While fans eagerly await more news about Overwatch 2 at BlizzCon 2021, hopes of hearing an official release date are waning. According to Activision Blizzard, Overwatch 2 will not release anytime this year, which is disappointing news for many fans of the popular online multiplayer "hero shooter." However, ultimately, the delay may be for the best.
It was a tough day for many Blizzard fans yesterday when the company revealed neither Diablo 4 nor Overwatch 2 will release in 2021. Both titles were announced at BlizzCon 2019 and have faced similar trajectories ever since. Fans were hopeful that more news would be shared at this year's BlizzCon, although after this latest announcement, it seems like official release dates won't be given anytime soon.
Since its reveal in 2019, Overwatch 2 has mostly remained a mystery. Activision Blizzard has shared a few tidbits of news occasionally, mostly regarding gameplay aspects. Toward the end of 2020, Game Director Jeff Kaplan said Overwatch 2 would appear at BlizzCon 2021 but that fans shouldn't expect it to release anytime soon. So, while the news that Overwatch 2 won't release in 2021 shouldn't be too surprising, it's still disappointing. However, Overwatch 2's delay could be for the best - especially if it means developers take their time perfecting the game.
Why Overwatch 2's Delay Could Be For The Best
Overwatch 2's delay is disappointing, but it could be for the best. A well-crafted game that takes time to develop is preferred over something that's rushed and flawed. This was one of the biggest reasons Warcraft 3: Reforged was such a mess, and Blizzard is likely trying not to let history repeat itself with Overwatch 2. Waiting longer for a better game is probably preferred by most fans over an inferior product that was rushed to launch.
This seemed to be the general consensus among fans when World of Warcraft: Shadowlands was delayed last year, as many fans seemed happy about Shadowlands' delay if it meant the end product was better. Overall, that delay worked out well for Shadowlands, which became the fastest-selling PC game of all time and has been well-received by critics and players alike. So, hopefully the delays for Overwatch 2 will pay off in the same way.
For now, there's no official release date for Overwatch 2, although it will be at least 2022 before the game releases. More news regarding the game is expected to be shared at BlizzCon 2021, which starts February 19th, so hopefully fans will have more information then. And while the latest delay for Overwatch 2 is disappointing, it could be for the best if it means getting a higher-quality game.