes, heroes, and maps) - Jeff Kaplan - 10/5/2016 - Developer Update Video
• High Bandwidth Update -Tim Ford & Philip Orwig - 9/9/2016 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Let’s Talk Netcode -Tim Ford & Philip Orwig - 4/16/2016 - Developer Update Video

 

Public Test Region

• The Experimentation Play card is not a substitute for the Public Test Region and that major patch changes will still be tested on the PTR - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains further details about why the PTR is not available on console. - Jeff Kaplan - 11/1/2018 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke explains that they occasionally do a snapshot copy of the live servers to the PTR -Bill Warnecke - 9/22/2018 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains why the PTR often runs up to 3 weeks for testing -Bill Warnecke - 9/22/2018 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan says that balances changes to be tested can’t be applied into a live patch of the game in the arcade - Jeff Kaplan - 10/11/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why experience/XP levels don’t transfer over from the PTR - Jeff Kaplan - 7/7/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there are no PTR incentives - Jeff Kaplan - 7/1/2017 - Old Official Forums
• PTR Philosophy - Jeff Kaplan - 1/17/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Jeff Kaplan details why the PTR can be far from a smooth experience - Jeff Kaplan - 1/9/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why the PTR has low play percentage - Jeff Kaplan - 1/9/2017 - Old Official Forums

 

Console Specific Game Features

• John LaFleur explains why PS5 is not optimized to 120 FPS like the Xbox Series X/S is - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains why the “Are You With Us?” animated short plays every time the game loads on console - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains that the Nintendo Switch has the most deviation in terms of average play time between game modes because it is the newest platform- Jeff Kaplan - 4/16/2019 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan acknowledges the difficulty of Echo’s Flight and Glide abilities on controller - Jeff Kaplan - 4/14/2019 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shares that pre-loading patches on consoles are not possible because the patch is delivered through the console’s systems- Bill Warnecke - 4/16/2019 - Reddit
• Tom Powers details the Console Aim-Assist changes in patch 1.28 - Tom Powers - 9/11/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why the Overwatch Game Client does not link directly to the console Twitch App - Jeff Kaplan - 1/19/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reminds the community that they discourage the use of Mouse and Keyboard adapters for console, but currently cannot do anything about it - Jeff Kaplan - 1/19/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the challenges in stopping Mouse and Keyboard usage - Jeff Kaplan on consoles - 2/2/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan states their philosophy about Mouse and Keyboard usage on consoles - Jeff Kaplan - 2/2/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan looks at the possibility for console split screen play - Jeff Kaplan - 11/18/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan notes that PS4’s Trophy system policy prevents them from adding seasonal achievements - Jeff Kaplan - 10/13/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why it would be hard to introduce a split screen feature for consoles - 5/25/2016 - Old Official Forums

 

Reporting | Account Actions | Community Behavior

REPORTING

• Josh Nash recommends using just the in-game report form for reporting players, and only use Replay Share Codes for reporting inappropriate custom game content - Josh Nash - 2/26/2020 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers replies to a user about how to deal with unacceptable harassment in the game - Tom Powers - 8/2/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers replies to a user about the negative behavior he encountered - Tom Powers - 7/2/2018 - Official Forums
• Player Behavior in Overwatch - Development of reporting and account action features - Scott Mercer - 5/2/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers replies to a user about the racist behavior he encountered - Tom Powers - 3/19/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains plans to handle toxicity and report system improvements to Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 8/29/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Reporting Racism - Lylirra - 8/10/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Reporting Cheating - Lylirra - 8/10/2016 - Old Official Forums

ACCOUNT ACTIONS

• AndyB assures changes to reduce disruptive behavior will be implimented soon - AndyB - 3/1/2022 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains players will receive a warning if they are getting reported frequently - Jeff Kaplan - 5/3/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms that any video evidence posted on social media can be used to action your Blizzard account - Jeff Kaplan - 2/8/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why breaches of Code-of-Conduct are treated equally regardless of the mode played and how they are investigated - Jeff Kaplan - 10/31/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Play Nice, Play Fair (Discussion of reporting and actions against bad behavior in Overwatch) - Jeff Kaplan - 9/13/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Announcement of increased penalties for Code-of-Conduct violations - Lylirra - 7/25/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Announcement of account access changes for Korean PC Bangs - Lylirra - 2/14/2017 - Old Official Forums

FALSE REPORTING

• AndyB reminds a player on the forums that abusing the reporting system will result in action against the reporter - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• Players should not report players they suspect of smurfing - Jeff Kaplan - 9/13/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains how cheating reports are handled and players should not worry about being reported for cheating - Jeff Kaplan - 5/18/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan checks a user claiming they are being falsely reported - Jeff Kaplan - 2/9/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms false reporting one-tricking a hero is a bannable offense to the reporter - Jeff Kaplan - 2/8/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan checks a user claiming they are being actioned for one-tricking - Jeff Kaplan - 1/16/2018 - Old Official Forums

THIRD-PARTY APPS, AIMBOTS, HACKS

• AndyB dismisses wild speculation to the exact number of accounts banned in the August 2021 banwave - AndyB - 8/24/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains what was specific to identifying accounts in the August 2021 banwave - AndyB - 8/24/2021 - Official Forums
• Another ban wave announced for those cheating in Overwatch - AndyB - 8/24/2021 - Official Forums
• More Actions against cheating in Overwatch - Josh Nash - 5/24/2021 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan calls out a player who actually was cheating that was banned in the April 2020 ban wave - Jeff Kaplan - 4/17/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers confirms both Pursuit and Visor are not permitted in Overwatch - Tom Powers - 9/19/2018 - Official Forums
• Official Announcement regarding unauthorized third-party software with Overwatch - Tom Powers - 9/19/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers reminds players that using bots, hacks, or exploits will result in being permanently banned from the game - Tom Powers - 2/27/2018 - Official Forums
• Actions against cheating in Overwatch - Lylirra - 8/16/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Blizzard’s policy on cheating in Overwatch - Lylirra - 5/13/2016 - Old Official Forums

EXPLOITS

• Jeff Kaplan warns players that abusing in-game bugs to cheat in Overwatch will result in severe account actions - Jeff Kaplan - 1/5/2017 - Old Official Forums

SMURF/ALTERNATE ACCOUNTS/BOOSTING/THROWING

• Scott Mercer explains the differences between abusive alternate accounts and those played for good reasons - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Josh Nash announces a manual ban wave took place against those throwing games of Overwatch - Josh Nash - 12/22/2020 - Official Forums
• Josh Nash warns the community on throwing games in Flex Queue to earn priority passes - Josh Nash - 12/18/2020 - Official Forums
• Scott Mercer details on the development team’s stance and approach to handling disruptive behavior with suspected “smurf” accounts - Scott Mercer - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• The development team is looking to find ways to control alternate accounts on console platforms but any solutions are still a long way out. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan again addresses that is not wrong to have an alternate account but to attempt to tank or boost your skill rating is - Jeff Kaplan - 9/13/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reminds the community the difference between owning an alternate account, throwing and boosting - Jeff Kaplan - 6/14/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives a detailed explanation of the difference between owning an alternate account, throwing and boosting - 4/21/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms intentionally de-ranking (even in a full group) is unacceptable and subject to action - Jeff Kaplan - 2/3/2017 - Old Official Forums

ABUSIVE CHAT

• Scott Mercer explains the understanding that players playing certain heroes or roles, like tanks, receive more abusive comments and what they are working to do about it - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Molly Fender announces a manual ban wave was issued for offenders of abusive chat - Molly Fender - 10/12/2020 - Official Forums
• Molly Fender announces details on improved Profanity Filters for Overwatch - Molly Fender - 9/23/2020 - Official Forums
• Scott Mercer details on steps being taken to reduce harassment and abusive in the game - Scott Mercer - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains the importance to report players for Abusive Chat and to use the profanity filter - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Tom Powers identifies a user being actioned for Abusive Chat explains the Game Content rating for Overwatch - Tom Powers - 8/8/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains Abusive Chat Account Actions are still confirmed by a Blizzard representative and not issued automatically - Jeff Kaplan - 5/3/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers identifies a user being actioned for Abusive Chat and not their hero pick - Tom Powers - 4/20/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms a user is excessively toxic and not just being reported for playing a specific hero - Jeff Kaplan - 12/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Spamming In-Game voice lines to be disruptive is considered Abusive Chat - Scott Mercer - 10/24/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Scott Mercer confirms if a player uses in-game communication including characters voice lines to determine if a player is being Abusive - Scott Mercer - 10/24/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reminds users that actions from Abusive Chat will result in silences, suspensions or bans - Jeff Kaplan - 10/3/2017 - Old Official Forums

GAMEPLAY SABOTAGE

• Jeff Kaplan gives an example of how a player can be playing badly - Jeff Kaplan - 3/21/2018 - Official Forums
• Former Community Manager Griffin Bennett announces IP banning a person sabotaging Top 500 Competitive matches under the cover of “one-tricking” Symmetra. - Griffin Bennett - February 6th, 2018 - Reddit
• Josh Engen identifies a user who was disrupting Competitive Play and falsely blaming on being punished for “one-tricking” - Josh Engen - 11/12/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Josh Engen explains the important differences between being able to play a preferred hero and playing cooperatively with your teammates - Josh Engen - 11/11/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan checks the account for a person claiming they don’t know why they were suspended - Jeff Kaplan - 8/28/2017 - Old Official Forums

AFK/LEAVING
Please note: posts surrounding how leaving affects Competitive matches can be found in the Competitive Play section above.

