Overwatch fans are voicing their frustrations with the state of the franchise as Overwatch 2 recently got delayed again into a non-descript future. The latest delay has left an already gaping hole of content for the franchise to widen even further as Overwatch approaches nearly 2 years without a new hero.
Fans in the r/Overwatch subreddit are arguing the case for bringing Sojourn forward to Overwatch. Echo was the last new hero that came to Overwatch back in April 2020. With Overwatch 2's release delayed and no hints at a release, it is a certainty that Overwatch will go a full 2 years with no exciting updates. The game has also been without a new map for its core game modes for even longer. Sojourn, the first Black female hero in the series, would bring fresh life and lore to a game that has gone somewhat barren. She has an exciting kit that was shown off most recently at 2021 BlizzConline as was previously said to be an integral part of the lore in Overwatch 2.
Blizzard has gone on record to say that there will be no more new heroes coming to Overwatch and development of that game will mostly be addressing bugs and balancing moving forward. The topic of Sojourn coming to the first game seems already dead in the water as her weapons and abilities are already being decided and is based on the sandbox that surrounds Overwatch 2. It certainly can't be a simple task to balance not only damage numbers, but movement abilities and effectively downgrade her character model to fit Overwatch.
I think they should release Sojourn since her ability kit has already been shown and she's clearly playable. It would be good damage control for the derailed O2 hype train from Overwatch
As the company continues to reckon with the fallout of the DFEH, Department of Justice, and EEOC lawsuits, game development across multiple games has slowed or completely stopped as it addresses the rift between the developers that may have been victims of abuse and the higher-ups in charge of fostering the toxic work culture. Blizzard has had some key figures leave the company and terminated offending members and is holding conversations about rectifying its wrongs that take top priority at the moment.
As important as those issues are, the company's games are now under pressure to remain attractive and hold interest until then. Even with the Overwatch League said to play the 2022 Season on an early build of Overwatch 2 and act as a long term marketing scheme, it creates a disconnect with the broader player base; a long term carrot dangle of "what they could have" if they just stay patient. There are also concerns for Overwatch esports pros that are either Overwatch League Free Agents or members of the game's Path to Pro system that could end up on the outside looking in as signed Tier 1 players gain valuable play time and experience with the quirks of Overwatch 2.
The fanbase is grasping at straws for any ideas to keep the game going intrisically. Bringing over a new character would do that but even with all the controversies going on internally at Blizzard, it's doubtful it would go back on that philosophy now.
Overwatch 2 is in development.