Blizzard's recent announcement of Overwatch 2 has fans buzzing about new heroes, maps, and possible game modes. But according to the game's lead designer, Jeff Kaplan, there could be much more Overwatch in store for fans down the line, and not just games.

Jeff Kaplan has stated that he dreams of seeing Overwatch expand in more than just a sequel. He has stated to Edge Magazine that spinoffs such as cartoons or theatrical releases may be in the future for Overwatch. On top of that, he has speculated about what other types of games would fit into the Overwatch universe, with different ones for different characters. Despite talk of different game types, Kaplan has not mentioned other developers taking the Overwatch cast of characters, new or old, for a spin.

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The concept of Overwatch existing as another art medium is not a far-fetched one. The game was first announced to the public in the form of a short film, and other shorts have been released since, both to announce new characters and simply to advertise the game as a whole. Considering the expanded lore of the characters, and the fact that the characters are beloved by the Overwatch fanbase, it may not be long before Kaplan's dreams take shape.

overwatch director jeff kaplan teases hero 31

This would not be the first time that Blizzard has explored a large project in a medium besides games, as 2010's Warcraft will attest. However, as the RottenTomatoes and Metacritic scores of that movie shows, audiences did not find it very enjoyable. While the lore is delightful in small doses, it is very divorced from the gameplay, and there is no guarantee Overwatch's story would be as likeable in longer form.

This is not to say that Kaplan could not deliver something fantastic, however. Before Overwatch, Kaplan was one of the first quest designers for World of Warcraft, describing his job as being a go-between for those in charge of the story and lore and those doing the actual programming. His dedication to and experience with comprehensive, engaging storytelling could serve as the foundation for some truly fantastic Overwatch stories, no matter what form they may take.

Overwatch is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Overwatch 2 does not yet have a release date.

MORE: Overwatch 2 Director Teases Story Length

Source: Edge Magazine (via ComicBook)