Overwatch 2’s beleaguered PvE content material has reportedly been scrapped.
That is in accordance with Bloomberg, which reported yesterday that following “poor” gross sales of its prior PvE missions, the corporate “doesn’t plan to complete” any PvE content material at present in growth, and can as an alternative “double down” on PvP gameplay.
The report additionally intimated {that a} “decade-long battle” between Blizzard and mum or dad firm Activision had divided administration over bonuses. Blizzard had all the time shared bonuses company-wide to keep away from “everybody [wanting] to work on essentially the most profitable video games slightly than experiment with new concepts”, however former Activision boss, Bobby Kotich, had lengthy argued that solely these “behind essentially the most profitable merchandise needs to be rewarded”.
Moreover, Overwatch 2 devs had been advised in August 2023 that as a result of sequel’s middling efficiency, they “should not have obtained something” however on the time, the corporate had allegedly agreed to cowl “among the bonuses” to make up for the shortfall.
Earlier this week, nonetheless, Overwatch 2 workers had been advised they’d obtain nothing, regardless that beforehand, Blizzard workers would get a bonus based mostly on the general efficiency of the corporate, not simply the person video games folks labored on. However that is now seemingly modified.
“Failing to get any profit-sharing bonus is uncommon at Blizzard and is the results of a serious coverage change that was enacted in 2023,” Bloomberg stated. “Beforehand, staff would obtain bonuses based mostly on the general efficiency of the corporate. However final summer time, the payouts turned tied to the efficiency of every particular franchise. Since their titles had been extra profitable in 2023, groups on video games reminiscent of Diablo and World of Warcraft obtained bonuses this month, however the Overwatch builders weren’t so fortunate.”
Final month, Activision Blizzard stated it was making “main adjustments” to Overwatch 2 as a part of a “revitalisation” of the free-to-play shooter that hopes to “make PvP gameplay extra rewarding and enjoyable”, in addition to “present higher transparency for gamers in-game”.
In a candid weblog, the staff insisted it had “heard [the] suggestions” from gamers concerning the aggressive play during the last eight seasons, and has plans to introduce “large updates” to allow you to higher construct in your abilities and “see the way you progress by way of the aggressive ranks”.
Final week, Blizzard additionally stated it was overhauling the best way it introduces new heroes into Overwatch 2 beginning in Season 10, by making them free and instantly out there to all gamers as an alternative of locking them behind the sport’s premium battle move or a development grind, as was beforehand the case.
600 Activision Blizzard high quality assurance (QA) staff just lately voted to unionise.