Blizzard’s hero design philosophy for Overwatch 2 has undergone a significant change since its launch in 2022. The new approach prioritizes characters that fans can form a “deeper connection with,” moving away from unconventional designs such as Wrecking Ball, the robot-piloting hamster.
In an interview with Polygon, Overwatch 2 lead concept artist Daryl Tan explained that the team focuses on creating heroes who are “aspirational” in terms of their physique and expertise. This shift is reflected in the recent release of conventionally attractive heroes like Coverti and Kiriko, who receive a high number of skins each season.
The change has sparked debate among fans, with some arguing that it prioritizes cosmetic sales over unique character designs. The lack of diversity in hero design has led to criticism that Blizzard is conforming to industry norms rather than embracing its own identity.
However, associate game director Alec Dawson reassured fans during a recent developer stream that “oddities” are still valued by the team. He hinted at the development of new heroes that defy conventional beauty standards, including one that will be announced in the coming months.
As Overwatch 2 continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Blizzard’s new design philosophy will resonate with fans or result in a loss of the game’s unique charm.
Source: https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-oddball-aspirational-character-hero-design-2000617761