In an ever-evolving landscape of gaming, it’s important for even the most renowned of gaming companies to continue pushing out new intellectual properties to keep their core fans rooted in interest. Some companies flounder when it comes to this endeavor, while others rise to success by creating fantastical and unexpected experiences that appeal to both new and loyal audiences. The most successful exhibition of this concept is undoubtedly Blizzard Entertainment’s staple success Overwatch.
The first person multiplayer shooter took an unexpected concept and made it into something extraordinary. It was first announced at Blizzcon, Blizzards annual gaming convention in Anaheim, California, in 2014, and was released in May of 2016. The hype for Overwatch was unreal, and it continues to thrive due to the popularity of the “Overwatch League” in esports, cinematic releases focusing around the staple characters of the universe, and constant attention from the developers in creating a balanced, healthy gaming experience. Blizzard is continuously monitoring and tuning problem characters in the meta game: the most recent example of this is Symmetra, who just received an overhaul, and the most notable is Mercy. Both support heroes had their core gameplay patterns reworked due to what the developers considered “unhealthy” styles of play.
But why did Blizzard succeed in creating a new IP when most companies fail? What made Overwatch the success it is today? For starters, the game is beautifully designed, colorful, and full of a diverse, memorable cast of playable character. The developers also opted out of a “pay-to-win” system, by making all rewards and purchasable content completely cosmetic. This meant that, no matter if you’re picking up the game for the first time or are a veteran, you are on an equal playing field when dropping into the classic 6v6 matches. Lastly, the developers care about Overwatch. It’s won the 2017 Game Award for Best Ongoing Game, meaning that the constant care Blizzard gives the game does not go unnoticed.
I still remember the pure excitement that coursed through my veins when I was first admitted into the Overwatch beta. Before the game was even released to the public, I had poured so much time into this highly addicting game. And even though my life has gotten busy, I continue to find time to come back to new characters, game modes, cosmetics, but the same core game I fell in love with when it was first announced. Other games, like World of Warcraft and League of Legends, have completely lost my interest after I devoted hundreds of dollars into them, but something about Overwatch will always have me hooked.