• Leaving a casual match is allowed during the Assemble Your Heroes screen before the Game Setup Phase - Jeff Kaplan - 5/1/2019 - Official Forums
• AFK timing and rules varies across modes - Scott Mercer - 10/11/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Rules that trigger the 75% experience cut penalty for leaving games - Lylirra - 8/7/2016 - Old Official Forums

GAME BROWSER/LFG/USER CONTENT VIOLATIONS

• Jeff Kaplan warns players abusing the game browser to farm experience points will result in disciplinary actions - Jeff Kaplan - 3/8/2017 - Old Official Forums

POSTING VIOLATIONS ON THE FORUMS

• Why posting videos of suspected cheating on the forums is not okay (part 2) - Lylirra - 8/9/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Why posting videos of suspected cheating on the forums is not okay - Lylirra - 8/9/2016 - Old Official Forums

SUPPORT FOR ACCOUNT ACTIONS/PENALTIES

• Appeal an Account Silence, Suspension, or Ban - Blizzard Support
• Competitive Suspensions or Bans cannot be Appealed - Blizzard Support
• Blizzard Code-of-Conduct - Blizzard Support
• Blizzard Battle.Net End User License Agreement - Blizzard Official Website

OTHER RESOURCES

• Play Nice, Play Fair - REQUIRES BLIZZCON VIRTUAL TICKET - Blizzard Entertainment - 11/3/2017 - BlizzCon

 

[Kaedi-11739]

Game Balance

Map Design, Types, & Balance

GENERAL MAP RESPONSES

• Jeff Kaplan explains the process in testing maps for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman details that while a “tunneling” ability for a hero would be cool, he feels there would be too many issues with the map terrain - Geoff Goodman - 3/7/2019 - Official Forums
• Possible new map concepts & Trees are resources expensive to design. -David Adams - 2/20/2018 - Official Forums
• Poll: What’s your favorite map - Jeff Kaplan - 2/20/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives insight to map win percentage rates - Jeff Kaplan - 7/13/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reveals some map percentage rates - Jeff Kaplan - 7/13/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there is no map selection/voting and diversity in the map pool is important - Jeff Kaplan - 7/13/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why there are no swimming/water immersion maps - Jeff Kaplan - 6/27/2017 - Old Official Forums

ASSAULT MAP TYPES

• Jeff Kaplan responds to critcism about controversies regarding Assault map types - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why the capture progress is settled at only three 33% ticks - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan shares ideas the development team has tried to do to improve the Assault map type - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains that changing Assault maps to have three Objective Points would require all those maps to be completely redesigned from scratch) - Jeff Kaplan - 4/17/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details that they are still exploring revisions to the Assault Map Type) - Jeff Kaplan - 4/17/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details on Assault maps and why they are part of Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 12/26/2016 - Old Official Forums

PUSH MAP TYPES

• Before the introduction of “Push” in Overwatch 2, Jeff Kaplan reacts to the idea of a “tug-a-war” map type - Jeff Kaplan - 9/13/2016 - Old Official Forums

AYUTTHAYA (ARENA)

• Jeff Kaplan confirms that Ayutthaya is a permanent addition to the arena maps - Jeff Kaplan - 2/8/2018 - Old Official Forums

JUNKERTOWN (ESCORT)

• Jeff Kaplan details Junkertown win rates - Jeff Kaplan - 10/6/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details Junkertown win rates - Jeff Kaplan - 9/21/2017 - Old Official Forums

HORIZON LUNAR COLONY (ASSAULT)

• Jeff Kaplan explains they havent made decisions on changing Horizon Lunar Colony after being removed from the Competitive Map Pool - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Introducing Horizon Lunar Colony - Jeff Kaplan - 5/31/2017 - Developer Update Video

NUMBANI (HYBRID)

• Dan Maas vaguely explains why the Numbani map was missing from matchmaking modes mid-April to early-May 2019 - Dan Maas - 5/7/2019 - Official Forums

PARIS (ASSAULT)

• Jeff Kaplan explains they were experimenting with changes to Paris but were not pleased with the results - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

RIALTO (ESCORT)

• Jeff Kaplan details Rialto’s win rate again showing its nearly at 50/50 even - Jeff Kaplan - 2/15/2019 - Official Forums
• Older post with Rialto win percentages revealed - Jeff Kaplan - 9/24/2018 - Official Forums
• Older post with skewed Rialto win percentages revealed - Jeff Kaplan - 8/14/2018 - Official Forums

 

Hero Design & Balance | Experimental Play

GENERAL HERO BALANCE

• AndyB explains that the January 2022 balance patch is intended to shake up the meta and help drive constructive conversation abou the game - AndyB - 1/6/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that the January 2022 balance patch did not have an Experimental card because most of the changes were tested in earlier Experimental Cards - AndyB - 1/6/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains how tanks are so impactful despite not being preceived as being nearly as fun to play and how statistics drive player perceptions of a game - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB elaborates that it varies to how much each factor goes into determine balance changes - AndyB - 9/24/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB confirms that hero balance changes still takes into account Player Feedback, Statistical Performance, and Developer Insights - AndyB - 9/24/2021 - Official Forums
• Geoff Goodman explains why abilities that debuff or reduce damage doesn’t feel good to the target player in gameplay - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the challenges of balancing the amount lethality each hero has - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the challenges of balancing the power of Ultimate abilities - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan addresses the general perceptions of “Powercreep” - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman hopes to one day have an even number of heroes among all three roles but realizes it would be difficult to do so - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains the balance philosophies surrounding the Tank role - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explores the idea of reworking certain heroes into entirely different roles - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains why certain ability like Zarya’s Graviton Surge will prevent only select movement abilities like Tracer’s Blink - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains that Sombra and Genji were the most difficult heroes to first develop in terms of balance - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains hero balance today is focused mostly around pro play and high ranking Competitive play - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Josh Noh explains that the game at the time is not demonstrating an considerable amount of Power Creep versus that of the GOATs team composition from 2019. - Josh Noh - 1/8/2020 - Official Forums
• Josh Noh explains the importance of looking at Stats versus that of Player Feedback when determining hero balance changes for the game. - Josh Noh - 1/8/2020 - Official Forums
• Josh Noh addresses the concepts of Powercreep and community perceptions of balance. - Josh Noh - 1/7/2020 - Official Forums
• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman teases the fact that “Echo” has wings - Geoff Goodman - 3/7/2019 - Official Forums
• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman gives details to hero ability prototyping including a “Bomblet Gun” ability and an “Invisible Wall” for Sombra - Geoff Goodman - 3/7/2019 - Official Forums
• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman elaborates on past game balance and how they have made many dramatic changes since - Geoff Goodman - 3/7/2019 - Official Forums
• Developer Derek Muller details on the changes with knockback interactions in patch 1.34 - Derek Muller - 2/27/2019 - Official Forums
• Developer Josh Noh details on the changes with beam damage to armor - Josh Noh - 2/26/2019 - Official Forums
• Geoff Goodman’s follows up on comments made in a streamed interview about upcoming changes to how channeled attacks damage armor (These changes have since been applied) - Geoff Goodman - 1/25/2019 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan’s states the need to bring in more tanks and supports and they have the next six heroes planned - Jeff Kaplan - 11/22018 - Twitch
• Jeff Kaplan reveals his all-time heroes played - Jeff Kaplan - 9/24/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers explains why Bug Fixes that affect the heroes gameplay balance were never intended by the development team - Tom Powers - 8/2/2018 - Official Forums
• Geoff Goodman explains in detail the hero balance changes to many of the support heroes - 7/18/2018 - Official Forums
• Geoff Goodman explains why heroes have weaknesses and strengths in their tool kits - 5/3/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reveals hero pick selection at each Competitive Tier - Jeff Kaplan - 3/5/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu indicates that other support heroes other than Mercy may get automatic “help me” voice lines when attacked - Michael Chu - 2/27/2018 - Official Forums
• Winter 2018 Hero Balance Changes (Mei, Sombra, Doomfist, Hanzo, Symmetra, Torbjorn) - Jeff Kaplan - 2/14/2018 - Developer Update Video
• Geoff Goodman explains the movement balance update - Geoff Goodman - 1/17/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains changes to the game to how heroes move about the map environment - Jeff Kaplan - 12/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains how pro players influence the Overwatch development process and hero balancing - Jeff Kaplan - 9/19/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Summer 2017 Hero Balance Changes (Mercy/D.Va Rework) - Jeff Kaplan - 8/24/2017 - Developer Update Video
• Jeff Kaplan explains why you should not look to heavily into stats- Jeff Kaplan - 8/10/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that balancing is not reflective of pro or casual play alone - Jeff Kaplan - 7/25/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the process in hero balancing - Jeff Kaplan - 7/7/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why sometimes heroes are unchanged for months at a time - Jeff Kaplan - 6/26/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reminds the community that their feedback matters regardless of skill level - Jeff Kaplan - 5/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan also details about how the team pools data for hero balancing - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan details about the Hero Balance Philosophy on Reddit - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan details the “perception of the meta” and how it affects hero balancing - Jeff Kaplan - 3/2/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains how they objectively balance heroes in Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 2/16/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the Overwatch balancing triangle (Player Feedback - Statistics - Developer Opinions) - Jeff Kaplan - 1/24/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reveals that back in the beta that healers originally could only restore health points and not shield or armor points - Jeff Kaplan - 11/3/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan emphasizes they do take console player feedback into account when developing the game - Jeff Kaplan - 10/10/2016 - Old Official Forums

EXPERIMENTAL PLAY

• There are no current plans for an “April Fools” Experimental Card in 2022 - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains what the overall goals were for the February 2022 Experimental Card - AndyB - 2/14/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB dismiss the idea that a single content creator was responsible for badly perceived changes in the February 2022 Experimental Card - AndyB - 2/14/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why an additional balance update was made to the February 2022 community creator Experimental Card - AndyB - 2/14/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB shares that the November 2021 Experimental Content Creator card exceeded expectations when comparing to the April Fools Experimental card earlier that year - AndyB - 1/20/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why the community creator Experimental cards are important to Blizzard in driving player interest back to the game - AndyB - 1/20/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why the community creator Experimental cards are successful in giving new ways for players to enjoy Overwatch without impacting the development team - AndyB - 1/20/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB shares in the goals of future community creator Experimental cards - AndyB - 1/20/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why the November 2021 community creator Experimental card was so successful - AndyB - 1/20/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB elaborated that any changes from the community creator Experimental card would have to be serious vetted before they ever went to live - AndyB - 12/20/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB noted they did pass on feedback about the November 2021 community creator experimental card - AndyB - 12/20/2021 - Official Forums
• Jodie comments on what they liked about the community creator Experimental card - Jodie - 12/6/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB acknowledges the lack of coordination between the content creators for what changes they wanted to make - AndyB - 12/6/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB mentions that constructive feedback for the community creator Experimental playcard would be passed on to consider for live balance changes - AndyB - 12/6/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reminds the forums that the community creator Experimental playcard is not to be taken seriously - AndyB - 12/6/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB states that the community Experimental playcards simply are intended as a refresher for Overwatch as we wait for Overwatch 2 - AndyB - 12/1/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB reminds the Reddit community how the community Experimental playcard had no impact on Overwatch 2’s development - AndyB - 12/1/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB explains the purpose of the community creator card - AndyB - 11/30/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB comments they hope to launch more community created Experimental Play cards soon - AndyB - 11/2/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB explains why they chose not to rollout the changes of the October 2021 immediately - AndyB - 10/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that it is important to provide feedback without hyperbole will ensure constructive feedback is provided to the development team - AndyB - 10/21/2021 - Official Forums
• The Overwatch League Experimental Card Tournament is not intended to reach the retail environment - Josh Nash - 3/15/2021 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the March 2021 Experimental Card Patch (Fine Tuning Hero Balance Changes) - Josh Nash - 3/7/2021 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the February 2021 Experimental Card Patch (Individual Hero Balance Changes) - Josh Nash - 2/11/2021 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the Second January 2021 Experimental Card Patch (Individual Hero Balance Changes) - Josh Nash - 1/21/2021 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the First January 2021 Experimental Card Patch (Individual Hero Balance Changes) - Josh Nash - 1/7/2021 - Official Forums
• How to enable Experimental Play changes in a custom game including the Practice Range - Josh Nash - 12/3/2020 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the December 2020 Experimental Card Patch (Individual Hero Balance Changes) - Josh Nash - 12/3/2020 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the November 2020 Experimental Card Patch (Individual Hero Balance Changes) - Josh Nash - 11/12/2020 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the October 2020 Experimental Card Patch (Solider:76 Recoil Changes) - Molly Fender - 10/1/2020 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the Second September 2020 Experimental Card Patch (Individual Hero Attunements) - Josh Nash - 9/18/2020 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the First September 2020 Experimental Card Patch (Shotgun Consistancy Changes) - Molly Fender - 9/4/2020 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the Third August 2020 Experimental Card Patch (Burst Damage/Power Changes) - Molly Fender - 8/24/2020 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the Second August 2020 Experimental Card Patch (Moira Changes) - Molly Fender - 8/18/2020 - Official Forums
• Reasoning behind the First August 2020 Experimental Card Patch (Tank Changes) - Molly Fender - 8/6/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints at upcoming Experimental cards - Jeff Kaplan - 7/14/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan gives the instructions for setting up a custom game with the Experimental Ruleset - Jeff Kaplan - 5/12/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains that the Practice Range can be set up in a custom game and use the Experimental Ruleset - Jeff Kaplan - 5/12/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints that more “interesting” experiments are coming - Jeff Kaplan - 5/12/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan hints that an upcoming Experimental Card will have CC reduction changes to test - Jeff Kaplan - 4/14/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains they seek both data and player feedback for the 1/3/2 Experimental Play - Jeff Kaplan - 2/25/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains how patch notes rolls out for Experimental Play - Jeff Kaplan - 2/25/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reflects on the feedback about the 1/3/2 Experimental Play - Jeff Kaplan - 2/25/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan says the Experimental Play card will appear with little to no warning- Jeff Kaplan - 2/25/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explans how long Experimental Play may last and how changes on it differs from the PTR - Jeff Kaplan - 2/25/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan and Michael Heiberg on Experimental mode, Triple Damage, and ice cream economics - Jeff Kaplan & Michael Heiberg - 2/22/2020 - News Post

