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Overwatch 2’s beleaguered PvE content has reportedly been removed.
That is according to Bloombergwhich reported yesterday that following “poor” sales of its previous PvE missions, the company “does not plan to finish” any PvE content currently in development and will instead “double down” on PvP gameplay.
Newscast: Why are there so many layoffs in the gaming industry?The report also hinted that a “decade-long battle” between Blizzard and parent company Activision had divided management over bonuses. Blizzard had always shared bonuses companywide to prevent “everyone (wanting) to work on the most successful games instead of experimenting with new ideas,” but former Activision boss Bobby Kotich had long argued that only those “behind the most lucrative products must be rewarded.”
Additionally, Overwatch 2 developers were told in August 2023 that due to the sequel’s lackluster performance, they “shouldn’t have received anything,” but at the time, the company had reportedly agreed to cover “some of the bonuses” for make up the deficit.
However, earlier this week, Overwatch 2 staff were told they would receive nothing, although previously, Blizzard staff would receive a bonus based on the company’s overall performance, not just the individual games they played. people worked. But that has now apparently changed.
“Not getting any profit-sharing bonuses is unusual at Blizzard and is the result of a major policy change that was enacted in 2023,” Bloomberg said. “Previously, employees received bonuses based on overall company performance. But last summer, payments were tied to the performance of each specific franchise. With their titles becoming more successful in 2023, game teams like Diablo and World of Warcraft received bonuses this month, but Overwatch developers weren’t so lucky.”
Last month, Activision Blizzard said it was making “major changes” to Overwatch 2 as part of a “revitalization” of the free-to-play shooter that hopes to “make PvP gameplay more rewarding and fun,” as well as “provide greater transparency.” for the players in the game.”
In a candid blog, the team insisted it had “listened to feedback” from players about competitive play over the past eight seasons, and plans to introduce “big updates” to allow you to better develop your skills and “see how you progress in competitive ranks”.
Last week, Blizzard also said it was overhauling the way it introduces new heroes to Overwatch 2 starting with Season 10, making them free and immediately available to all players instead of locking them behind the game’s premium Battle Pass or a progression routine, as was the case. previously the case.
600 quality assurance (QA) workers at Activision Blizzard recently voted to unionize.