Information is slowly coming in about Overwatch 2, the reported sequel of the massively popular Overwatch. With BlizzCon 2019 less than a week away, one of Blizzard's big surprises appears to have leaked early, and more information is coming regularly.
While a lot of recent information on Overwatch 2 appears to be legitimate, Blizzard has not confirmed or denied any of the leaks and rumors that have been floating around yet. Whatever information that has been released so far may turn out to be inaccurate or false, so fans should take the information with a grain of salt, at least until BlizzCon begins on Friday.
Earlier today, ESPN revealed a report about the next iteration of the Overwatch series. The Overwatch 2 report included a new hero, PvE enemy mode, and more. However, the reporter on the ESPN article took to Twitter to offer some clarification regarding the rumored title. "it is very likely the next iteration of Overwatch will not be 'Overwatch 2', but instead a variant of 'Overwatch: Chapter 2'", Rod Breslau reports.
What Breslau is most likely referring to is the second chapter of Fortnite that recently launched. Fortnite: Chapter 2 offers a bunch of gameplay upgrades like adding bots to Fortnite for lower-leveled players to learn the ropes against. Calling it Fortnite: Chapter 2 allowed Epic Games to put in substantial gameplay tweaks and other features without the players feeling like they're starting over completely. Blizzard just may do the same with Overwatch 2.
Given the massive popularity of the Overwatch League, with OWL players even appearing on late-night talk shows, releasing a full-fledged sequel to Overwatch may not be in Blizzard's best interest. If Overwatch 2 will be more like an Overwatch: Chapter 2, this should help in making sure the competitive field isn't split between two titles. While a story mode sounds like a substantial update for Overwatch, the mode can be added as an update, or even available as paid DLC, without making a completely new title.
However, it's a clear fact that a full-fledged sequel, with new sets of microtransactions, would probably make more money. Such a move would likely upset the casual and competitive player base alike, as well, which would hurt Blizzard's bottom line in the long run. Whichever path Blizzard goes with Overwatch 2, though, more will likely be revealed at BlizzCon this Friday.
Overwatch 2 currently does not have a release date.