Along with Activision Blizzard’s own respective controversy, Overwatch 2 was also met with similar confusion and controversy. Whether it was the lack of news altogether, or the apprehension from fans regarding Overwatch 2’s confusing sequel plans, reception of the upcoming title has been mixed between cautious optimism and worry. While Overwatch 2 is introducing new PvE content and Hero missions, PvP play on Overwatch will still be compatible with Overwatch 2, despite the sequel making significant balance and meta changes that are very different. Overwatch 2 is classified as a sequel, but it’s unclear how much will change Overwatch long-term.
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Designing a Proper Sequel to Overwatch
Overwatch 2 is primarily considered a sequel because of the wealth of PvE content being added to the game. Various heroes of Overwatch will band together in dedicated singleplayer/co-op PvE missions, with a dedicated focus on narrative, set pieces, and character development. Blizzard’s reveal trailer for Overwatch 2 clearly indicates a new beginning for the titular hero squad, setting up the main campaign against the Null Sector and their omnic robot incursions. Additional features like skill trees and progression in PvE, alongside unique consumable items, are going to change up the gameplay for each hero, all specifically in PvE modes.
As for PvP multiplayer, big changes are coming to the competitive meta in Overwatch 2. Overwatch as it currently stands runs with a 6v6 meta, with role queue for two DPS heroes, two Support heroes, and two Tank heroes. In Overwatch 2, the meta is shifting to a 5v5 format, moving to only one Tank hero among the other two roles. Because of this, the tank role is receiving buffs in order to prioritize the newly isolated role, while individual character changes will help differentiate the various Tank heroes, so they can better operate independently in the role. These changes, in particular, have been mixed among hardcore fans and players criticizing the new meta.
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Overwatch 2’s Changes Affect Overwatch, Too
As a sequel, Overwatch 2’s position as a sequel is a bit vexing. Obviously the new singleplayer features and additions are undeniably exciting and expected from an ambitious sequel of Overwatch. Plenty of fans have shown interest in singleplayer content with Overwatch, but the fact that the multiplayer changes are affecting the first game, as well as Overwatch 2, is strange. Anyone who’s looking to just compete in multiplayer doesn’t even necessarily need to get Overwatch 2 to experience the Overwatch 2 changes coming to the PvP meta. However, that also potentially means that Overwatch’s initial 6v6 meta may no longer be accessible afterwards.
Reactions have been mixed on the PvP changes, especially when they’re as significant as removing an entire playable slot from the team composition. Some players believe that the meta changes are significant enough to shake up the gameplay dynamic in Overwatch, especially with the character-specific changes coming to Overwatch 2. Others feel that eliminating a Tank role and prioritizing a solitary Tank player is exclusionary, especially for Tank players in the Overwatch pro league who could be excised from teams entirely. It makes the Tank role far more desirable for players who specialize in that role, making it harder for them to find games.
Making the shift from 6v6 to 5v5 is a huge change to make, especially now that Overwatch has been out for almost six years. Players will have to jump into both Overwatch and Overwatch 2 re-learning the game pretty significantly, depending on how deep the Tank changes affect the rest of the competitive meta. That being said, Overwatch fans have been asking for some kind of reinvigoration to the gameplay formula for a while. Those changes affecting both Overwatch and Overwatch 2, rather than keep it separate from the legacy gameplay experience, could certainly be controversial, especially if the changes are not met with a positive reception.
Overwatch 2 is in development.
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