Highlights
- Overwatch 2 has faced obstacles like missing PvE features and a controversial 5v5 switch, and soon it will be faced with in an increase in competition.
- Marvel Rivals, Star Wars: Hunters, Concord, and Valve's Deadlock could be aiming to capitalize on Overwatch 2's missteps.
- Healthy competition should benefit players with more choices and could push Blizzard to keep refining Overwatch 2 to stay relevant. Still, it is hard not to wonder if there would be less Overwatch clones - or if they would be getting less attention - had Blizzard stuck the landing with Overwatch 2.
Since its launch in 2016, Overwatch has captivated players with its engaging roster of characters and rich lore. Ten seasons in, it's undeniable that Overwatch 2 is maintaining its status as a pillar of the hero shooter genre. Unfortunately, while Blizzard's live-service shooter has garnered quite a bit of attention since its debut in 2022, not all of it has been positive.
Notably, Overwatch 2 has faced a few pitfalls that have been hindering its success. Such obstacles include missing PvE features and the controversial switch to 5v5, which has left some fans wanting more. In fact, these frustrations could be fueling the rise of so-called "Overwatch clones," with Blizzard's mistakes enabling an increase in competition.
Marvel Rivals Characters Have a Clear Parallel with Some Overwatch 2 Heroes
With Marvel Rivals debuting in its closed Alpha stage, comparisons are already being drawn between some of its characters and Overwatch 2's.
A Hero Shooter Renaissance May Be on the Horizon
Blizzard Stumbled Upon a Hidden Gem With 2016's Overwatch
Intriguingly, the development of Overwatch, originally conceived as project Titan, may have been a rare instance of striking gold. While hero shooters weren't a new concept, with Team Fortress 2 being a notable example, none had achieved the critical acclaim of Overwatch. In fact, Overwatch went on to win Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2016, making it the first shooter to claim this title since Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007.
While titles like Paladins emerged in 2018 to challenge Overwatch, 2024 has seen a significant rise in similar games. This suggests a potential resurgence for the genre and indicates that other studios see an opportunity in the market, perhaps due to the mixed reception of Overwatch 2. Notable examples include:
- Marvel Rivals
- Star Wars: Hunters
- Concord
- Valve's unannounced hero shooter (currently trademarked under the name Deadlock)
As the hero shooter landscape becomes increasingly crowded, new games seem hungry to capitalize on some of Overwatch 2's missteps. For example, even though NetEase Games' shooter has yet to officially launch, Marvel Rivals is already making esports headlines for its immersive gameplay and competitive elements. However, instead of simply being Overwatch copies, it seems these games are aiming to incorporate some of Overwatch 2's most appealing features while providing a unique experience.
Concord's innovative cinematic system is expanding narrative horizons, while Star Wars: Hunters is adapting Overwatch-like gameplay for mobile platforms. Similarly, though details are scarce about Valve's leaked hero shooter, it appears positioned to serve as a spiritual successor to 2007's Team Fortress 2, which was praised for its strategic depth and replayability.
"As the hero shooter landscape becomes increasingly crowded, new games seem hungry to capitalize on some of Overwatch 2' s missteps."
Fortunately, this healthy competition should benefit both Overwatch 2's players and developers. For fans, it offers a wider variety of comparable experiences to choose from. Subsequently, for Blizzard, the very existence of these hero-based shooters provides valuable feedback that can help Overwatch 2 continue to refine its formula and keep the game exciting for seasons to come. Still, it is hard not to wonder if there would be less challengers to Overwatch 2's throne if the game had stuck the landing and avoided controversy. While competition could certainly be good, it also puts Overwatch 2 at risk of being overshadowed if Blizzard cannot keep up with other games in the genre.
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 is Blizzard's free-to-play team-based first-person shooter. The title features some new heroes like Junker Queen and Sojourn, as well as returning favorites.
