The Overwatch 2 mobile game controversy explained

Key recommendations

• Overwatch 2 development has shifted its focus to a potential mobile version amid rumors and speculation.
• Player reaction to a mobile version includes concerns about resource allocation and improving the core game.
• Adaptation to mobile devices risks affecting game balance, content quality, and instances of cheating, increasing mixed reception.

Overwatch 2 recently passed its two-year anniversary. Now in its thirteenth season, Overwatch 2 has seen many changes since its release in October 2022. For example, the PvE missions introduced in Season 6 seem to have been abandoned, but sources indicate that Blizzard is bringing the popular hero-shooter to mobile platforms.

In his book Play Nicedetailing Blizzard's 33-year history, Jason Schreier claims that Blizzard is developing Overwatch Mobile. While Team 4 hasn't confirmed it, Schreier's book, which encapsulates more than 300 interviews with Blizzard employees, mentions that “new projects like a mobile version of the franchise” are in the works. In particular, speculation about a mobile release has sparked discussions about its potential benefits and drawbacks.

The potential mobile version of Overwatch 2 is facing mixed reception

Exploring the backlash against Overwatch 2's mobile gameplay

While the idea has been floating around for years, an August report from Dexerto claimed that Microsoft has assembled a smaller team within Blizzard, made up mostly of King employees, to develop games based on existing franchises such as Overwatch, StarCraftand Warcraft. Now, according to Jason Schreier, Walter Kong, CEO of Overwatch 2 and former senior director of Team 5, has been named director of the mobile version of Overwatch. given that Overwatch 2 was originally revealed at BlizzCon 2019, it makes sense that a mobile version would be in development right now.

However, there has been notable pushback from the player base regarding Overwatch 2 being optimized for mobile. Under a post on X, ex-Twitter, from Overwatch Calvary, a user commented, “So I can make a mobile game, but I can't do more PvE?” Another account expressed their disappointment, saying: “Wasting resources on this when we get the least content since Overwatch 2 Launched.” As such, it seems that some players feel that the focus on mobile development could be affecting Blizzard's improvement of the core game experience.

“There's been a notable pushback from the player base on that
Overwatch 2
being optimized for mobile.”

Other player concerns included, but were not limited to:

• Potential impacts on balancing and overall game state.
• Some players question the need for a mobile version.
• Others wonder if Blizzard is aiming to capitalize on the mobile gaming market.
• The challenge of preventing cheating on mobile, especially given past issues with ximming on a console.
• Comparisons between unsatisfactory experience a Overwatch on Switch and how that might translate to mobile.

Overwatch mobile game might surprise players

Interestingly, claims of a mobile version of the hero shooter coincided with news of one being planned Overwatch The Netflix adaptation, which was eventually cancelled. Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, noting that they had asked for more information Overwatch and felt that the mobile game took precedence over these requests. Regardless, a mobile version of the game may not be what the community expected.

Games like Call of Duty: Mobile, Fortniteand PUBG Mobile have achieved success over the years. Valorant Mobile is currently in testing in China and has received generally positive reviews for its similarity to the original game, aside from tweaks to the touchscreen controls. Overwatch 2 could benefit from a similar approach, despite concerns about potential visual clutter and the challenge of pressing multiple buttons at once.

On the other hand, Blizzard could take inspiration from Apex Legends Mobilewhich provided a distinct gaming experience with its unique Legends and abilities. However, that game was discontinued in May 2023, with EA citing lack of quality and content as reasons for its closure. If Blizzard goes ahead with their plans for a mobile version of Overwatch 2you should take care to avoid these problems.