On November 2, it’s starting: Blizzard’s house fair, BlizzCon 2018, kicks off. Here you will learn what to expect for Overwatch.
BlizzCon 2018 starts on November 2 at 7 PM and ends on November 4 at 5 AM. During this time, you will receive some information about the upcoming features of Overwatch. We will give you a preview of what to expect.
New Content and Features for Overwatch
A new game mode without a new map: There are indications that a new game mode could find its way to Overwatch. Data miners have found audio files with text lines that do not match any current mode.
The spoken lines describe the destruction and protection of a target, and they are also available for new heroes like Brigitte and Wrecking Ball.
So, the new mode could be some sort of “Siege” or “Search and Destroy”.
By the way, Jeff Kaplan has already denied a new map in the same update. Whether and how the new mode will eventually appear is still to be seen.
Hints for a new hero: Soon, it will be time for another hero for Overwatch. Last year, three heroes were released, while 2018 has only seen two so far.
There are already hints of a possible hero. On the PTR, something is missing from the payload on Route 66. A similar situation on Numbani gave us Doomfist and Orisa in 2017.
Since the item is presumably an atomic weapon, the new hero might involve bombs and destruction. This would align with a story about the new mode.
As the PTR change only came into effect with the last PTR patch, the information about the new hero might still be somewhat scarce. A teaser could also be possible, similar to the ARG about the heroine Sombra.
The spectator mode will be improved: In the last developer update, Jeff Kaplan introduced an improved spectator mode, the “Overwatch World Cup Viewer.” This will bring several features:
- Replays of past games
- Various perspectives in first and third person
- Bird’s eye view with details and information about the heroes
The World Cup Viewer will start a beta test for PC shortly before BlizzCon 2018 and will initially only be available for the World Cup. After testing, the feature will be made available for all matches and game modes.
The Overwatch World Cup – Finals without Germany
The most important event at BlizzCon 2018 for Overwatch will be the finals of the Overwatch World Cup. All rounds from the quarter-finals will be held live in the arena and shown in the “eSports: Overwatch” panel.
To watch the final matches, however, you will need a Virtual Ticket this year. If you want to purchase one, you can get a Virtual Ticket for free if you play WoW.
Germany has already been eliminated from the World Cup. In the quarter-finals, these teams will face each other:
Group 1
- United Kingdom against the United States
- Australia against South Korea
Group 2
- China against Finland
- Canada against France
Canada made it to the finals last year but must face the slightly stronger French team this year.
Benedict suspects: The world champion in 2018 will probably be South Korea again, with France in second place and Finland or the USA in third place.
What are you most looking forward to at BlizzCon 2018? Are you watching the World Cup or are you more interested in the “What’s next?” panel? Let us know in a comment or join our Overwatch group to exchange ideas and visit us on Facebook for more information!
What certainly won’t be announced but would be immensely entertaining is an Overwatch in “Dark Souls” style.
