Overwatch 2 recently passed its two-year anniversary. Now in its thirteenth season, Overwatch 2 has undergone many changes since its release in October 2022. For example, the PvE missions introduced in Season 6 appear to have been abandoned, but sources indicate that Blizzard is bringing the popular hero shooter to mobile platforms.
In his book Play Nicedetailing Blizzard’s 33-year history, Jason Schreier claims Blizzard is evolving Overwatch mobile. Although Team 4 has not confirmed this, Schreier’s book, which includes more than 300 interviews with Blizzard employees, mentions that “new projects such as a mobile version of the franchise” are in the works. Speculation about a mobile release in particular has led to discussions about its potential pros and cons.
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The potential mobile version of Overwatch 2 is facing mixed reception
Research into the backlash against the Overwatch 2 mobile game
While the idea has been circulating for years, an August report from Dexerto claims that Microsoft has created a smaller team within Blizzard, mostly made up of King employees, to develop games based on existing franchises such as Overwatch, StarCraftAnd War vessel. According to Jason Schreier, Walter Kong, the general manager of Overwatch 2 and former senior director of Team 5, has been appointed director for the mobile version of Overwatch. Given that Overwatch 2 was first revealed at BlizzCon 2019, but it makes sense that a mobile version is currently in development.
However, there has been notable pushback from the player base Overwatch 2 optimized for mobile. Under a post on Another account expressed disappointment, saying, “They’re wasting resources on this when we’ve been getting the least amount of content since Overwatch 2 launched.” As such, it appears that some players feel that the focus on mobile development could detract from Blizzard improving the core gaming experience.
“There is remarkable resistance from the player base
Overwatch 2
optimized for mobile.”
Other player concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Potential effects on the balance and overall state of the game.
- Some players question the need for a mobile version.
- Others wonder if Blizzard plans to capitalize on the mobile gaming market.
- The challenge of preventing cheating on mobile, especially given previous issues with ximming on console.
- Comparisons between the unsatisfactory experience of Overwatch on the Switch and how that could translate to mobile.
Overwatch mobile game can surprise players
Interestingly, the claims about a mobile version of the hero shooter coincided with news of one planned Overwatch Netflix adaptation, which was ultimately canceled. Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, noting that they had been asking for more information Overwatch and felt that the mobile game took precedence over these requests. Either way, it’s possible that a mobile version of the game isn’t what the community expected.
Games like Call of Duty: Mobile, FortniteAnd PUBG mobile have achieved success over the years. Valorant mobile is currently being tested in China and has received generally positive reviews due to its close similarity to the original game, aside from adjustments for touchscreen controls. Overwatch 2 could 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 take inspiration from it Apex Legends mobilewhich 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 reason for its closure. If Blizzard goes ahead with its plans for a mobile version of Overwatch 2one must take into account that these problems are avoided.