ANA

• Ana’s sleep dart was designed to be Ana’s disengage tool - Jeff Kaplan - 6/8/2018 - Official Forums
• Introducing Ana - Jeff Kaplan - 7/19/2016 - Developer Update Video

ASHE

• Geoff Goodman speculates that Ashe would be filed into the “Offensive” hero class if the DPS classes were not merged - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains how B.O.B. works as an entity in the game - Bill Warnecke - 11/20/2018 - Reddit
• Introducing Ashe - Jeff Kaplan - 11/5/2018 - Developer Update Video

BAPTISTE

• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman and Developer Josh Noh details on why Immortality Field is a regular ability with a reasonable HP and cooldown, confirms that Exo Boots being able to be hacked by Sombra is a bug and that Amplification Field has certain advantages and limitations. - Tom Powers - 3/13/2019 - Official Forums
• Developer Update Video: Introducing Baptiste - Jeff Kaplan - 2/26/2019 - YouTube

BRIGITTE

• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman details that the initial release of Brigitte was the most overpowered addition of the game - Geoff Goodman - 3/7/2019
• Brigitte Gameplay Q&A (Multiple Posts) -Tom Powers/Geoff Goodman - 3/20/2018 - Official Forums
• Introducing Brigitte - Jeff Kaplan - 2/28/2018 - Developer Update Video

D.VA

• Josh Noh teases balance changes for D.Va’s ability to use her Boosters more often - Josh Noh - 1/7/2020 - Official Forums
• Geoff Goodman explains the reasoning behind the Armor/HP rework in Spring 2017 - Geoff Goodman - 3/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reveals D.Va pick rates - Jeff Kaplan - 10/6/2017 - Old Official Forums

DOOMFIST

• Introducing Doomfist - Jeff Kaplan - 7/6/2017 - Developer Update Video

ECHO

• Jeff Kaplan confirms that due to technical limitations, the hero that an opponent Echo has duplicated cannot switch off from that hero until the Ultimate is completed. - Jeff Kaplan - 4/14/2020 - Reddit
• Introducing Echo - Jeff Kaplan - 3/19/2020 - Developer Update Video

GENJI

• Geoff Goodman explains how a “tech” for Genji was removed - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• An intended Quality of Life change for Genji’s Swift Strike was reverted in patch 1.47 - Jeff Kaplan - 4/14/2017 - Official Forums

HANZO

• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman wonders if there was a better way to make Hanzo’s consistency more stable without changing the projectile velocity - Geoff Goodman - 3/7/2019
• Hanzo’s arrows has the smallest projectile hitbox in the game - Geoff Goodman - 3/2/2018 - Official Forums

JUNKRAT

• Principal Designer Josh Noh explores on how to adjust the activation time for Junkrat’s concussion mine to help control self-movement - Josh Noh - 6/8/2020

MEI

• Josh Nash confirms balance changes to Mei’s Cryo-Freeze blocks allies line-of-sight - Josh Nash - 6/23/2020 - Official Forums
• Why Mei has limited mobility despite having an ice-themed toolkit - Geoff Goodman - 2/27/2018 - Official Forums

MERCY

• Jodie elaborates on the changes to Mercy’s resurrect around pitfalls - Jodie - 1/25/2022 - Official Forums
• Geoff Goodman considers the possiblity into refining the Mercy
  Superjump “tech” into a more refined button press - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains how the Mercy Superjump “tech” for Genji was retained and improved on - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman explains that Mercy still has the highest HPS for a single target healer which is her tradeoff- Geoff Goodman - 3/7/2019
• Jeff Kaplan reveals a healthy pick rate and balanced success rate for Mercy. (NOTE: Mercy did receive a nerf in version 1.28 since) - Jeff Kaplan - 5/3/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan confirms there is no plan to revert the Mercy rework from version 1.13 (Note small balance changes have been applied since) - Jeff Kaplan - 2/8/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Mercy has had so many balance adjustments since her rework in 1.13 - Jeff Kaplan - 10/31/2017 - Old Official Forums

MOIRA

• Geoff Goodman explains why the Moira Experimental test with expanding fade to allies did not work out - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Michael Chu likes the idea of voice lines to indicate when Moira runs out of the heal resource. - Michael Chu - 2/27/2018 - Official Forums

ORISA

• Introducing Orisa - Jeff Kaplan - 2/2/2017 - Developer Update Video

REAPER

• Geoff Goodman explains the intent of Shadow Step and how they have buffed it in the past - Geoff Goodman - 1/25/2019 - Official Forums

REINHARDT

• Dylan Jones explains how to use the “Flat’s Cradle Tech” for Reinhardt - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Technical Artist Dylan Jones shares that his favorite “tech” feature is how Reinhardt charges into or boops opponents - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Reinhardt had a significant nerf in Summer 2017 to address the overpowered Earthshatter - Jeff Kaplan - 6/15/2017 - Old Official Forums

ROADHOG

• Jodie comments how the game used to allow Roadhog effectly replace Reaper in terms of damage output - Jodie - 1/13/2022 - Official Forums
• Roadhog balance adjustments are in the works for patch 1.30 - Jeff Kaplan - 9/24/2018 - Official Forums
• Geoff Goodman explains details of the Roadhog Hook 2.0 revisions - Geoff Goodman - 1/4/2017 - Old Official Forums

SIGMA

• Introducing Sigma - Jeff Kaplan - 7/23/2019 - Developer Update Video

SOMBRA

• Geoff Goodman shares how Sombra was originally being developed as a Support Hero - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan confirms that Echo’s Glide Passive cannot be hacked and that an Echo duplicate will no longer be hacked when the ultimate ends - Jeff Kaplan - 4/14/2017 - Official Forums

SYMMETRA

• Geoff Goodman again (for a third time) confirms how they experimented with Symmetra to be a support hero with healing turrets but it didn’t work out - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman again confirms how they experimented with Symmetra to be a support hero with healing turrets but it didn’t work out - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains how they experimented with Symmetra to be a support hero with healing turrets but it didn’t work out - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Principal Designer Josh Noh explains the impact of the laser turrets with the new slow down rule - Josh Noh - 7/22/2019 - Official Forums
• Principal Designer Josh Noh explains how a bug fix affects Symmetra’s primary fire - Josh Noh - 7/22/2019 - Official Forums
• Principal Designer Josh Noh explains the balance adjustments for Symmetra’s Teleporter in patch 1.39 - Josh Noh - 7/18/2019
• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman explains the balance of managing how fast Symmetra’s teleporter can deploy - Geoff Goodman - 3/7/2019
• Developer Josh Noh details on the changes with Symmetra’s primary fire damage to armor - Josh Noh - 2/26/2019
• Symmetra Rework 2018 - Geoff Goodman - 6/5/2018 - Official Forums
• Symmetra Rework 2016 - Jeff Kaplan - 11/22/2016 - Developer Update Video
• Geoff Goodman explains why Symmetra was a “support” class hero prior to her Summer 2018 rework - Geoff Goodman - 10/6/2016 - Old Official Forums

TORBJORN

• Torbjorn Rework 2018 (Multiple Posts in Thread) - Geoff Goodman - 9/21/2018 - Official Forums

TRACER

• Bill Warnecke gives insight to how Tracer’s Recall ability works -Bill Warnecke - 9/22/2018 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan gives insight to how Tracer’s Recall ability works - Jeff Kaplan - 8/22/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Tracer can’t blink upwards - Jeff Kaplan - 9/19/2016 - Old Official Forums

WINSTON

• No planned changes for Winston - Jeff Kaplan - 5/18/2018 - Official Forums

WIDOWMAKER

• Why Widowmaker’s old animation cancel trick was removed - Geoff Goodman - 6/15/2016 - Old Official Forums

WRECKING BALL

• Jeff Kaplan explains why Wrecking Ball’s has trade-offs in his mobility - Jeff Kaplan - 8/15/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Wrecking Ball’s ball form has no damage reduction - Jeff Kaplan - 8/15/2018 - Official Forums
• Introducing Wrecking Ball - Jeff Kaplan - 6/28/2018 - Developer Update Video

 

[Kaedi-11739]

