“Overwatch 2” is quite possibly the most anticipated competitive game to be released in 2022. When it was first announced, the game faced criticism for being a sequel that would divide the playerbase. On top of this, critics also took issue with the lack of new features.
Despite this, over 10 million players signed into their accounts to play “Overwatch 2” in its first few days of release (according to gamepur.com). Despite this big success, big problems arose for the game. Waiting to get into a match was a common complaint, and worst of all, the game faced a massive DDoS attack, which hampered connection to the game.
For SXU, the release of “Overwatch 2” is proving to be a big deal for those involved in the esports program. With the game’s parent company, Activision-Blizzard, heavily promoting a collegiate esports scene, the release of “Overwatch 2” will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the SXU esports program.
Despite the technical issues plaguing it’s launch, SXU students involved in the esports program are having a great time with the game.
William Barquero Roman, a member of the esports program, spoke positively about his experience with the game:
“‘Overwatch 2’ was refreshing. The game didn’t feel as slow or character-fragile, but instead the fights were fast paced. And we were able to play most, if not all, characters without feeling like they were beating us solely on who we were playing. Most of the new maps feel very good, and the old maps got a few changes alongside a time-of-day change.”
“All the maps and heroes got revamped with the new graphics, sounds, and interactions within every nook and cranny of the game. The battle pass and associated challenges feel strange for a game that used to give many cosmetics for free, but as a person who has every single cosmetic, I can get used to it. I’m very excited to play PVE with friends when it comes out early next year, as well as to see all the new heroes and maps.”
Mike Hamm, another member of the esports program, was more critical of Activision-Blizzard’s choices regarding the game:
“With the high anticipation of the release, Blizzard was not ready for the high amount of players wanting to play. The change from the original 6v6 to a 5v5 was interesting, but enjoyable nonetheless. However, one thing I don’t enjoy about it, is when my friends and I are used to running a six stack. (just a group of six players) Now someone is left out or we have to split the group up.”
“The 5v5 was not the only big change, Blizzard chose to get rid of the loot box system. Every time you leveled up, you got a loot box filled with skins, sprays, voice lines etc.. to a set list filled from a battle pass. I am not a huge fan of this because now there is no hope of getting random stuff and getting excited about pulling a legendary skin after a rough game.”
Mario Leanos, a casual player of “Overwatch 2”, was also critical of the lack of innovation:
“While “Overwatch 2” is fun as it is, the main problem is that it’s not much of a step up from the first game. Aside from some retextures, it doesn’t feel like a real sequel. It feels like a large update.”
“I’m a bit disappointed. if they were gonna rebrand, they should have altered maps and characters. There are some good revamps and balancing changes to certain characters, but overall, it’s a mixed bag.”
While many players are enjoying “Overwatch 2” in its current state, there’s no doubt that the game is still in a sadly unfinished state. Fortunately, players still have the upcoming cooperative game mode to look forward to in an upcoming update. If Activision-Blizzard can re-establish good will with their fans and make bigger changes, “Overwatch 2” could become just as big of a hit as its predecessor.