Overwatch 2
and Diablo 4 have been delayed yet again Blizzard Entertainment has announced on Tuesday, seeming to have pushed past the 2022 timeframe into 2023. During an Activision Blizzard investor presentation, it seems likely we will not be seeing the game during 2022. Overwatch 2‘s was previously suggested by Metro, a streamer who heard from multiple sources that it would not release earlier than 2023.
Activision Blizzard, the parent company, released a statement in which they stated:
While we are still planning to deliver a substantial amount of content from Blizzard next year, we are now planning for a later launch for Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV than originally envisaged. These are two of the most eagerly anticipated titles in the industry, and our teams have made great strides towards completion in recent quarters. But we believe giving the teams some extra time to complete production and continue growing their creative resources to support the titles after launch will ensure that these releases delight and engage their communities for many years into the future.
Both games have never had official release dates, however, their expected release windows have changed a few times. Both announced 2019 it was stated earlier this year that neither would see a 2021 release. Overwatch 2 was widely expected to release at some point in 2022, with this change putting an end to that.
Both games have overdone a massive amount of change in light of allegations against the leadership of workplace harassment and more, leading to a walkout protest conducted by the employees. Overwatch 2 was affected by this, seeing many members of the team exit the company in light of this, as well as the character of ‘McCree’ receiving a name change due to being named after an employee involved in the harassment.
Diablo 4 also recently received a new director, Joe Shely, who was promoted after the previous director Luis Barriga departed amid the wave of allegations. His departure shortly followed that of Blizzard President J Allen Brack.
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A Nintendo Switch trailer was also released.
According to SteamDB.
An announcement trailer was also released.