Blizzard President Teases Expanding Overwatch IP Beyond Gaming

Mike Ybarra hints at exciting plans for the future of the Overwatch IP that go beyond the realm of gaming.

Image credit: Activision Blizzard

In a comprehensive message shared on social media, Ybarra revealed that the Overwatch team gave a sneak peek of "Invasion" to others at Blizzard, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Acknowledging the previously canceled hero missions in the PvE aspect of Overwatch 2, Ybarra expressed support for the franchise and suggested that it has the potential to evolve beyond video games.

Despite having to make tough decisions about cutting certain aspects of PvE due to challenges in meeting player expectations, Blizzard maintains its belief in the Overwatch 2 developers and their vision.

"We understand that this can be disappointing for players, and it hurts us just as much. We also recognize the need for better communication. The team puts immense thought into these decisions," Ybarra explained.

Mei shooting enemies in Overwatch 2's cancelled PVE mode
Image credit: Activision Blizzard

He emphasized that the Overwatch IP is truly remarkable, and the teams continuously explore ways to expand its reach, hinting at ambitious plans for the future.

"We have exciting discussions about the vast potential of this incredible IP, both within gaming and beyond," Ybarra added. "The opportunities for this IP are just beginning to unfold."

While specific details were not disclosed, one intriguing possibility could be the creation of a full Overwatch anime, building on the success of the short Genesis series on YouTube. As Blizzard sets its sights on new horizons, the Overwatch universe seems poised to embark on a journey beyond the confines of traditional gaming.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is a team-based first-person shooter developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. As a sequel to the original Overwatch, the game introduces new heroes, maps, and game modes, while retaining the core gameplay mechanics that made its predecessor popular. Overwatch 2 features both Player versus Environment (PvE) and Player versus Player (PvP) modes, expanding the story and universe of Overwatch with cooperative missions and narrative-driven content. The game emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and hero-based combat, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for players.

Genres
First-Person Shooter (FPS)
Platform(s)
PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Release Date
Oct 4, 2022
Price
Free
Developer(s)
Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher(s)
Blizzard Entertainment
ESRB Rating
T