Blizzard revealed Overwatch‘s next map and hero during the opening ceremonies for BlizzCon 2017 in Anaheim, California today. The map is a theme park full of references to Blizzard franchises such as Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Diablo.
Overwatch has been a blockbuster success since it launched in May 2016. It has attracted over 35 million players. The team-based shooter is a premium game, though it does sell loot boxes that give away random cosmetic items. Blizzard adds new characters, maps, and modes for free.
Moira is a new healer who can also shoot out a giant damaging laser. She can use a fade ability for mobility.
The new map, Blizzard World, is a hybrid stage, meaning that it starts with the attacking team capturing a point and then moving a payload (an slowly moving item you must protect) to the end of the stage. It is coming out next year.
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Those additions keep Overwatch’s fans engaged, which makes them more likely to keep playing (and spending money on loot boxes). A healthy, thriving community also makes it easier for Overwatch League, Blizzard’s big esports organization that will feature teams from across the world, to be a success when it launches next year.
This is Overwatch’s 26 total hero and the fifth that it has added since its launch. The last character, Doomfist, is a punch/combo-focused fighter that came out in July.
