Overwatch is generally already waiting with beautiful maps – but there are fans out there who are trying their hand at the style and creating their own maps using Unreal Engine 4: fans like Joshua Llorente. His “Cairo” map could easily have sprung from Overwatch itself – and this is noticed not only by other players.
For two months, the Filipino Joshua Llorente worked on the map. From scratch, meaning without downloads of corresponding skins, he built the map and thus visualized a piece of Egypt in the Overwatch style.
Although there is already an official map that takes place in Egypt, this one is rather reminiscent of the cliché of the Orient. The map designed by Llorente appears more current, showing the real mix of various worldly influences that shape Egypt as a whole and the capital Cairo in particular.
And yes, it looks phenomenal. The many details and seemingly enchanted places invite you to linger, while the winding alleys would offer plenty of room for the actual game. If only the map could make it into the game…
Although Llorente, who is currently working on his college project, is highly praised by players. Again and again, for example, in his thread on Reddit, there is a question about whether he has already applied to Blizzard and his skills are praised.
He himself remains modest. “I don’t know,” he responds to the suggestion to send an application to Blizzard, “I still have a lot to learn. I don’t have enough experience yet to create fully functional, optimized environments. First, I want to gain some experience in local gaming companies. At some point in the future, I might apply there.”
Meanwhile, Overwatch head Jeff Kaplan has also taken notice of the young talent and promises publicly to get in touch and stay in touch with him.
These are good news for someone who still sees it all as a game and hopes too much from it. He has certainly shown that he has what it takes. Not only with this current map, but also with his other previous creations (Link leads to the Artstation website).
I personally keep my fingers crossed for him that his work will bear fruit and that he and Kaplan will actually get in touch!
What did Jeff Kaplan actually want for hours in front of a crackling fireplace?
