Overwatch 2 has been in the works for some time now, and as the new year kicks off, many are like awaiting more information. While Overwatch is predominantly a player vs. player (PVP) game, its sequel will be expanding upon the original with new narrative-driven content that goes hand-in-hand with its existing team-based gameplay.
The details are still largely unconfirmed, but players do know that Overwatch 2 will function as a sort of extended arm of the original Overwatch. It will not only be the sequel to the original, but also function as a replacement to the original altogether; once the new title is released, Overwatch players will be matched with Overwatch 2 players and vice-versa when queuing up, effectively making the games one and the same.
Now, especially in light of compatibility between Overwatch and Overwatch 2, many of the game's fans are wondering if, when, and how, crossplay (being able to play with others using different consoles) will come into effect. That is, Overwatch is currently available on nearly all major gaming platforms —PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. It's already a collaborative team-based game, and Overwatch 2 has hinted at even more intricate team-based features, which begs the question: when will Blizzard allow this highly collaborative game to benefit from the interconnectivity of crossplay?
Overwatch 2 Crossplay - What is Known
While fans have heard whispers of crossplay since before Overwatch 2 was even formally announced, Blizzard has been hesitant to wholeheartedly commit. It has officially confirmed that the feature is under consideration though, and given that crossplay is becoming more of a norm nowadays, fans speculate that the feature might be introduced with Overwatch 2's release. Putting aside the general perks of crossplay, like simply being able to team up with friends across consoles, Overwatch 2 would be particularly conducive to launch-day crossplay because of the fact it has an existing playerbase.
Blizzard already has a fair idea of precisely how many players play Overwatch, and since at least from the PVP perspective, all Overwatch players will become Overwatch 2 players, Blizzard is safe to assume it'll have those players online. And again, with the two titles' PVP modes effectively integrating at the release of Overwatch 2, it's safe to assume that Blizzard will be relying on PVP modes that are similar to the current ones. Which is to say, the developer won't be working with an entirely new or foreign infrastructure; rather, it can use all the data and experience that's been gathered from Overwatch to inform a successful Overwatch 2 crossplay introduction.
Overwatch 2 has already showcased upcoming additions like co-op missions, character "Talents," and even special attack combos, so it's clear that even though a "Story Mode" might be a large component, the title is still sticking close to its collaborative roots. Yet another reason to double down on team play aspects and let Overwatch 2 introduce crossplay. Not to mention, doing so would allow newcomers to the series a much more well-rounded way to enter the fray. As the game currently exists, its playerbase varies rather wildly depending on console.
Overwatch 2 Crossplay Launch?
While those who learn the game on PC may be used to short queue times and numerous veteran players, those logging onto the Switch, for example, will face a generally newer, smaller, and less organized, playerbase. The introduction of crossplay would absolutely change the dynamic of competitive matches, at the very least, if not help the overall Overwatch community grow outwards.
It's easy to point out the differences in style and technique between different groups of players, but it's also difficult to expect those communities to actually learn from each other and evolve without the possibility of ever playing together. Overwatch 2 has the funds, an existing system, and a thriving community to build upon, so at this point, the question should really be more along the lines of: "why shouldn't the game get crossplay at launch?
Overwatch 2Â is currently in development for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.