Blizzard bringing Overwatch 2 to Steam, more games to follow
It looks like Blizzard isn't messing about when it comes to connecting fans, as it has revealed that Overwatch 2 is coming to Steam.
19th Jul 2023 18:01
Images via Blizzard
Blizzard bringing Overwatch 2 to Steam, more games to follow
It looks like Blizzard isn't messing about when it comes to connecting fans, as it has revealed that Overwatch 2 is coming to Steam.
19th Jul 2023 18:01
Images via Blizzard
Overwatch 2 would be nothing - and we mean nothing - without its fans. The game has long been a vessel for great connection, and while the hero shooter is an example of how character balancing should be done, it's made a name for itself by having a fan base that is more excited for the game than Blizzard has earned.
Giving player a huge reveal for Overwatch 2 before waiting years to reveal more, hurling microtransactions in their faces, and pulling the story mode after players had already invested in the game, it's clear in many ways that fans are more into Overwatch than Overwatch is into them.
But still, they go on - and Blizzard must have taken notice somewhere along the line, as the connection between fans is about to get richer.
Overwatch 2 is coming to Steam
In a surprising turn, Blizzard isn't staying locked into Battle.net, as its premier multiplayer title is coming straight to Steam - and it won't end there. The superstar shooter is ready to embrace a whole new legion of fans by releasing Overwatch 2 on Steam.
"As Blizzard evolves as a studio, inside and out, one of the ideas pushing us forward is meeting players around the world where they are, and making our games as easy as possible to access and play," the company says in a statement. "We want to give everyone a chance to experience our universes with old friends while making new ones, no matter how they choose to play."
This is pretty huge news, mainly as a massive step away from the meta of gaming companies trying to lure players to their own launchers (leave us alone, nobody wants to download Origin), and it's a great step towards grander accessibility for the game.
Overwatch 2's Steam launch is just around the corner, landing on the platform on August 10. But - and here's where the news gets good - it won't end with Overwatch 2 on Steam.
Hyping Overwatch 2's imminent arrival on Steam, Blizzard promised, "It's a great opportunity for new players to enjoy their first experience of the Overwatch universe." As for why now is the right time, Blizzard said, "As a free-to-play, team-based game, we believe Overwatch 2 is the perfect title for Blizzard's debut on the platform.
"Overwatch 2: Invasion is launching with more new types of gameplay experiences than at any point in the game's storied 7-year history, including the first-ever set of PvE Story Missions, a new core PvP game mode with two new maps, and of course, a new hero."
More Blizzard games are coming to Steam
The debut of Overwatch 2 on Steam will run alongside Battle.net, although Steam players will still need to connect Overwatch 2 to a Battle.net account to allow for cross-platform play and other features. For your troubles, you'll get Steam achievements, Steam friends lists, and the ability to invite in-game.
Blizzard has also revealed that more games under its banner will be coming to Steam, which is another big win for those gearing up to try out more of the gaming giant's titles. While this is amazing news, Activision Blizzard couldn't comment on which games will be coming to Steam.
"As far as what's next for Blizzard on Steam, we'll be sharing more about potential other games coming to the platform when the time is right," says the release. Regardless, this is massive for Overwatch, Blizzard, and Steam. This can only be a good thing for Overwatch, and we'll certainly take it.
About The Author
Joseph Kime
Joseph Kime is the Senior Trending News Journalist for GGRecon from Devon, UK. Before graduating from MarJon University with a degree in Journalism, he started writing music reviews for his own website before writing for the likes of FANDOM, Zavvi and The Digital Fix. He is host of the Big Screen Book Club podcast, and author of Building A Universe, a book that chronicles the history of superhero movies. His favourite games include DOOM (2016), Celeste and Pokemon Emerald.
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