Blizzard says it still has ‘a ways to go’ on Overwatch 2

Blizzard plans to provide a significant update on Overwatch 2 in early 2021 but has warned fans not to expect the game to be released any time soon.

In a developer update largely focused on a new map for the original Overwatch, Blizzard game director and VP Jeff Kaplan said the studio plans to discuss the sequel in more detail at BlizzCon Online in February.

“Can’t wait to talk to you more about Overwatch 2, can’t wait to show you more with Overwatch 2,” he said. “We know it’s been too long, we know we’ve been quiet.

“We still have a ways to go, just to manage expectations, but we’re working extremely hard. We want this game to be great for you, both the live game and the upcoming sequel.”

While Kaplan called Overwatch 2 Blizzard’s “big focus”, the studio has also just released a new free-for-all deathmatch map, Kanezaka, on the Overwatch PTR.

“Fight for your life in a thrilling battlefield of alleyways, ancient stone, towering steel, and cat cafes,” reads an official description. “Shatter your enemy’s dreams in the pottery shop, deliver beatdowns in the Tora no Sumika nightclub, or rise above the competition in the tower at the center of the city.”

Kaplan said Kanezaka, which is nestled beside Hanamura in China, will get a full release “some time early in 2021, probably within early January, maybe mid-January [at] the latest”.

Further reading

Overwatch 2 director says merging original game was ‘very challenging’ sell

New maps and heroes will be playable by owners of original game