Overwatch 2 Devs Announce Changing Environments For New Maps
Activision Blizzard's long haul towards Overwatch 2 seems to be heading into its final stretch, as the relay baton was passed from Jeff Kaplan to Aaron Keller.
With developers bursting into a sprint to get the product over the line, it appears that they look set to make a long jump by adding environmental changes to their brand-new unannounced maps.
It's undeniable that the new instalment of the Overwatch franchise will mix the game up like never before. The decision to switch to a 5v5 PvP model comes as the most significant difference, although Blizzard seems to be holding on to a full stack of aces in the sleeves.
Their latest announcement will also change the game significantly, revealing that Overwatch 2 will have environment changing maps.
Overwatch Developers Confirm Environment Changing Maps
Taking to a blog post, Overwatch Lighting Artist Fabien Christin said: "Overwatch is set in a bright and colourful world, and much of the character of the game is expressed through its maps. The most important thing at this stage is to design a map that’s fun to play!"
"For Overwatch 2, we wanted to create interesting new moods that would entirely change the feeling of a location. Imagine travelling to Numbani and seeing the futuristic city illuminated in a warm African sunset, or landing in a rainy Paris, with all the shops glowing with warm golden lights that invite you inside to eat a croissant until the rain stops."
The example given is the fast-paced deathmatch map of Necropolis. As a night-time environment in the current title, the developers are now looking to add more decorative scenes to the map, by painting it into a bright and sandy desert-esque pallette.
Game-changing Environmental Changes in Overwatch 2
The developers aren't simply pasting new colours onto the map either. The environmental changes will see experiments with the weather be added, changing the visibility in-game and creating a harsher atmosphere depending on which play style you've chosen.
Blizzard was keen to add that sandstorms, fog, snow, and rain were all possible to be added into the Overwatch 2 maps, alongside the usual clear day/night settings that we're used to.
It's not yet clear as to whether we shall see a base map selected that will be portrayed in the esports scene, or whether all varients will be possible and therefore considered on a map-to-map basis.
Either way, it's great to see such detail being added to the highly-anticipated Overwatch 2 title.
Image via Activision Blizzard