Development and History

Game Development Facts

DEVELOPER BIOGRAPHY

• Andy jokes about when he got “Beta access” - AndyB - 3/29/2022 - Official Forums
• Jodie speculates Support is only the easist role mechanically and is harder with gamesense and positioning - Jodie - 1/17/2021 - Official Forums
• Jodie shares her experiences of enjoying Overwatch prior to joining Blizzard - Jodie - 1/16/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB claims that Jodie is a peak Masters Support player - AndyB - 12/20/2021 - Official Forums
• Jodie introduces herself on the forums - Jodie - 12/15/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that he only recently joined Blizzard despite playing since beta - AndyB - 12/8/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB has been playing Overwatch since beta - AndyB - 11/10/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains Jon Spector’s new role with the Overwatch team - AndyB - 11/10/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB provides his reaction to Cassidy’s new name - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reveals he sometimes gets too carried away playing games - AndyB - 9/17/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reveals that he is more comfortable on the Support role in role queue modes - AndyB - 9/17/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reveals his competitive rank - AndyB - 9/17/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB shares some details of his plans for the weekend - AndyB - 9/17/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reveals he has nearly 15 years in community management experience - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB introduces himself to the forum community - AndyB - 8/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB jokes about being stuck in Bronze - AndyB - 8/25/2021 - Reddit
• David Kang comments on how the Roadhog Midas Championship skin was one of his favorite to make - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang says Toxic roadhog was one of his favorite skins to make - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang confirms that 3D animator Michael Biancalana no longer works for Blizzard - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang opinion about pineapple on Pizza - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Aaron Keller reaction to pineapple on pizza - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• John LaFleur says rebuilding Overwatch from Project: Titan was the hardest challenge he overcame in the game’s development - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• John LaFleur’s reaction to Geoff Goodman’s opinion about pineapple on pizza - John LaFleur - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman opinion about pineapple on pizza - Geoff Goodman - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shares that the team has a wide variety of skill levels with around 4300 SR being the highest - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shares his favorite season of RuPaul’s Drag Race - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan comments on the well-wishes received on his Birthday - Jeff Kaplan - 11/4/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke expresses the gratitute to his fellow Blizzard team members and the community - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shares what are his favorite heroes to play - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan reminds that Overwatch is made a wide team of great people - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains the global outreach in developing Overwatch - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan share how much the team has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman speculates if Jeff Kaplan would ever be a hero in Overwatch - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Engineer Bill Warnecke shares his favorite Workshop custom game - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman shares how much Overwatch he plays - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Engineer Bill Warnecke comments how excited he sees the creativity in Workshop custom games - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Engineer Bill Warnecke shares how much Overwatch he plays - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke how much the team has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Game Director Jeff Kaplan shares how much Overwatch he plays - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains that Torbjorn’s (the Developer’s) favorite food is pizza - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains the daily routine for the development team - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Technical Artist Dylan Jones shares how much Overwatch he plays - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan’s sensitivity is the default setting in Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - November 2nd, 2018 - Twitch
• Lead Engineer Bill Warnecke answers questions about his role with the Overwatch Development Team - Bill Warnecke - 3/1/2018 - Official Forums
• Lead Engineer Bill Warnecke answers questions about his role with the Overwatch Development Team - Bill Warnecke - 3/1/2018 - Reddit
• Community Manager Josh Engen also provides details about several developers for Overwatch - Josh Engen - 3/2/2018 - Official Forums
• Lead Engineer Bill Warnecke details a little about himself - Bill Warnecke - 2/20/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares some details about how much console Overwatch he plays - Jeff Kaplan - 10/31/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reveals the highest experience level player he has seen in the game - Jeff Kaplan - 7/7/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains his interpretation of ‘GG’ - Jeff Kaplan - 9/18/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Wolfenstein 3D was Chu’s first FPS - Michael Chu - 8/16/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Wolfenstein 3D was Kaplan’s first FPS - Jeff Kaplan - 8/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives his tips on how to counter Tracer - 3/25/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares what his favorite maps are - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan was most excited with Pharah’s development - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan shares that he can’t really participate in the game’s voice chat due to being recognized too often - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan reveals he plays on all three platforms - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan reveals the first hero he played was Tracer (because it was the first hero developed) - Jeff Kaplan - 11/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives detailed information about Team 4 - Jeff Kaplan - 8/2/2016 - Old Official Forums

DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

• AndyB further explains the development challenges in the name change for Cassidy - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB explains that they understand the sentiment of players regarding Cassidy’s name change - AndyB - 8/27/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that the decision to change Cassidy’s name was with the people who work on Overwatch in mind and that it was a polarizing choice - AndyB - 8/27/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB confirms that characters in Overwatch will no longer be named after real-life people - AndyB - 8/26/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB confirmed they identified Cassidy simply as “Cowboy” during the transition of the hero’s new name - AndyB - 8/25/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB explains that it will take time getting used to Cassidy’s new name - AndyB - 8/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why it is important for the name change for Cassidy- AndyB - 8/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB states that a lot of feedback and consideration was made to changing the name for Cassidy - AndyB - 8/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB shares the challenges in making a change as signficant as changing the hero’s name - AndyB - 8/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB clarifies they are not yet ready to give detailed explination to how Cassidy’s name change will impact the game’s development - AndyB - 8/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains the reasoning to why Cassidy’s original name was changed - AndyB - 8/24/2021 - Official Forums
• David Kang says making the Echo Fleta MVP skin was one the most challenging skins he has made so far - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang explains key decisions for skin design when it comes to how golden weapons appear or how the silhouette changes - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang explains the challenges of making skins for complicated heroes like D.Va or Bastion - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• John LaFleur explains the challenges in developing heroes and new patches - John LaFleur - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shares how challenging remote working has been for the development team - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Dylan Jones further explains on how Brigitte’s flail was difficult to animate - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan details how he responds to unconstructive critcism about the game - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Dylan Jones jokes about how simple making Hanzo’s old Scatter Ability was - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• John LaFleur explains that resource budgets often determine the challenges in making new hero abilities - John LaFleur - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman explains how building Symmetra’s new photon barrier ultimate was more difficult than it first seemed - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains getting Overwatch launched on launch day was his biggest development challenge - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Dylan Jones explains how Brigitte’s flail was challenging to animate in-game - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• John Lafleur reacts to the idea of radical changes to Wrecking Ball’s grappling hook ability - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• John Lafleur shares how Moira had abilities that seemed simple but turned out challenging to develop - John Lafleur - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains that audio inclusion bugs may come from different causes - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Technical Director John Lafleur details how Echo’s duplicate was the most difficult ability to create for the game - John Lafleur - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains the version number hierarchy. - Bill Warnecke - 1/24/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains the difficulties of having a smooth patch launch in all parts of the world - Bill Warnecke - 1/25/2019 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reassures the community that they are hard at work on the game and explains why they have not be active on the official forums - Jeff Kaplan - 12/10/2018 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke follow up with the challenges of bring servers to new regions in the world - Bill Warnecke - 9/29/2018 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shares details on the challenges of bring servers to new regions in the world - Bill Warnecke - 2/1/2018 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains how Blizzard will process bug reports - Bill Warnecke - 1/31/2018 - Reddit
• Winston is the hardest character to animate - Jeff Kaplan - 4/18/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the legal challenges for creating national flag player icons - Jeff Kaplan - 12/6/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke explains why Blizzard does not necessarily respond to bug reports - Bill Warnecke - 9/30/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why many stats are not available to public - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan details about the hero design process - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan hints at how game design revolves around the game’s business model - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan shares details about the Business Intelligence Team at Blizzard - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan reveals Bastion has the most development changes in early development/beta - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains the “crawl, walk, run” pace of developing new heroes and new content into Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Overwatch for Switch would be ‘very challenging’ to do - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan states the hardest things to design is the Competitive Mode, Leaver System, and the overall business model of the game - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan reveals the team continues to work and develop hero and idea concepts when possible - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan shares that developing certain features takes more time and others depending on the complexity of the feature - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains the challenging in prioritizing content and development for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 2/17/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reflects on the reaction from the Sombra ARG - Jeff Kaplan - 2/16/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains challenges as they continue to develop Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 8/2/2016 - Old Official Forums

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY

• AndyB clarifies that Cassidy is not directly tied to the historical outlaw Butch Cassidy - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains the process of choosing Cassidy’s new name - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB compare’s Cassidy’s name to historical outlaws - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB clarifies the callsign for Cassidy - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• David Kang comments on how special it is to create a place in the real world in the fantasy setting of Overwatch - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• David Kang says he would create a Pachimari skin for every character in Overwatch if he could - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• David Kang confirms he created the Pachimari and Yachemon characters in Overwatch - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• David Kang reveals a legendary skin version of the Roadhog Pachimari skin didn’t make the cut for release into Overwatch - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• David Kang says the belt buckle on Baptiste’s disco skin is suppose to say Groovy abbreviated - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• David Kang says that Echo is one of his favorte post-release heroes that have been added to the game - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang explains how global cutures influence hero designs - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Arnold Tsang shares details about a hero concept called “Omniblade” that did not make it into Overwatch - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Scott Mercer shares about an ability they experimented with called the “claw trap” for Torbjorn that confined the movement of an opponent to a localized area - Scott Mercer - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Aaron Keller explains that Blizzard World was one of the hardest maps they ever had to make - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Aaron Keller describes a underwater map concept called Galapagos that did not make the cut for the game - Aaron Keller - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke sahres the funniest bug he encountered - Bill Warnecke - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke explains why they use Perforce for Overwatch - Bill Warnecke - 5/21/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shoots down a pun by revealing the version control software used in Overwatch - Bill Warnecke - 5/21/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan comments on his departure from Blizzard on Reddit - Jeff Kaplan - 4/22/2021 - Reddit
• Announcement of Jeff Kaplan’s departure and Aaron Keller taking over as game director - 4/20/2021 - News Article
• Jeff Kaplan explains the process of creating new heroes - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Dylan Jones shares how he once replaced the sleep dart object from Ana’s sleep dart with a ragdoll of Ana herself - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Technical Artist Dylan Jones explains that prototyping very early forms of heroes helps speed up the development process - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke addresses how quickly the development team tackles bugs - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan shares how he somewhat regrets certain directions in hero balance philosophy and the letdown of the Sombra ARG - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan shares which maps were the most challenge or the most exciting to develop - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• John Lafleur explains how passion projects come about for Overwatch - John Lafleur - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan shares that Sigma was one of his favorite new heroes to develop - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Principal Designer Geoff Goodman explains how different heroes go through various stages of prototyping - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Principal Designer Josh Noh relives the experience of only have a game with 12 heroes when first demo’d at BlizzCon 2014 - Josh Noh - 6/10/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains certain blockouts are merely placeholders in early development - Jeff Kaplan - 4/10/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares an early blockout of Temple of Anubis - Jeff Kaplan - 4/10/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares an early blockout of Tracer - Jeff Kaplan - 4/10/2020 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke shares how much the Overwatch Team has grown. - Bill Warnecke - 1/9/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke describes what the launch of Overwatch was like from their end - Bill Warnecke - 6/12/2019 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan shares a video of Baptiste’s early Immortality Field prototype - Jeff Kaplan - 3/22/2019 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan share what it was like when he first played Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 6/8/2018 - Official Forums
• An Interview from The Daily Mail with Matthew Hawley and Geoff Goodman explaining the early hero balance challenges when first making the game - Matthew Hawley and Geoff Goodman - 6/8/2017 - Internet Article
• Overwatch - Archives - REQUIRES BLIZZCON VIRTUAL TICKET - Jeff Kaplan and Arnold Tsang - 11/6/2017 - BlizzCon
• Jeff Kaplan gives details about Team 4 and the overall effort it takes to develop Overwatch. - Jeff Kaplan - 9/29/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives a brief history into Project Titan - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan reveals that some concepts from Project Titan did get developed into Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan compares Overwatch to Team Fortress 2 - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why he moved on from WoW to work on Project Titan - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan gives a brief history on planning Overwatch for consoles - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan answers multiple questions about the development of Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Michael Chu explains a bit of the hero development process - Michael Chu - 3/8/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan’s DICE Summit - Explains how making Overwatch is meant to show a future world worth fighting for - Jeff Kaplan - 2/22/2017 - YouTube
• Jeff Kaplan explains the decisions behind voice actors in comparison to providing authenticity - Jeff Kaplan - 12/21/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details on the internal development process of new heroes - Jeff Kaplan - 12/21/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains how Ana is on top of the Temple of Anubis arch in her gameplay video - 7/12/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives a preview to the development plan for Overwatch since launch - 6/9/2016 - Old Official Forums
• An Interview with Michael Chu explores how Global Inclusion is a major focus in the game - Michael Chu - 5/25/2016 - Internet Article
• The headshot sound effect is made by the sound of a beer cap opening - Paul Lackley - 5/24/2016 - Internet Article
• BETA: Road to Launch (end of Closed Beta) - Jeff Kaplan - 4/18/2016 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Open Beta - Jeff Kaplan - 3/7/2016 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Beta is Back (Introduction of new progression system, Introduction of Control Maps, In - Jeff Kaplan - 2/9/2016 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Evolution of Progression System (Earning Cosmetics, Scraped systems which powered up specific heroes and had individual hero leveling to earn cosmetics) - Jeff Kaplan - 12/16/2015 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Popular Community Topics (Heroes and Maps are free when added, Quality of Life features) - Jeff Kaplan - 12/7/2015 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Matchmaking and Hero Balance - Jeff Kaplan - 11/28/2015 - Developer Update Video
• BETA: Jeff Kaplan introduces the Closed Beta - Jeff Kaplan - 10/27/2015 - Developer Update Video

