Overview of Possible Rebranding for Overwatch 2
- Blizzard is reportedly contemplating a significant alteration to the title of Overwatch 2, potentially eliminating the “2”.
- This proposed change comes after fans criticized the game for its minimal differences from the original Overwatch upon its release.
- The rebranding may also involve the categorization of skins, designating Overwatch 2 skins as “Valorous”while those from the original game would be termed “Classic”.
Speculation among the Overwatch 2 community suggests that Blizzard is reconsidering the naming convention of its popular hero shooter, contemplating the removal of its sequel designation. Since its launch, the highly anticipated title has experienced a turbulent reception, plagued by controversies, particularly regarding the cancelation of planned “PvE”experiences in 2023. Many players have criticized the sequel for feeling too similar to its predecessor, prompting Blizzard to ponder a substantial overhaul of its branding strategy.
The release of Overwatch 2 in late 2022 marked the conclusion of the original Overwatch’s legacy, which had flourished for over six years. Notably, Blizzard halted the online servers for the original game just before launching the open beta of Overwatch 2. During this transition, the company shifted its revenue model from a pay-to-play format to a free-to-play approach, eliminating the controversial loot boxes that characterized the original title. This latest consideration indicates that Blizzard may want to reconnect the sequel with the foundational essence of the franchise.
According to a recent report by Eurogamer, leaks hint at potential changes to Overwatch 2’s branding that challenge its identity as a sequel. The transparency surrounding future content suggests that Blizzard is leaning towards dropping the “2,”thereby simplifying the name to just Overwatch. Furthermore, this rebranding effort will be accompanied by a change in the classification of skins: those originating from Overwatch 2 would be rebranded as “Valorous”skins, while “Classic”skins will denote those from the original game. This revamp is expected to coincide with the upcoming Season 16, slated for release in late April.
Overwatch 2 May Remove the “2”From Its Name
Skin names changed Overwatch 1 -> Classic Overwatch 2 -> Valorous Say goodbye to “Overwatch 2” i guess. Looks like they are dropping the “2” . — \ud83e\ude78Ska’Vorah\ud83e\ude78 (@SkaVorah) March 28, 2025
The idea of removing the sequel number is fueled by public discourse surrounding Overwatch 2’s legitimacy as an actual sequel. When Blizzard transitioned from Overwatch to Overwatch 2, players maintained access to their existing accounts and skins, fostering a sense of continuity. However, the updated title has often drawn criticism for lacking extensive gameplay alterations, with the most significant change being a transition from a 6v6 environment to a 5v5 format.
As Blizzard contemplates this significant rebranding initiative, Overwatch 2 consistently draws inspiration from its early days. The recurring “Overwatch: Classic”events serve as nostalgic flashbacks, spotlighting the game’s evolution and iconic gameplay styles. Recent iterations of these events have reintroduced moments from the famed “GOATS”meta, showcasing the trio of tank and support characters, including Wrecking Ball, Moira, and Brigitte. This strategic reimagining signals a potential return to the franchise’s roots, leading to the anticipated renaming of the sequel.