Overwatch fans are understandably impatient regarding anything Blizzard might have to share about Overwatch 2. With support of Overwatch faltering due to Overwatch 2's ongoing development, fans can't help but be anxious for the sequel's arrival. That's why when Blizzard advertised a "sneak peek" of Overwatch 2 within the pages of its upcoming The Art of Overwatch Vol. 2 hardcover, fans kept a close watch for its arrival. The hype appears to be exaggerated, however, as The Art of Overwatch Vol. 2 has underdelivered.
The Art of Overwatch Vol. 2 officially released on December 28, with pre-orderers now beginning to receive their copies. One fan was kind enough to flip to the Overwatch 2 "sneak peek" pages and upload photographs of them. What that includes are just two pages. The first is an article with short messages from the Overwatch 2 development team regarding the ideas behind the sequel. The second features concept art for Tracer and Widow from Overwatch 2, two characters that have both previously been revealed.
While the previously-shared concept art of Tracer and Widow are quite obviously disappointing to fans who have already been following Blizzard's Overwatch 2 announcements, the "Glimpse of Things to Come" article does have some interesting tidbits. For example, Blizzard initially didn't plan to redesign characters for Overwatch 2. Reworking the characters allowed Blizzard to create more "sophisticated" designs, however, particularly with regards to outfit materials and hair.
This is the Overwatch 2 "Sneak Peek" from the delayed 'Art of Overwatch, Volume 2' book. from Overwatch
Another detail touched on is Blizzard's hope that Overwatch 2 will bring in a type of player that the original Overwatch didn't. It mentions how Overwatch has a number of fans who enjoy the game's art, characters, and lore, but who don't like competitive multiplayer games. Overwatch 2's PvE modes will offer a different way to play the game, pulling in some of these fans who found competitive multiplayer too intense.
That's really the extent of Blizzard's "sneak peek" of Overwatch 2, which should capture why fans are disappointed. Overwatch players wanted a look at content previously unannounced, at the very least. Or, deeper down, Overwatch players wanted to be reminded that their patience will be rewarded. It may yet be, but not right now.
There are any number of reasons why Blizzard has chosen to hold back on sharing new details about Overwatch 2 for the time being. Those reasons include its likely far-off release date, the cancellation of BlizzCon Online for early 2022, and the negative sentiment surrounding Activision Blizzard due to allegations of gender discrimination and harassment that include CEO Bobby Kotick. Overwatch 2 remains in development, though. A larger reveal will be forthcoming, eventually.
Overwatch 2 is in development.