DEVELOPMENT NEWS ARTICLES

• NEWS ARTICLE: Echoes of Echo: A History of Hero 32 - 3/19/2020
• NEWS ARTICLE: So Many Masks, So Little Time: A Look at Face Changer Sombra - 1/27/2020
• NEWS ARTICLE: Behind the Scenes on Ugly Sweater: 76 - 12/13/2019
• NEWS ARTICLE: The History of Mercy: From Guardian to Guardian Angel - 11/27/2019

 

Interviews with the Community

INTERVIEWS/PANELS

• Gamespot interviews several questions Jeff Kaplan at BlizzCon 2019
• Stylosa interviewed Jeff Kaplan about Baptiste - Jeff Kaplan - 2/26/2019 - Youtube
• Stylosa interviewed Jeff Kaplan about Role Queue and Limiting 2/2/2 - Jeff Kaplan - 2/26/2019 - Youtube
• Karq interviews with Jeff Kaplan in the Creator’s Residency about Baptiste - Jeff Kaplan - 2/26/2019 - Twitch
• Scott Mercer interview with YouTube personalities Freedo and Liam (Your Overwatch) - Scott Mercer - 11/5/2018 - YouTube
• Matthew Hawley and David Kang is interviewed by various press at the Korean Fan Festival - Matthew Hawley and David Kang - 8/22/2018 - YouTube
• Scott Mercer and Ben Dai is interviewed by the various press at the Korean Fan Festival - Matthew Hawley and David Kang - 8/22/2018 - YouTube
• Jeff Kaplan is interviewed by YouTube personality Stylosa (Unit Lost Gaming) - Jeff Kaplan - 6/14/2018 - YouTube
• Jeff Kaplan and Aaron Keller interview with YouTube personalities Freedo and Liam (Your Overwatch) - Jeff Kaplan and Aaron Keller - 11/6/2017 - YouTube
• Jeff Kaplan answers several game related questions about the first year of Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 5/26/2017 - Internet Article
• Jeff Kaplan answers several game related questions for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 5/17/2017 - YouTube
• Michael Chu answers several game related questions including why no spellcasters, why no map selection, and why no scoreboards - Jeff Kaplan - 5/23/2016 - Internet Artcile

 

Technical Support

Connection Troubleshooting - PC

• Josh Nash explains how the NVidia Reflex feature works - Josh Nash - 3/25/2021 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains what happens when a player is missing when a game begins - Jeff Kaplan - 8/30/2018 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke details how the game connects to certain servers and if there is a connection issue -Bill Warnecke - 6/19/2018 - Reddit
• PC Connection Troubleshooting - Blizzard Support
• Overwatch Network Diagnostic Tools - Blizzard Support
• If you need additional help with disconnections in Overwatch please visit the Tech Support forum or start a web ticket with Blizzard.

 

Connection Troubleshooting - Console

• Console Connection Troubleshooting - Official Forums
• Console Connection Troubleshooting - Blizzard Support
• Overwatch Network Diagnostic Tools - Blizzard Support
• If you need additional help with disconnections in Overwatch please visit the Tech Support forum or start a web ticket with Blizzard.

 

Performance/Crashes Troubleshooting - PC

• Bill Warnecke explains the various causes of the Rendering Device Lost error - Bill Warnecke - 3/27/2019 - Reddit
• Crashes? Performance Issues? Known Issues Here! - Official Forums
• “Your Rendering Device Has Been Lost” - Official Forums
• Patching and Installation Troubleshooting - Official Forums
• Patching and Installation Troubleshooting - Blizzard Support
• Overwatch Lockups and Crash Errors - Blizzard Support
• Overwatch Performance Issues - Blizzard Support
• Scan and Repair Blizzard Games - Blizzard Support
• Overwatch PC System Requirements - Blizzard Support
• If you need additional help with crashes in Overwatch please visit the Tech Support forum or start a web ticket with Blizzard.

 

Performance/Crashes Troubleshooting - Console

• Xbox one console how tos - Official Forums
• PlayStation4 console how tos - Official Forums
• Link a Battle.net Account to your Console Account - Blizzard Support
• If you need additional help with crashes in Overwatch please visit the Tech Support forum or start a web ticket with Blizzard.

 

Overwatch Esports

Overwatch League

• AndyB had his hopes that the San Francisco Shock would win the 2021 Grand Finals - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Reddit
• Classic San Francisco Shock, Florida Mayhem, and Los Angeles Valiant skins and the Overwatch Contenders skins was not intended to be made available for Echo upon her release) - Josh Nash - 4/14/2020 - Official Forums
• Hero Pools in the live game will not be the same for during the 2020 season of the League. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan that any change that affects the Overwatch League is discussed with them. - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details the features of the Overwatch League spectator client and how pros don’t see the skin team colors or effects from their view - Jeff Kaplan - 2/15/2019 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke shares details how the spectator highlight feature works for Overwatch Esports - Bill Warnecke - 1/31/2018 - Reddit
• Rules and Code-of-Conduct
• The inaugural season, explained
• Nate Nanzer explains the Overwatch League at BlizzCon 2017
• About the Overwatch League 2017-2018 season
• Official website for the Overwatch League
• Official Twitch for the Overwatch League

 

Overwatch World Cup

• Official website for the Overwatch World Cup
• Official Twitch for the Overwatch World Cup

 

Overwatch Contenders

• Official website for the Overwatch Contenders
• Official Twitch for the Overwatch Contenders

 

Overwatch Open Division

• Official website for the Overwatch Open Division

Legal Information

Legal Information | Copyright Trademark Usage

• Paid Loot Boxes and Loot Chests Disabled for Players in Belgium - Vaneras - 8/27/2018 - European Official Forums
• Blizzard Battle.Net End User License Agreement - Blizzard Official Website
• Blizzard Legal F.A.Q. - Blizzard Official Website
• Blizzard Trademark Usage Guidelines - Blizzard Official Website
   

[Kaedi-11739]

Media Content, Lore, and Non-Game Elements

Lore

GENERAL LORE INFORMATION

• David Kang noted that the Yachemon character is a vegetarian - David Kang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

• Arnold Tsang confirms that there are more comics coming out soon - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

• Jeff Kaplan again explains that characters appearing Overwatch’s lore may one day become heroes - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

• Jeff Kaplan hints that they want to explore Overwatch in other media like film or television in the future - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

• Bill Warnecke speculates Widowmaker would make the best scrambled eggs - Bill Warnecke - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

• Jeff Kaplan explains the lore they want to explore for each hero - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

• Jeff Kaplan explains that characters appearing Overwatch’s lore may one day become heroes - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

• Jeff Kaplan updates on the progress of lore updates for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

• Michael Chu confirms in the animated short “Recall”, language versions not listing the year are accurate in terms of the lore’s timeline - Michael Chu - 4/10/2019 - Official Forums

• McCree and Ashe were not in any intimate relationship - Michael Chu - 11/3/2018 - Twitter

• Michael Chu explains how and if lore is adjusted to reflect gameplay changes such as Hanzo’s Scatter Arrow or Bastion’s Ironclad Passive - Michael Chu - 8/13/2018 - Official Forums

• Michael Chu gives details Junkertown, the Queen, and the Mech Battles - Michael Chu - 7/25/2018 - Official Forums

• Michael Chu addresses a query about street identification in Rilato - Michael Chu - 5/21/2018 - Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan give a hint to the personality of the Junkertown Queen - Jeff Kaplan - 2/8/2018 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu states that the Los Muetros gang does not officially have a stance against Omnics but that does not speak for all of their members - Michael Chu - 2/1/2018 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu confirms that the Numbani airport (Attack Spawn A) is likely to remain damaged - Michael Chu - 2/1/2018 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu answers several lore-based questions in Overwatch - Michael Chu - 12/22/2017 - YouTube

• Michael Chu explains the term “god program” and how it relates to certain A.I. - Michael Chu - 11/9/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu confirms that Vialli (a former Talon Council Member is dead) - Michael Chu - 11/8/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan gives an obscure hint to who pilots the drop ships seen on the three original control maps - Jeff Kaplan - 9/29/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan explains Winston’s Recall and how other heroes react to it - Jeff Kaplan - 8/23/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan hints at the future fate of Overwatch (the organization) - Jeff Kaplan - 7/25/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu gives a vague hint to the possibility of alien life in Overwatch - Michael Chu - 7/5/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan jokingly explains why the Numbani airport (Attack Spawn A) remains damaged after the Doomfist attack - Jeff Kaplan - 5/9/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu confirms that the events in the comic “Binary” takes place sometime after the events in the comic “Reflections” - Michael Chu - 3/9/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu explains who you escort on the Hollywood map - Michael Chu - 1/31/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan explains that Oasis is in Iraq - Jeff Kaplan - 1/4/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu clarifies early animated short ages inaccuracies in certain scenes - Michael Chu - 1/3/2017 - Old Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan explains map development in terms of lore - Jeff Kaplan - 12/5/2016 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu whos armor rests in the Eichenwalde map - Michael Chu - 8/17/2016 - Old Official Forums

• Michael Chu gives a rough estimate to when the events of Overwatch and the Omnic Crisis takes place - Michael Chu - 8/17/2016 - Old Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan hints at the possiblity of a Canadian character/hero - Jeff Kaplan - 8/7/2016 - Old Official Forums

• Jeff Kaplan explains the reason why you escort the payload on Dorado - Jeff Kaplan - 7/8/2016 - Old Official Forums

• Overwatch Team addressing the possibility of LBGTQ characters in the game (Prior to the Reflections comic) - Lylirra - 8/25/2016 - Old Official Forums

ASHE LORE

• Arnold Tsang hints that details of Ashe’s tattoos are coming soon - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit

BAPTISTE LORE

• Lead Writer Michael Chu and Writer Alyssa Wong details on Baptiste’s history, culture, favorite food, and relationship with other heroes like Mercy and Sombra. - Tom Powers - 3/13/2019
• Michael Chu and clarifies about Baptiste’s role with the Carribean Collation - Michael Chu - 2/27/2019 - Official Forums

