Overwatch 2 Triumphantly Returns to China on February 19th
After a two-year absence, Overwatch 2 is making a comeback to China on February 19th, kicking off with a technical test on January 8th. This marks the end of a long wait for Chinese players who missed 12 seasons of content.
The game's return is further celebrated by the announcement that the first live Overwatch Championship Series event in 2025 will be held in Hangzhou, establishing a dedicated China region for competitive play.
The hiatus began on January 24th, 2023, following the termination of Blizzard's contract with NetEase. However, a renewed partnership in April 2024 paved the way for the game's return. The upcoming technical test (January 8th-15th) will allow players to explore all 42 heroes, including the newest additions like Hazard, and experience the classic 6v6 game mode.
A Lot of Catching Up to Do
Chinese players have missed a significant amount of content, including six new heroes (Lifeweaver, Illari, Mauga, Venture, Juno, and Hazard), new game modes (Flashpoint and Clash), several maps (Antarctic Peninsula, Samoa, and Runasapi), the Invasion story missions, and numerous hero reworks and balance changes.
A Potential Missed Celebration?
Unfortunately, the in-game Lunar New Year event is scheduled to conclude shortly before the game's return, potentially leaving Chinese players unable to participate. Hopefully, Blizzard will address this by offering a delayed version of the event.
In short: Overwatch 2's return to China is a major event, bringing back a beloved game and reigniting the competitive scene. While some content may be missed, the excitement surrounding the game's relaunch is undeniable.
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