Overwatch 2 confirmed at BlizzCon 2019, Echo is in

Here’s a classic cinematic clip to prove it!

In what might be the leakiest BlizzCon yet, we knew a new form of Overwatch was coming. Was it Overwatch 2? Is it an Overwatch 1.5? No, it’s Overwatch 2, as per the marketing materials. Blizzard shared the news today by way of a cinematic trailer in true BlizzCon fashion. Echo made an appearance, as did most of the classic good-guy gang.

Story missions (PVE) are a thing, as are hero missions (“highly replayable co-op experiences”), and it seems like we’re getting an actual…story this time. There’s new PVP maps as well (Toronto is the first Canadian map!), on top of a new look and new heroes like Sojourn. The classic heroes are getting a new look as well and the engine is being upgraded.

Here’s a quick rundown of the PVE component: “Players will take an active role in the Overwatch saga as a new global crisis unfolds through a series of intense, high-stakes four-player missions. As the story progresses, players will team up as different sets of heroes and fight to defend the world from the omnic forces of Null Sector, uncover the motives behind the robotic armies’ attacks, and come face-to-face with rising new threats around the globe.”

Director Jeff Kaplan notes that there will be a brand new “core” game mode called Push that will be featured in the Overwatch League. Kaplan promises “tons of PVE content” and the first map, Rio, is playable today at BlizzCon. He also says that “sequels make [Blizzard] nervous,” and the company is “redefining what a sequel means.” All original players of the current game will get to play on the same maps as Overwatch 2 players and progression will carry over.

“Does this mean Overwatch is back?” “Yes, yes we are.”

Here’s the cinematic:

Here’s gameplay:

Need a recap? Here’s a “story so far” clip: