Overwatch Dev Post Archives & Overwatch 2 Facts & Beta Info

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

  • 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 :lock: emoji indicates a post that is no longer available to be replied to. A :hourglass: emoji indicates a post that may be longer relevant to the current state of the game. A :sparkling_heart: emoji indicates a post that contains highly relevant information and is a recommended read for all members of the community. A :timer_clock: emoji indicates a post that contains information that is temporarily relevant and will likely be removed from the archives at a later date. A :warning: 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 :tickets: 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

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OVERWATCH 2 DEVELOPER POSTS & QUICK FACTS

News Articles & Press Releases

Livestreams and Developer Update Videos

Developer Interviews

Cinematic Shorts

Origin Stories

Hero reworks & Gameplay Trailers

Demonstration Matches

Developer Responses

Click here to expand the developer responses list

New Heroes

New Maps

Changing to the 5v5 ruleset and to solo tanking

Hero balance changes

Game Mode Changes

PVE Modes

Other responses

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.
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Game Features and Functions

Competitive Play | Skill Rating

COMPETITIVE SEASON NEWS BLOGS

COMPETITIVE MODE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RULE CHANGES

SKILL RATING AND HIDDEN MMR

COMPETITIVE RULESET

HERO POOLS

HOW LEAVERS AFFECT COMPETITIVE MATCHES

HERO AND MAP RELEASES IN COMPETITIVE

COMPETITIVE ARCADE MODES

OTHER COMPETITIVE RESPONSES

PLAYER DISTRIBUTION

ONE-TRICKING

COMPETITIVE POINTS, GOLDEN WEAPONS, AND REWARDS

 

Matchmaking | Servers | Role Queue

MATCHMAKING

SERVERS

ROLE QUEUE

 

Quick Play | Arcade Game Modes | Training Modes

TRAINING MODES

 

Custom Games | Workshop
Seasonal Events | Special Promotions

DEVELOPER RESPONSES

DEVELOPER UPDATE VIDEOS

 

Social Features | LFG | Endorsements

 

General Game Features

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Guild/Clan System

Map Editor

Match History

Crossplay (players on different platforms playing together)

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

Ping System (Positional Tracker)

Scoreboards/Medal System Improvements

Other Requested Features

REQUESTED GAME FEATURES THAT ARE NOT LIKELY TO COME

REQUESTED GAME FEATURES THAT HAVE LATER BEEN IMPLEMENTED INTO THE GAME

OTHER GAME FEATURE RESPONSES

DEVELOPER VIDEO UPDATES/PRESS RELEASES

 

Public Test Region

 

Console Specific Game Features

 

Reporting | Account Actions | Community Behavior

REPORTING

ACCOUNT ACTIONS

FALSE REPORTING

THIRD-PARTY APPS, AIMBOTS, HACKS

EXPLOITS

SMURF/ALTERNATE ACCOUNTS/BOOSTING/THROWING

ABUSIVE CHAT

GAMEPLAY SABOTAGE

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

GAME BROWSER/LFG/USER CONTENT VIOLATIONS

POSTING VIOLATIONS ON THE FORUMS

SUPPORT FOR ACCOUNT ACTIONS/PENALTIES

OTHER RESOURCES

 

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Game Balance

Map Design, Types, & Balance

GENERAL MAP RESPONSES

ASSAULT MAP TYPES

PUSH MAP TYPES

AYUTTHAYA (ARENA)

JUNKERTOWN (ESCORT)

HORIZON LUNAR COLONY (ASSAULT)

NUMBANI (HYBRID)

PARIS (ASSAULT)

RIALTO (ESCORT)

 

Hero Design & Balance | Experimental Play

GENERAL HERO BALANCE

EXPERIMENTAL PLAY

ANA

ASHE

BAPTISTE

BRIGITTE

D.VA

DOOMFIST

ECHO

GENJI

HANZO

JUNKRAT

MEI

MERCY

MOIRA

ORISA

REAPER

REINHARDT

ROADHOG

SIGMA

SOMBRA

SYMMETRA

TORBJORN

TRACER

WINSTON

WIDOWMAKER

WRECKING BALL

 

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Development and History

Game Development Facts

DEVELOPER BIOGRAPHY

DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY

DEVELOPMENT NEWS ARTICLES

 

Interviews with the Community

INTERVIEWS/PANELS

 

Technical Support

Connection Troubleshooting - PC

 

Connection Troubleshooting - Console

 

Performance/Crashes Troubleshooting - PC

 

Performance/Crashes Troubleshooting - Console

 

Overwatch Esports

Overwatch League

 

Overwatch World Cup

 

Overwatch Contenders

 

Overwatch Open Division

Legal Information

Legal Information | Copyright Trademark Usage
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Media Content, Lore, and Non-Game Elements

Lore

GENERAL LORE INFORMATION

ASHE LORE

BAPTISTE LORE

BASTION LORE

BRIGITTE LORE

CASSIDY LORE

DOOMFIST LORE

D.VA LORE

HANZO LORE

JUNKRAT LORE

MEI LORE

MERCY LORE

MOIRA LORE

ORISA LORE

PHARAH LORE

REAPER LORE

REINHARDT LORE

ROADHOG LORE

SOLDIER: 76

SOMBRA LORE

SYMMETRA LORE

TORBJORN LORE

TRACER LORE

WRECKING BALL LORE

ZENYATTA LORE

 

Comics | Animated Shorts | Origin Stories | Articles

COMICS & SHORT STORIES

ANIMATED SHORTS

ORIGIN STORIES

LORE NEWS ARTICLES

 

Art

REFERENCE KITS

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

Art Panels & Videos

Art Discussion_

Cosplay

 

Heroes Among Us

 

Non-Game Related Posts

 

Fan Content | Fan Contributions

 

Content Creator Relations - NEW

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

 

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.)

 


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!

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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

Game Features and Functions

General Game Features

OTHER GAME FEATURE RESPONSES

Media Content, Lore, and Non-Game Elements

Comics | Animated Shorts | Origin Stories | Articles

COMICS & SHORT STORIES

SHORT STORY - Mercy | Valkyrie

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

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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).

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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.

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

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

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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?

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

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

https://www.reddit.com/r/Competitiveoverwatch/comments/el30y0/the_cool_down_on_baptistes_immortality_field/fdfi699?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x

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

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

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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.

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.

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

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