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At long last, a playable version of Overwatch 2 has been released, and record numbers of viewers flocked to Twitch to check it out. The sequel to the competitive team-based shooter was first announced with a cinematic trailer in 2019. Unlike the first game, Overwatch 2 features 5v5 team battles and promises to eventually include a PVE campaign that allows friends to fight enemy waves together with customizable heroes. While development for the competitive sequel has experienced controversy and development issues, fans look to be excited to have more Overwatch content.
After the anticipated sequel was revealed, fans waited a long time for more information. The game’s director, Aaron Keller, admitted they let Overwatch players down in terms of providing updates. However, news broke within the last few months that the Overwatch League would be playing an early build of Overwatch 2 in this year’s esports tournament. Fans also received their first look at the new damage hero Sojourn. Developers teased that the new hero would be playable in the Overwatch 2 Beta, which broke the game’s website after signups first became available.
Within a day of being released, the Overwatch 2 Beta attracted more than 1.5 million viewers on Twitch, more than the first game had ever attained. As reported by Video Game Chronicle, Overwatch‘s Twitter announced the accomplishment as players flocked to Twitch to get a look at Overwatch 2‘s new maps, mode, hero reworks, and the new playable hero Sojourn. One way people were able to get access to the PC-only beta was by watching Blizzard-approved Overwatch streamers for a total of four hours on April 27th. However, players can still signup for their chance to participate in the beta on the game’s website since the Overwatch 2 Beta is set to be online until May 17th.
The OW2 Beta implements many changes the developer has been teasing for the next installment of the competitive multiplayer franchise. The new 5v5 matches feel quicker and less bogged down in chokepoints that would often slow rounds down. Players can also try the new Overwatch character reworks for Orisa, Doomfist, Bastion, and Sombra, which feature both new and adjusted abilities that promote more mobility and action. The Beta also includes four new maps and a new tug-of-war style game mode called Push, with two teams of 5 competing to move a giant robot into their opponents’ base.
A majority of players who have been able to try the OW2 Beta praise the new changes. With one less tank player, the action feels like it’s consistently on the move. Unfortunately, Overwatch 2‘s release has been separated. The game’s PVP multiplayer modes are currently set to release before the very anticipated PVE campaign mode. This change will hopefully make Overwatch 2 content available for all sooner. With that being said, the new maps, hero reworks, and playable hero Sojourn have already managed to spark record-breaking Twitch viewership levels. It’s been a very long wait, but Overwatch 2 has managed to achieve remarkable success even before its full release.