BASTION LORE

• Michael Chu details that Bastion is at least waterproof enough to walk across the Baltic Sea - 2/17/2019
• Michael Chu explains the original purpose of the Bastion units before the Omnic Crisis was for peacekeeping purposes) - Michael Chu - 11/30/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu confirms that Configuration: Tank is lore canon for Bastion - Michael Chu - 7/5/2017 - Old Official Forums

BRIGITTE LORE

• NEWS POST - Brigitte Q&A

CASSIDY LORE

• AndyB explains in terms of lore, Cassidy is resuming is true identity with the name change - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that previously released merchandise, comics, and short stories will still show Cassidy’s old name- AndyB - 8/26/2021 - Official Forums
• Arnold Tsang confirms Cassidy’s ethincity - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• The origins of the original name for Cassidy prior to it being changed - Michael Chu - 4/24/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu gives the definition of ‘S’ in SAMF on Cassidy’s Lifeguard Skin) - Michael Chu - 8/16/2017 - Old Official Forums

DOOMFIST LORE

• A brief character development History of Doomfist - Michael Chu - 7/28/2017 - Old Official Forums

D.VA LORE

• The Korean Army knows little about the Gwishin Omnics - Michael Chu - 8/24/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu gives the proper spelling for the Gwishin Omnics - Michael Chu - 8/23/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu gives the proper spelling D.Va’s friend and MEKA partner Dae-hyun - Michael Chu - 8/23/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu gives details about D.Va’s commanding officer Captain Myung - Michael Chu - 8/23/2018 - Official Forums
• D.Mon was D.Va’s teammate during her esports career - Michael Chu - 8/23/2018 - Official Forums
• D.Va and Dae-hyun are childhood friends - Michael Chu - 8/23/2018 - Official Forums
• Dae-hyun’s role with MEKA - Michael Chu - 8/23/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu states that D.Va played StarCraft/SCII, but that it was never her primary game that put her into esports fame. Her father however primarily plays StarCraft/SCII - Michael Chu - 2/1/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu elaborates that StarCraft II was not D.Va esports game before joining MEKA) - Michael Chu - 1/30/2018 - Twitter
• D.Va does not play a specific Race class in StarCraft/SCII - Michael Chu - 12/4/2017 - Old Official Forums

HANZO LORE

• It was pure developer preference why the “Simple Geometry” voice line is intact - Michael Chu - 6/29/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu explains the “Beauty” voice line for Hanzo) - Michael Chu - 7/5/2017 - Old Official Forums

JUNKRAT LORE

• Jeff Kaplan reveals what is in Junkrat’s canteen - 6/9/2016 - Old Official Forums

MEI LORE

• Michael Chu reveals Mei’s age - Michael Chu - 3/11/2017 - Old Official Forums

MERCY LORE

• Michael Chu has clarified that Mercy is both a doctor and a scientist - Michael Chu - 2/23/2019 Official Forums
• Michael Chu again confirms that Mercy is not immortal - Michael Chu - 6/15/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu again confirms that Mercy does age and was not part of Overwatch’s founding - Michael Chu - 12/15/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu again confirms that Mercy does age and did not join Overwatch at age 17 - Michael Chu - 8/17/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu confirms that Mercy does age and was not part of Overwatch’s founding - Michael Chu - 12/15/2017 - Old Official Forums

MOIRA LORE

• Jeff Kaplan confirms some of Moira’s voices lines are in Gaelic - Jeff Kaplan - 11/8/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu explains Moira’s personality and research ethics - Michael Chu - 11/8/2017 - Old Official Forums

ORISA LORE

• Jeff Kaplan identifies Orisa’s puppy is a Boston Terrier - Jeff Kaplan - 12/13/2017 - Reddit
• Michael Chu explains the difference between Omnic and robot - Michael Chu - 3/3/2017 - Old Official Forums

PHARAH LORE

• Michael Chu reveals that Pharah chose to keep her Mother’s maiden name - Michael Chu - 7/30/2019 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu reveals Pharah’s favorite choice of music - Michael Chu - 2/2/2019 - Official Forums
• Age was not the reason that Pharah never made it into Overwatch - Michael Chu - 1/5/2018 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu hints at what Pharah was doing in the “Reflections” comic - Michael Chu - 12/22/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu gives a vague hint to Pharah’s Father - Michael Chu - 8/15/2016 - Old Official Forums

REAPER LORE

• Arnold Tsang confirms the family Reaper is stalking in the Reflections comic is indeed his family - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan assures lore for Reaper is coming - Jeff Kaplan - 3/9/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu confirms that only Ana, Soldier: 76, and Sombra are aware of Reaper’s actual identity (despite in-game voicelines) - Michael Chu - 3/27/2017 - Old Official Forums

REINHARDT LORE

• Michael Chu reveals Reinhardt’s favorite choice of music - Michael Chu - 2/2/2019 - Official Forums

ROADHOG LORE

• Michael Chu speculates that Roadhog would own a kunekune as a pet) - Michael Chu - 5/17/2017 - Old Official Forums

SOLDIER: 76

• Michael Chu confirms that Soldier: 76 once had a relationship with a character named Vincent. Both identify as being gay.) - Michael Chu - 1/7/2019 - Twitter

SOMBRA LORE

• Michael Chu confirms that Sombra is not the young girl Alejandra seen in the “Hero” animated short (this is later proven when the “Searching” comic is released) - Michael Chu - 7/12/2017 - Old Official Forums

SYMMETRA LORE

• Jeff Kaplan confirms Symmetra has Autism - Jeff Kaplan - 3/8/2017 - Internet Article

TORBJORN LORE

• Torb’s uses multiple mechanical arms - Michael Chu - 8/7/2018 - Official Forums
• Michael Chu confirms that the children on Torbjorn’s lap are his grandchildren - Michael Chu - 2/28/2018 - Official Forums

TRACER LORE

• Michael Chu confirms that did not die in the battle against Doomfist in the Doomfist Origins Story video - Michael Chu - 7/7/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu again confirms that Tracer is not immortal - Michael Chu - 6/15/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu explains how the Chronal Accelerator works - Michael Chu - 1/3/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu again confirms that Tracer does age and was not part of Overwatch’s founding - Michael Chu - 12/15/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Michael Chu confirms that Tracer does age - Michael Chu - 7/17/2016 - Old Official Forums

WRECKING BALL LORE

• Hammond is a Mechanic - Michael Chu - 2/14/2018 - Official Forums

ZENYATTA LORE

• “Tekhartha” is Zenyatta’s Title/Honorific - Michael Chu - 5/25/2018 - Official Forums

 

Comics | Animated Shorts | Origin Stories | Articles

COMICS & SHORT STORIES

• SHORT STORY - Mercy | Valkyrie
• SHORT STORY - Baptiste | What You Left Behind
• SHORT STORY - Soldier: 76 & Ana | Bastet
• COMIC - McCree | Train Hopper
• COMIC - Reinhardt & Brigitte | Dragon Slayer
• COMIC - Junkrat & Roadhog | Going Legit
• COMIC - Symmetra | A Better World
• COMIC - Pharah | Mission Statement
• COMIC - Torbjorn | Destroyer
• COMIC - Ana & Widowmaker | Legacy
• COMIC - Ana, Solider: 76, Reaper | Old Soliders
• COMIC - Halloween Terror | Junkenstein
• COMIC - Winter Wonderland | Reflections
• COMIC - Lunar New Year | Winston’s Journey to the West
• COMIC - Torbjorn & Bastion | Binary
• COMIC - Archives | Uprising
• COMIC - Doomfist | Masquerade
• COMIC - Junkrat & Roadhog| Wasted Land
• COMIC - Zayra & Sombra | Searching
• COMIC - Halloween Terror| The Return of Junkenstein
• COMIC - Winter Wonderland| Yeti Hunt
• COMIC - Archives| Retribution (PDF)

ANIMATED SHORTS

• ANIMATED SHORT - Tracer, Winston, Reaper, Widowmaker | Overwatch (Overwatch: Cinematic Trailer)
• ANIMATED SHORT - Winston| Are You With Us? (Cinematic Teaser)
• ANIMATED SHORT - Various | We are Overwatch (Theatrical Teaser)
• ANIMATED SHORT - Winston & Reaper | Recall
• ANIMATED SHORT - Tracer & Widowmaker | Alive
• ANIMATED SHORT - Genji & Hanzo | Dragons
• ANIMATED SHORT - Solider: 76 | Hero
• ANIMATED SHORT - Bastion | The Last Bastion
• ANIMATED SHORT - Sombra, Reaper, Widowmaker & Zayra | Inflitration
• ANIMATED SHORT - Mei | Rise and Shine
• ANIMATED SHORT - Reinhardt & Brigitte | Honor and Glory
• ANIMATED SHORT - D.Va | Shooting Star
• ANIMATED SHORT - Ashe, McCree, & Echo | Reunion
• ANIMATED SHORT - Winston, Tracer, Mei, Genji, Mercy, Brigitte, Reinhardt, & Echo | Zero Hour (Overwatch 2 Cinematic Trailer)

ORIGIN STORIES

• ORIGIN STORY - Tracer (third party source)
• ORIGIN STORY - Solider: 76
• ORIGIN STORY - A Moment in Crime | Junkrat & Roadhog
• ORIGIN STORY - Ana
• ORIGIN STORY - Sombra
• ORIGIN STORY - Orisa
• ORIGIN STORY - Doomfist
• ORIGIN STORY - Moira
• ORIGIN STORY - Brigitte
• ORIGIN STORY - Wrecking Ball
• ORIGIN STORY - Ashe
• ORIGIN STORY - Baptiste
• ORIGIN STORY - Sigma
• ORIGIN STORY - Echo

LORE NEWS ARTICLES

• NEWS ARTICLE - EXPERIMENTAL WEAPON STOLEN FROM WATCHPOINT: GRAND MESA
• NEWS ARTICLE - FADING GLORY: ON THE TRAIL OF JACK MORRISON
• NEWS ARTICLE - LÚCIO BRINGS MUSIC TO LIFE WITH SYNAESTHESIA WORLD TOUR
• BLOG - MEI’S ADVENTURES
• NEWS ARTICLE - LUMÉRICO VISION FOR MEXICO UNVEILED, BUT THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY REMAIN
• NEWS ARTICLE - OVERWATCH IS BACK: UNCERTAINTY AND HOPE AFTER UN CONFIRMS VIGILANTE ACTIVITY
• NEWS ARTICLE - LUMÉRICO REVELATIONS: CEO GUILLERMO PORTERO UNDER FIRE
• NEWS ARTICLE - LUMÉRICO CEO STEPS DOWN
• NEWS ARTICLE - OASIS TRAVEL TIPS
• NEWS ARTICLE - AN INTERVIEW WITH INVENTOR EFI OLADELE
• NEWS ARTICLE - NEW DETAILS EMERGE ABOUT POSSIBLE FATE OF HORIZON LUNAR COLONY
• NEWS ARTICLE - TALON INVOLVEMENT CONFIRMED IN PREVIOUS ATTACK ON HELIX FACILITY
• STORY UPDATE - A LETTER FROM TORBJÖRN TO HIS WIFE
• NEWS ARTICLE - OVERWATCH OFFICIALS RESPOND TO ATTACK ON OSLO FACILITY
• ARCHIVE - VENICE MEMORANDUM DECLASSIFICATION
• NEWS ARTICLE - [LOCAL] HOW DON RUMBOTICO’S INTERNATIONAL FAME IS SLOWLY ERASING ITS FOUNDERS FROM THE NARRATIVE
• CORRESPONDENCE - POST FOR TOSHIRO YAMAGAMI

 

Art

REFERENCE KITS

These are only available for the original 21 heroes from the launch of the game.

