Blizzard and players say goodbye to the original Overwatch on the eve of the release of Overwatch 2.
The original Overwatch is offline. That’s as expected, because Blizzard Entertainment plans to launch the semi-sequel, Overwatch 2, on Tuesday. Overwatch players will be without the game for a 27-hour period, when Blizzard will kick off the free-to-play era of Overwatch 2.
The end of Overwatch is bittersweet, as the original game, which itself has evolved dramatically over the years, effectively disappears. Once Overwatch 2 takes over, many heroes will play differently than they have for the past few years. Familiar, well-worn maps like Hanamura and Temple of Anubis will all but disappear, as the game mode that uses them is no longer part of sequel’s game rotation. Six-hero teams will give way to five-hero teams, part of Blizzard’s attempt to bring balance and improved readability to the game.
Blizzard gave players a small but meaningful sendoff on Monday, saying via in-game chat, “Even the best journeys end, but a new one is right around the corner. Thank you, heroes! See you October 4th!” At 12 p.
