Blizzard has finally given Overwatch fans an update regarding the game’s sequel, announcing the Overwatch 2 PVP Beta. It will begin in “late April” and feature new heroes, maps, and modes. Sign-ups for the beta are available through Battle.net.
The sequel to one of the best Blizzard games of all time, Overwatch 2 was first announced in 2019. Three years later, it feels like we’re no closer to release. Today, a developer update featuring Game Director Aaron Keller was also made available on YouTube.
Keller and Blizzard Entertainment Director Mike Ybarra acknowledge that the team hasn’t been communicative with the public. That changes today, along with plans to put the game into the hands of its fans sooner. That begins with the Overwatch 2 PVP Beta.
The first step involves “decoupling the PVP features of the game from the PVE systems so we can bring you PVP sooner. This includes the new 5v5 team format, new heroes, new maps, the new Push game mode, significant hero updates and reworks, and many new gameplay features, including for example, a new ping system.” Logically, we’ll see all this next month during the Overwatch 2 PVP Beta.
The developer update also explains that they shunned the current live game as the team focused on Overwatch 2. Plans for that change as well, with the desire to update the live game as well.
A Blizzard-only closed-Alpha starts later this week before the Overwatch 2 PVP Beta begins. It’ll be under NDA, so don’t expect any official news just yet.
Blizzard promises that “starting now, we’ll be communicating much more frequently about our plans. During and after each beta, we’ll share updates about what we’re learning, changes we’re considering, and what we’ll look to test next. We look forward to working with you to make Overwatch 2 amazing together.”
No release date was announced, but with the Overwatch 2 PVP Beta coming next month, a late 2022 or early 2023 release is likely.
I’m hearing talks that phones may be required to access OW2 and I would like clarifications from the OW team on the extent of this plan. I’m on the fence about it and may consider taking my time elsewhere depending on that extent.