We might not see Overwatch 2’s full release until next year, but Blizzard is splitting up the PvP and PvP modes to get it out sooner — with beta testing on the latter starting soon.
On Thursday, Blizzard announced that Overwatch 2’s PvE and PvE modes will no longer ship together. Game director Aaron Keller explains the reasoning behind this move in a new developer update video.
“We haven’t communicated well, haven’t kept you up to date, and honestly, we’ve let you down when it comes to delivering Overwatch content,” Keller said on YouTube. “We hear you, and we’re committed to more continual updates on all things Overwatch 2.”
“We are shifting our plan with Overwatch 2 to enable you to play it sooner,” Keller continues. “This starts with de-coupling 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, new push game mode, significant hero reworks, and many new gameplay features [like] a ping system.”
We look forward to building a new era of Overwatch 2 together ✨ pic.twitter.com/CadWUwlIxh
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) March 10, 2022
Keller then explains that Overwatch 2’s first closed beta tests will begin in late April. There are no concrete dates yet, but you can register for Overwatch 2’s beta test here.
So yeah, Overwatch 2 might squeak in as one of the biggest shooters of 2022.
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.