• Reference Kit - Bastion
• Reference Kit - D.Va
• Reference Kit - Genji
• Reference Kit - Hanzo
• Reference Kit - Junkrat
• Reference Kit - Lucio
• Reference Kit - McCree
• Reference Kit - Mei
• Reference Kit - Mercy
• Reference Kit - Pharah
• Reference Kit - Reaper
• Reference Kit - Reinhardt
• Reference Kit - Roadhog
• Reference Kit - Soldier
• Reference Kit - Symmetra
• Reference Kit - Torbjorn
• Reference Kit - Tracer
• Reference Kit - Widowmaker
• Reference Kit - Winston
• Reference Kit - Zayra
• Reference Kit - Zenyatta

Art Panels & Videos

• Junkertown: the Plan - Creating a New Kind of Overwatch Animation - BlizzCon 2017 - REQUIRES VIRTUAL TICKET
• Artist at Work - Building Ashe In-Game (Concept Art, Rigging, and Animation - BlizzCon 2018 - REQUIRES VIRTUAL TICKET
• Wrecking Ball Live-Drawing & Art Discussion - Twitch
• Artist at Work - Overwatch (Sigma - 3D Modeling, Rigging, and Controls Animation) - BlizzCon 2019 - REQUIRES VIRTUAL TICKET

Art Discussion_

• Jeff Kaplan explains the logic behind the spelling of Brigitte’s Feskarn skin - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan reminds a player that the new Maestro skin has him wearing shoes - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan hints they like exploring “alternate reality” skins for heroes - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Technical Artist Dylan Jones comments on the idea of community skin art contests - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Technical Artist Dylan Jones explains the technical difficulties in applying golden weapon skins - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Lead Technical Artist Dylan Jones shares which art themes he likes to work on - Dylan Jones - 7/30/2020 - Reddit

Cosplay

• Intermediate Cosplay - Tracer - BlizzCon 2017 - REQUIRES VIRTUAL TICKET
• Advanced Cosplay with Jackie Craft 5 - BlizzCon 2017 - REQUIRES VIRTUAL TICKET

 

Heroes Among Us

• ARTICLE - Weiwei: A Story of Courage, Hope, and Compassion
• ARTICLE - Marcin Rausch/Poland Esports
• VIDEO - Vitor “Ravnuslock” Silveira/Ecopoint Brazil
• VIDEO - Matilda Smedius/Voice Actor for Brigitte Lindholm
• VIDEO - Jordan Duncan/Henchman Studios
• ARTICLE - Chae “Kkuem” Ji Yun/Artist
• ARTICLE - Kim-Seang “Nesskain” Hong/Artist

 

Non-Game Related Posts

• Andy reminds the community to be more constructive with their comments and criticisms on the forums - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why harassment to women in video games is very different from general online harassment - AndyB - 3/1/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains the importance of understanding the difference between equitity and equality when promoting events and content focused on women, LGBTQIA+, and people of color - AndyB - 3/1/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why necrobumping posts on gaming forums is considered bad etiquette - AndyB - 1/28/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB jokes about whether all Overwatch heroes like pineapple on their pizza - AndyB - 11/10/2021 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan assures that posting on Reddit is a great way to leave feedback for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• John LaFleur shares key tips to applying for positions with Blizzard - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke states there are no planned presentations or conferences the Overwatch Team is planning to participate in the immediate future (such as GDC) due to the pandemic - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Geoff Goodman thinks Doomfist would also be a great fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Geoff Goodman - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan thinks Tracer would be a great fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Jeff Kaplan - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Technical Director John Lafleur commented on the possiblity of developer vs. pros/community exhibition matches - John Lafleur - 7/30/2020 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan confirms which hero is the best “waifu” - Jeff Kaplan - 1/30/2020 - Official Forums
• Forum developer Callie has posted they are still working on setting the platform profile default in each user’s account (between PC and Console platforms) - Callie - 2/27/2019 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers gives words of encouragement for a player who worries about how he communicates in the game - Tom Powers - 2/26/2019 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan praises the composers for all of the music for Overwatch - Jeff Kaplan - 2/20/2019 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke confirms the “Overwatch Mobile” video floating around on YouTube is fake and is considered a scam - Bill Warnecke - 12/08/2018 - Reddit
• Tom Powers details what a Loot Boost is for specially marked packages of Kellogg’s products including Lucio-oh’s cereal - Tom Powers - 11/14/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers details that any remaining pre-orders for the BRCF Pink Mercy Shirt would be shipped out by end of September - Tom Powers - 9/7/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan helps a student ask for a Prom Date - Jeff Kaplan - 5/5/2018 - YouTube
• Jeff Kaplan responds to a student about her essay - Jeff Kaplan - 4/6/2018 - YouTube
• Jeff Kaplan replies to compliments about the Art of Overwatch art book - Jeff Kaplan - 11/8/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan elaborates on how to select members of the development staff communicates with select pro players via Discord - Jeff Kaplan - 10/7/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan forum bans a user for 30 days after making demands that Blizzard terminate their representatives - Jeff Kaplan - 10/5/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan replies to a user’s story about how Overwatch helped her emotionally when being treated for cancer - Jeff Kaplan - 6/16/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan replies to a user accusing the dev team of not even playing the game - Jeff Kaplan - 6/15/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan gives his opinions of the Razer Blackwidow Keyboard - 4/26/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan shares his opinions of video game DLC business models - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan explains why Pacific Standard Time is used for timed annoucements in the game’s media - Jeff Kaplan - 11/30/2016 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan explains the introduction before the “Inflitration” short was not a full video of itself - Jeff Kaplan - 11/7/2016 - Old Official Forums

 

Fan Content | Fan Contributions

• Jodie reacts to a fan’s meme from a typo in a set of patch notes - Jodie - 2/11/2022 - Reddit
• AndyB comments on a fan’s woodcraved bastion figure - AndyB - 11/2/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB explains that sharing what are the experiences of playing the game is the most constructive form of feedback players can give - AndyB - 10/15/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why community channels for a game can become toxic and why it is up to the community manager to foster positive discussion on the forums - AndyB - 10/15/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why it is important for community managers to listen to feedback rather than leading the discussion - AndyB - 10/15/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why players brainstorming solutions without identifying issues is the least helpful feedback to solve those issues - AndyB - 10/15/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB notes how it is important to repeat certain talking points to reinforce community expectations - AndyB - 10/15/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB breakdown the realistic expectations for community participation on a game’s own community channels like the forums - AndyB - 10/15/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why its hard to schedule community events like AMAs during the early hours of day - AndyB - 10/14/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that he hopes to get the forums to a place where more constructive discussion happens and allow Q&A sessions to take place - AndyB - 10/14/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explained why the Competitive Overwatch reddit AMA was briefly announced targeting focused participation - AndyB - 10/14/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB comments on a fan’s Widowmaker rifle cosplay prop and other various weapon props - AndyB - 10/11/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke comments on a Sigma cosplay made by a fan - Bill Warnecke - 10/08/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB comments on a fan’s Sombra Hack tattoo - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB comments on a Deadlock Ashe cosplay made by a fan - AndyB - 9/27/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB comments on a fan’s meme about the Overwatch 2 Tank reworks - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB comments on a fan’s Reinhardt Tattoo - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB comments on a Shieldmaden Brigitte cosplay made by a fan - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB comments on a fan-made animation featuring Sombra - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Official Forums
• Arnold Tsang comments about how Overwatch positively impacted a fan who recently passed away from Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis - Arnold Tsang - 5/24/2021 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke praises a player’s quick thinking when existing from the spawn room on King’s Row - Bill Warnecke - 4/29/2021 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan thanks a player for sharing his story on how Overwatch and Overwatch League impacts the lives of those with mental disablities - Jeff Kaplan - 3/25/2020 - Official Forums
• Bill Warnecke compliments on a fan creation of a Overwatch paint scheme on a car in the racing video game Gran Turismo Sport - Bill Warnecke - 12/14/2018 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke compliments on a stop-motion animation featuring Wrecking Ball - Bill Warnecke - 11/20/2018 - Reddit
• Josh Engen explains the Overwatch Creator Residency Program - Josh Engen - November 5th, 2018 - Twitch
• Bill Warnecke compliments on a user re-creating Doomfist in Unreal Engine 4 - Bill Warnecke - 6/16/2018 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke compliments on a user re-creating Orisa in Unreal Engine 4 - Bill Warnecke - 12/18/2017 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke compliments on a user re-creating Tracer in Unreal Engine 4 - Bill Warnecke - 11/5/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan responds a student who developed an Overwatch style Cairo map using Unreal Engine 4 - Jeff Kaplan - 12/28/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan compliments a user’s character design concept ‘Tara’ used in a Arts Final project - Jeff Kaplan - 9/20/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan comments on the tribute video for Hongyu Wu - Jeff Kaplan - 5/9/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan reacts to Dinoflask - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• The Overwatch Team stylizes a young child’s hero concept - Overwatch - 5/20/2016 - Twitter

 

Content Creator Relations - NEW

This section details specific responses related to how and why Blizzard supports their content creators

• Andy explains the importance of helping content creators learn from past mistakes and help them grow as a person - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy explains the Overwatch community team’s core philosophy of which content creators they want to work with - AndyB - 3/30/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy clarifies that his survey to invite content creators in the Beta does not affect the general player sign-up for Beta - AndyB - 3/29/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains the importance in the trust that they build between content creators and themselves - AndyB - 2/15/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB appreciates the discussion in players understading the relationship between them and content creators - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains what he does to reach out to prospective content creators that Blizzard wants to collaborate with - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB again explains it is his task to better reach out to small and upcoming content creators - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB takes the blame for the bad rollout of the discussion of a meeting under a NDA between content creators and Blizzard - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB makes it clear that content creators rely on strong relationships with game studios for their livelyhood and success - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB makes it clear the needs of content creators and the needs of regular players differ - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB gives a detailed explain to why game studios like Blizzard work to support content creators - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB understand that Blizzard needs to do more to support small and upcoming content creators - AndyB - 1/20/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why its important to support content creators and maintain relationships - AndyB - 1/20/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why community managers work with content creators to prepare them for news, promotions and other content - AndyB - 1/20/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains the purpose and goals of having events involving content creators - AndyB - 12/1/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why there is a different outreach and relationship that video game studios have to content creators to that of the rest of the player community - AndyB - 12/1/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why it is important to treat content creators respectfully to that any other player - AndyB - 12/1/2021 - Official Forums

 

Community Development - NEW

This section details specific responses related to how Blizzard interacts with and manages the expecations of the community, along with details explaining the community manager role. (Some older posts from other sections have been moved here.)

