Summary
Overwatch 2recently surpassed its two-year anniversary. Now in its thirteenth season,Overwatch 2has seen many changes since its release in October 2022. For instance, the PvE missions introduced in Season 6 appear to have been abandoned, but sources indicate Blizzard is bringing the popular hero-shooter to mobile platforms.
In his bookPlay Nice, which details Blizzard’s 33-year history, Jason Schreier claims thatBlizzard is developingOverwatch Mobile. Although Team 4 has not confirmed this, Schreier’s book, which encapsulates over 300 interviews with Blizzard employees, mentions that “new projects like a mobile version of the franchise” are in the works. Notably, speculation regardinga mobile releasehas sparked discussions about its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Overwatch 2’s Potential Mobile Version Faces Mixed Reception
Exploring the Backlash Against Overwatch 2’s Mobile Game
Though the idea has been circulating for years, an August report from Dexerto claimed that Microsoft has assembled a smaller team within Blizzard, primarily made up of King employees, to develop games based on existing franchises likeOverwatch,StarCraft, andWarcraft. Now, according to Jason Schreier, Walter Kong, the General Manager ofOverwatch 2and former senior director of Team 5, has been appointed as the director for the mobile version ofOverwatch. Given thatOverwatch 2was initiallyrevealed at BlizzCon 2019, it makes sense that a mobile version would be in development at this point.
However, there has been notable pushback from the player base regardingOverwatch 2being optimized for mobile. Under a post on X, formerly Twitter, from Overwatch Calvary, one user commented, “So they can make a mobile game but can’t make more PvE?” Another account expressed disappointment, saying, “They’re wasting resources on this when we’re getting the least amount ofcontent sinceOverwatch 2launched.” As such, it seems some players feel that the focus on mobile development could detract from Blizzard improving the core game experience.
“There has been notable pushback from the player base regardingOverwatch 2being optimized for mobile.”
Other player concerns have included, but aren’t limited to:
Overwatch Mobile Game Might Surprise Players
Interestingly, the claims about a mobile version of the hero shooter coincided with news of a plannedOverwatchNetflix adaptation, which was ultimately canceled. Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, noting that they had been asking for more lore inOverwatchand felt that the mobile game took precedence over those requests. Regardless, it’s possible that a mobile version of the game may not be what the community was expecting.
Games likeCall of Duty: Mobile,Fortnite, andPUBG Mobilehave achieved success over the years.Valorant Mobileis currently undergoing testingin China and has received generally positive reviews for its close resemblance to the original game, aside from adjustments for touchscreen controls.Overwatch 2could benefit from a similar approach, despite concerns about potential visual clutter and the challenge of pressing multiple buttons at once.
On the other hand, Blizzard could takeinspiration fromApex Legends Mobile, which offered a distinct gameplay experience with its unique Legends and abilities. However, that game was discontinued in May 2023, with EA citing a lack of quality and content as the reasons for its closure. If Blizzard proceeds with its plans for a mobile version ofOverwatch 2, it should be mindful to avoid these issues.
Overwatch 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
