The launch of NetEase`s Marvel Rivals late last year introduced significant competition within the hero shooter genre for Overwatch 2. Consequently, several newly revealed features in Overwatch 2, such as the third-person Stadium mode, have drawn comparisons to its new rival. However, Overwatch 2 director Aaron Keller has clarified that these developments, including Stadium mode, were not a direct response to Marvel Rivals. Instead, he stated that many of these initiatives were already in the planning stages well before Marvel Rivals made its debut.
“I believe competition is healthy,” Keller stated during a guest appearance on Jay3`s stream. “It pushes developers to innovate more and always encourages them to put their best foot forward. But I don`t think the current changes in Overwatch 2 are a reaction to Marvel Rivals. Much of what we`re doing this year—from perks and Stadium mode to map voting and full hero bans, as well as all new heroes—has been in development for over a year as part of our new strategy for a major annual content kickoff.”
Keller hinted that future additions to Overwatch 2 might indeed be influenced by ongoing competition, though he refrained from providing any specific details. During the same stream, he also acknowledged that Overwatch 2 has offered notably less story content, cinematics, and animated shorts compared to the first game, which were instrumental in defining its world. Nevertheless, Keller expressed a strong desire to prioritize storytelling more in future updates.
The Overwatch 2 x G.I. Joe collaboration, which started earlier this month, is set to conclude today, July 14. Previous cross-promotional events have featured popular franchises such as Transformers, Street Fighter, and Avatar: The Last Airbender, bringing unique cosmetic items to the game. Currently, Overwatch Season 17 is active, continuing to introduce new content for players.