Overwatch 2’s Steam launch obtained off to a tough begin with 1000’s of gamers leaving damaging critiques.
Simply 14% of the over 25,000 person critiques are optimistic, Steam’s personal stats reveal, which has triggered Overwatch 2 to hold an “overwhelmingly damaging” score on Valve’s platform.
Many of the damaging critiques concentrate on one factor: monetisation. Blizzard was heavily-criticised when Overwatch 2 launched late 2022 because it pressured its premium predecessor to replace right into a free-to-play sequel, rendering the unique Overwatch unplayable.
Since then, Overwatch 2 has endured numerous controversies together with the cancellation of its long-awaited PvE Hero mode — the one function, gamers stated, that justified the sequel’s existence.
Yesterday’s Steam launch, which got here alongside the Invasion replace, was seen as a surefire approach to increase Overwatch 2’s playerbase. Certainly, Blizzard has stated it now considers Overwatch 2 to have moved on from its early entry section. And whereas Overwatch 2 broke into the highest 5 best-sellers on Steam by income and hit a peak concurrent participant rely of 52,349, reviewers have solid a shadow over the discharge.
One evaluation, from Steam person Ornge, sums up the sentiment: “Overwatch 2 has no respect for you, it is an try and pry open your pockets whereas masquerading as the sport it was once.”
The backlash revolves round Overwatch 2’s free-to-play nature, with heroes within the battle go, the battle go itself, and Blizzard’s new method to cosmetics all highlighted as damaging modifications from the unique Overwatch.
Followers additionally stay bitterly dissatisfied in Blizzard’s determination to ditch Overwatch 2’s deliberate PvE hero mode, regardless of the addition of latest story missions with the Invasion replace. These new story missions can solely be performed by forking out $15 for a devoted bundle, and plenty of Overwatch 2 gamers have stated they’re not well worth the cash.
Blizzard not too long ago advised reporters it’s calm on declining participant engagement with Overwatch 2, placing it all the way down to the pure ebb and stream of being a free-to-play recreation. However, clearly, there’s loads driving on this Invasion replace, though Blizzard has downplayed its significance. All eyes will probably be on Activision Blizzard’s subsequent monetary report, the place it is going to be anticipated to make some touch upon the success or in any other case of Overwatch 2. If you happen to’re contemplating leaping in, this is every thing it’s essential to find out about Overwatch 2 Invasion.
Wesley is the UK Information Editor for IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You possibly can attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
