Blizzard's popular hero-shooter, Overwatch 2, is under fire once more following a recent developer live stream. The stream focused on both the PvE Starwatch event along with a content roadmap for the next few seasons. Although the outline features some interesting details about the game's future, it's been mostly overshadowed by the news that the original concept for Overwatch 2's co-op PvE is no longer in the works.While the planned PvE mode was an intense project for Blizzard to shoulder, no one expected that it would be canceled entirely. When the developers confirmed that Overwatch 2 would be free-to-play, contrary to its predecessor, it was implied that the PvE aspects of the game were still on the way but just scheduled for a later date. With several promises left unkept, Blizzard's reputation could be toeing the line.
Overwatch 2 Fans Are Losing Faith
It was during the May 16 stream that fans were expecting news on the progress of the co-op PvE and potential release date. To their shock, Executive Producer Jared Neuss instead shared that the team is unable to "deliver on that original vision for PvE that was shown in 2019." With this announcement trending, Overwatch content creators and fans alike have taken to the internet to share their disappointment over what was once a huge draw for the game. Some are going so far as to claim they are not playing the game again.
There are fans that are defending that decision to come forward and tell the community rather than continue to let them wait for a mode that isn't coming. Others are attempting to placate the player base by reminding them there are still PvE components to be excited about, though overall it is widely different from Overwatch 2's open-ended hero mode that was initially pledged. Aaron Keller, the current Game Director, said in an interview with GameSpot that the developers are still going to work on PvE story missions, ensuring that the work put into the mode's narrative content will actually launch.
Unsurprisingly, fans are upset that the 2019 footage of Overwatch 2's co-op Story Mission mode on Rio de Janeiro will never come to fruition in the same way since talent trees and long-term progression have been scrapped. Furthermore, many are upset that this verdict came at the cost of the original Overwatch since it was all but abandoned after the announcement of Overwatch 2. The last hero to be added to the roster was Echo in 2020, which was difficult for those still playing the game until 2022 but understandable if it meant Team 4 was dedicating its time to PvE.
Several Overwatch content creators have shared their thoughts on the matter, wondering how a sequel to Overwatch was justifiable if it's largely the same game. Some are accusing Blizzard of creating a sequel solely for monetization purposes, because while the first Overwatch was not free-to-play, rewards and cosmetics were included with the base price whereas Overwatch 2 is full of microtransactions.
This is not the first time Team 4 has made a promise that they have been unable to keep since the previous Overwatch Game Director, Jeff Kaplan, originally said the servers for the first Overwatch would remain running. With the first Overwatch officially dead, there is nowhere for nostalgic fans to return. If Blizzard wants to retain the angry part of its player base, it needs to ensure these next few seasons are engaging and unique and that the PvE story missions that survived the cancelation are enjoyable.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