• Andy explains why forum polls and petitions are rarely helpful - AndyB - 6/9/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy gives his gratitude to the community team he leads - AndyB - 6/9/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy again reminds why he doesn’t immediately reveal details about upcoming changes on the forums before they are ready - AndyB - 6/9/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy explains the challenges the community team deals with in changing how they deliver information to the community - AndyB - 6/9/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy reminds everyone that communication does not equal hype - AndyB - 6/9/2022 - Official Forums
• Andy reminds everyone the goal is to provide news when it is ready and not needlessly hype up everyone on the forums - AndyB - 6/9/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB emphasizes on why revealing content is not up to him alone - AndyB - 3/1/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB again reminds certain members of the community to why he won’t reveal content about Overwatch until is ready to be released by Blizzard - AndyB - 3/1/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains when he can make the decisions to communicate to the community about certain news - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why he alone cannot provide a roadmap into Overwatch’s development - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that the forum community is also an essential part of the overall community - AndyB - 1/26/2022 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why prepared news articles are an essential task for community managers - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB apologizes for not elaborate on the hero balance changes for a recent patch - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why telling bad news in advance would detract from the excitment for upcoming events - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why he choose to abstain from warning the community in advance about there only being two legendary skins in the Year of the Tiger Lunar New Year Event - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reminds the community the feels of the developers and the players are both equally important - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB wants players to understand is that the Overwatch team is not apathetic to the player experience - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• Jodie understands players feelings about the slow pace of balance changes and game development for Overwatch - Jodie - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why he has full confidence in the Overwatch development team - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why major announcements are not typically made on the forums - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why announcments and news about Overwatch are not made in advance that must be carefully vetted by Blizzard before they are made - AndyB - 1/25/2021 - Official Forums
• Jodie explains why community managers engage and talk with the community on the forums - Jodie - 1/24/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB confirms in details the role and responsiblities of community management - AndyB - 1/18/2021 - Official Forums
• Jodie explains that community management is more than just interacting with the community - Jodie - 1/18/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why the forums tend to be more critical due to the more core fanbase of the game - AndyB - 12/1/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reiterates why the Competitive Overwatch Reddit AMA had very little lead time - AndyB - 11/10/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why an article was published several weeks later about the Competitive Overwatch Reddit AMA - AndyB - 11/10/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB understands the frustration the Overwatch community has about the long time it is taking for Overwatch 2 to be made and dismisses the claim that Overwatch 2 will only be released in the year 2023 - AndyB - 10/28/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reminds players they should post in the Bug Report forums when they encounter formatting issues with the patch notes in the game client - AndyB - 10/28/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that community managers best perform by always learning what motivates players - AndyB - 10/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that even player sentiment that includes hyperbole is still considered in the overall community feedback for the game - AndyB - 10/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB states why players are more conscious of the overall effort to the hero balance in Overwatch - AndyB - 10/26/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB notes that Blizzard will not be taking action against players who insist on using the old name for Cassidy - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB comments they hope to return to regular developer video updates in the near future - AndyB - 10/22/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB dismisses speculation that upcoming Overwatch 2 hero reworks would not be directly tied to new skins being made for Overwatch - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that feedback that identifies the problems players have instead of proposed solutions is the most helpful - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB understands why the community tends to compare games in development to other games - AndyB - 10/5/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains why player ideas and solutions to problems in games are often not good but why the feedback is still valid - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB explains the goals to making the forums a safe and constructive platform for discussion about Overwatch - AndyB - 9/28/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains that they will occasionally try to use new platforms of communication for discussion and announcements for Overwatch such as Twitter Spaces - AndyB - 9/28/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB notes that major announcements like the upcoming hero reworks are not likely to be posted on the forums first - AndyB - 9/27/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains how community managers work to remove the personal bias from players opinions about current balance with the game to deliver meaningful constructive feedback to the development team - AndyB - 9/24/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB explains how community managers work to deliver feedback to the developers who in turn make the decisions to make beneficial changes to the game - AndyB - 9/17/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB jokes about his skills with D.Va in context of his Competitive Rank and his role as a community manager - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB states his skills in community management is not related to how good of a player he is in Overwatch - AndyB - 9/17/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reminds that what he communicates is done by coordinating with the devs - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Reddit
• AndyB states his presence on the forums is an effort to cut down on overspeculation and rumors - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB reminds the community to not read too much into certain examples he posts on the forum to actual changes coming - AndyB - 9/13/2021 - Official Forums
• AndyB jokes about the role of community managers in relation to the forums - AndyB - 9/9/2021 - Reddit
• Tom Powers assures a user the development team frequently reads the forums for feedback about the game - Tom Powers - 7/2/2018 - Official Forums
• Tom Powers reminds why the Dislike button was removed in the new forum platform - Tom Powers - 6/22/2018 - Official Forums
• Unable to Post in Other Forums? Information here! - Drakuloth - 6/16/2018 - Official Forums
• Josh Engen explains why the Dislike button was removed in the new forum platform - Josh Engen - 6/20/2018 - Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan assures the best way to share feedback or ideas is on the forums or Reddit - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan finds amusement in the community attempt to guess at new heroes or content - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan doesn’t like it when the community is being toxic to each other or is spreading hyperbole - Jeff Kaplan - 3/13/2017 - Reddit
• Jeff Kaplan notes how the community contradicts itself frequently - Jeff Kaplan - 3/2/2017 - Old Official Forums
• Jeff Kaplan details on the difference between constructive feedback and trolling on the forums - Jeff Kaplan - 1/9/2017 - Old Official Forums

 

---

As always if any of you have sourcable information about any developer comments about Overwatch or Overwatch 2, be sure to post here and I will review it to see if it needs to be in the archive or not. Thank you everyone for your support in this project of mine. Cheers!

[Kaedi-11739]

Hey everyone, as we have all noticed, we got a short story for Mercy (and likely and upcoming mini-event this week). However there has been some chatter on Reddit from mostly Lead Engineer Bill Warnecke. So here is the latest tidbits of information added to the Dev Post Archives.

Overwatch 2

Developer Responses

• Bill Warnecke shares that no ability branch from “Project Titan” or early Overwatch 1 development was rebuilt for Overwatch 2’s talent system - Bill Warnecke - 11/7/2019 - Reddit

Game Features and Functions

General Game Features

OTHER GAME FEATURE RESPONSES

• Bill Warnecke confirms there is no limit to how many Loot Boxes you can collect - Bill Warnecke - 11/7/2019 - Reddit
• Bill Warnecke shares that updating can happen any day, but prefer Tuesdays to react to any bugs - Bill Warnecke - 11/4/2019 - Reddit

Media Content, Lore, and Non-Game Elements

Comics | Animated Shorts | Origin Stories | Articles

COMICS & SHORT STORIES

SHORT STORY - Mercy | Valkyrie

[VenusArmani-1354]

You probably saw this thread earlier but it just occurred to me to leave it here.

[Kaedi-11739]

Hey everyone, there is a new section added to the Archives, which is the “Art” section. The reasoning for creating this is that I discovered that PlayOverwatch.com has overhauled the Media page and the Reference Kit PDFs are no longer directly available on the site. The good news is that those PDFs are still in their original locations on Blizzard’s servers (for the moment), so I have provided the links to them here in the archive. To give the section a little more content, I have decided to go ahead and link any available panels and videos that relate to the art development of Overwatch (though mostly this is BlizzCon panels, so you will need a Virtual Ticket to access that content). Find the Art section just below the Lore & Comics sections.

On a side note, I am aware of another interview that Jeff Kaplan did at University of Southern California. There was some information informally tweeted out by those who attended including comments on why the PTR is not played a lot. I will not be posting any information from that here in the archives as it was not necessarily intended for full public distribution and the posted information is subject to personal interpretation (and may be inaccurate).

[unsaidtruth-1174]

so…overwatch is dead until 2021? not new content at all? wow…not what you expect from a AAA company… sigh destiny and fortnite it is.

[theorygeek-1388]

• Bill Warnecke shares that no ability branch from “Project Titan” or early Overwatch 1 development was rebuilt for Overwatch 2’s talent system - Bill Warnecke - 11/7/2019 - Reddit

This link takes me to a Reddit thread about loot boxes. Is that intended?

[Kaedi-11739]

Thanks for the heads up, I will get it fixed.

[what-21551]

• Players who own a license to both Overwatch 1 and Overwatch 2 will be able to access their collected content (skins, emotes, sprays, etc.) on Overwatch 2.

Do we know whether cosmetics earned in OW2 will cross back to OW1? Or will it be like on the PTR, where live will cross over to PTR, but PTR won’t cross over to live?

[Kaedi-11739]

Both Overwatch and Overwatch 2 will be sharing the same account and game client. So don’t worry about that.

[Kaedi-11739]

New developer post today. Game Director Jeff Kaplan responded to a thread on Reddit, hinting at possible changes to Baptiste’s Immortality Field:

we’re trying out some changes to immortality field to make it less oppressive. i missed the playtest today so i’ll ask the crew how it went.

r/Competitiveoverwatch - The cool down on Baptiste’s Immortality Field should...

[Kaedi-11739]

Prinicipal Designer Josh Noh made a post on the forums today. Look toward D.Va getting possible changes soon.

Still Waiting For The DVA buff

We’ve actually been playtesting a Boosters cooldown reduction recently.

It sounded kind of intimidating on paper (tested a 3 sec CD first) but in practice hasn’t been that crazy and allows D.Va to play the midfield more freely, which works well with the current 10 meter Defense Matrix range.

Some version should make it to the next PTR cycle.

He also address the concept of powercreep and perceptions about balance in the game:

Please Nerf Power Creep instead of Nerfing Defense/Support

Dropping by with a fun fact!
Looking at GM players for the current patch (1.43), Genji and Soldier: 76 are #6 and #7 in terms of win rate for damage heroes (out of 16 total).

They’re not doing quite as poorly as the general community sentiment would imply. Game balance perceptions/opinions are often repeated and perpetuated enough that they start to become accepted as fact by many players.

We also should remember that things like win rates and hero power/effectiveness can fluctuate significantly depending on the players’ skill level. If someone complains that Reaper is too strong and another says that Reaper is too weak, they could both be correct for their current skill level.

When making balance changes we typically look at the high end potential of player skill for a hero but also try to keep in mind if a given change would be a significant detriment to the overall gameplay experience in lower skill brackets and attempt to find better solution if so.

I think in general being wary of extreme “power creep” is a valid and healthy concern if it’s causing gameplay to become too wildly distorted from the core experience. I don’t feel that we’re currently anywhere close to that with the live game.

[L3THALB0ZZ-11395]

Is it possible Overwatch 2 will be cross platform considering Blizzard working with Activision which just successfully produced a cross platform Call of Duty. Surely this would help maintain a stronger Overwatch community.

[Sasquesteve-1986]

I figure it will happen, unless the legacy code of the matchmaker and servers is that difficult to rewrite. They’ve said before it is something they want to do, and they might implement cross profession as well while they’re at it.

[Kaedi-11739]

Is it possible Overwatch 2 will be cross platform considering Blizzard working with Activision which just successfully produced a cross platform Call of Duty. Surely this would help maintain a stronger Overwatch community.

It is far too early to say if it will or not.