Overwatch 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular team-based shooter, has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Since its release on Steam, the game has received overwhelmingly negative reviews, making it the worst-reviewed game on the platform. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this reception, including the controversial changes made to the game and the impact on the Chinese gaming community.
Publisher Blizzard, known for its PC games exclusive to the Battle.net client, decided to bring Overwatch 2 to Steam on August 10. While this expansion to a new platform was expected to attract more players, it backfired significantly. At present, only nine percent of the overall ratings on Steam are positive, with players criticizing the game’s approach to locking heroes and cosmetics behind a battle pass. Additionally, the cancellation of the long-advertised PvE mode has further disappointed fans.
The Loss of PvE and Backlash from Fans
Originally, Overwatch 2 was promoted as an always-on game mode that would focus on PvE, allowing players to gather XP and progress their preferred heroes through story missions. This approach aimed to enhance the game’s lore and create a rich role-playing experience. However, in May, Blizzard announced that the PvE mode was no longer in development, opting instead to release content in smaller, gradual batches. This decision not only rendered the sequel pointless but also alienated longtime fans who had been eagerly awaiting the PvE experience.
One notable aspect of the negative reviews is that a significant portion comes from Simplified Chinese-speaking gamers. Before the regional servers were shut down due to a disagreement between Blizzard and its Chinese distributor NetEase, Overwatch 2 and World of Warcraft were the most popular PC games in China. The termination of the 14-year partnership prompted Chinese gamers to use VPNs to access these games. The release of Overwatch 2 on Steam provided an opportunity for them to express their dissatisfaction with the changes made to the game and voice concerns over the lack of communication regarding the return of the servers. The reliance on VPNs also caused issues such as slow logins and connection problems.
In just three days of its release, Overwatch 2 surpassed the Chinese card-battle game “War of the Three Kingdoms” as the worst-reviewed game on Steam. With over 101,826 negative reviews, the game gained an “Overwhelmingly Negative” tag. This reception has raised concerns for Blizzard, especially considering their plans to bring a selection of their other titles to Steam. While this move may benefit PC players who dislike having to switch between different accounts and clients, the negative reception of Overwatch 2 raises questions about the future success of Blizzard’s games on the platform.
The release of Overwatch 2 on Steam has been marred by controversy and disappointment. Blizzard’s decision to alter the game’s development, introduce a battle pass, and cancel the highly anticipated PvE mode has resulted in overwhelmingly negative reviews from players. The impact is particularly pronounced among the Chinese gaming community, who face additional difficulties due to the absence of regional servers. As Blizzard considers bringing more titles to Steam, it must address the concerns raised by players and strive to regain their trust. Ultimately, the success of Overwatch 2 and future Blizzard games on Steam will depend on the company’s ability to listen to feedback and deliver an experience that meets the expectations of their fanbase.
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