The Overwatch 2 mobile game controversy explained

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 Niceoutlining Blizzard's 33-year history, Jason Schreier claims that Blizzard is developing Overwatch mobile. Although Team 4 has not confirmed this, Schreier's book, which encapsulates over 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 version has sparked discussions about its potential advantages and disadvantages.

Overwatch 2's potential mobile release is facing mixed reception

Explore the backlash against Overwatch 2's mobile game

Although the idea has been floating around for years, an August report from Dexerto claimed that Microsoft has assembled a small team within Blizzard, consisting primarily of King employees, to develop games based on existing franchises such as Monitoring, StarCraftand Warcraft. Now, according to Jason Schreier, Walter Kong, General Manager of Overwatch 2 and former senior director of Team 5, has been named director of the mobile version of Monitoring. With that in mind Overwatch 2 was initially revealed at BlizzCon 2019, it makes sense that a mobile version would be in development at this point.

However, there has been notable pushback from the player base regarding Overwatch 2 optimized for mobile. During a post on X, formerly Twitter, from Overwatch Calvary, one user commented, “So they can make a mobile game but can't do more PvE?” Another account expressed disappointment, saying: “They're wasting resources on this when we get the least amount of content since Overwatch 2 launched.” As such, it seems that some players feel that the focus on mobile development may detract from Blizzard's improvement of the core game experience.

“There has been a remarkable pushback from the player base regarding
Overwatch 2
is optimized for mobile.”

Other player issues have included, but are not limited to:

• Potential effects on balancing and the overall state of the game.
• Some players question the necessity of 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 previous problems with ximming on a console.
• Comparisons between the unsatisfactory experience of Monitoring on the Switch and how it can be translated to mobile.

Overwatch mobile game may surprise players

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

Games like Call of Duty: Mobile, Fortniteand PUBG mobile has achieved success over the years. Valorant Mobile is currently undergoing testing in China and has received generally positive reviews for its close resemblance to the original game, aside from tweaks for 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 draw inspiration from Apex Legends mobilewhich offered a distinct gaming experience with its unique legends and abilities. However, that game was canceled in May 2023, with EA citing a lack of quality and content as the reasons for its closure. If Blizzard continues with its plans for a mobile version of the Overwatch 2should be attentive to avoid these problems.