Los Angeles, California – Activision Blizzard has made a significant decision regarding the future of Overwatch 2’s PvE content. Reports indicate that the company has chosen to halt the development of any PvE missions currently in progress due to disappointing sales. Instead, the focus will be shifted towards enhancing the PvP gameplay aspects of the popular game.
According to recent reports, there has been internal strife within Blizzard and its parent company Activision regarding bonus distribution. While Blizzard has traditionally shared bonuses across the company to encourage innovation and creativity, Activision’s former boss argued for a more selective approach, rewarding only those involved in highly profitable projects. This difference in philosophy has created tension within the management structure.
In August 2023, developers working on Overwatch 2 were informed that they would not be receiving their expected bonuses due to the game’s underperformance. Previously, the company had agreed to cover some of the bonuses, but recent changes in policy have led to a shift in how bonuses are allocated. Employees now receive bonuses based on the performance of specific franchises rather than the overall company performance.
As part of a revitalization effort for Overwatch 2, Activision Blizzard announced major changes aimed at making the PvP gameplay more engaging and rewarding for players. The company also plans to provide greater transparency within the game to enhance the player experience. The team behind Overwatch 2 has acknowledged player feedback on competitive play and has outlined plans to introduce significant updates to improve skill-building and progress tracking.
Furthermore, Blizzard has announced plans to overhaul the introduction of new heroes in Overwatch 2, making them immediately available to all players for free starting in Season 10. This change marks a departure from the previous practice of locking new heroes behind premium battle passes or progression grinds, aligning with player expectations for a more inclusive gaming experience.
In a separate development, 600 quality assurance workers at Activision Blizzard have recently voted to unionize, marking a significant move within the gaming industry. The decision to form a union reflects a growing trend among gaming industry employees to advocate for improved working conditions and fair treatment.
Overall, the changes and developments within Activision Blizzard and Overwatch 2 indicate a shift in priorities towards enhancing player experience and addressing internal issues related to company culture and reward structures. The future of the game and the company’s approach to game development will likely continue to evolve in response to player feedback and industry trends.