Credible Overwatch Leaker Reveals Why Overwatch 2 is Taking So Long

One Overwatch leaker has come forward to explain what he knows about the lengthy development of Overwatch 2.

Blizzard Entertainment's sequel to its flagship strategic shooter, Overwatch, has been in development for more than three years now. It was originally unveiled at BlizzCon 2019 where, during its showcase, developers claimed the game would feature a huge rework of the game with new content, new maps, and new heroes. Unfortunately, aside from a few "progress streams" and videos of professional players trying out the game, details have been few and far between.

One leaker has changed all that.

Why is Overwatch 2 Taking so Long? Leaker says, "Balance."

Verified Twitch user Metro spoke about the OW2 development during a live stream broadcast on Sunday, Aug. 8.

While queueing for a competitive match on Volskaya Industries, Metro explained that the primary reason why OW2 was taking so long boiled down to a single principle: balance. All the maps, modes, and additions to the roster are "mostly" done with both single-player and multiplayer ready to go. It's just the characters, themselves holding up the launch.

According to him, the developers had no idea they would need to rework some heroes in order to fit them into the new meta with the new game. After all, a few new heroes would certainly shake things up. Wouldn't old choices need tweaks to even the playing field?

"They did not consider anything in terms of...reworking any heroes," he said, "For example... They have not even considered how McCree might be completely busted with a stun in Overwatch 2."

It took beta players speaking up for the team to realize changes may have to be made. This didn't sit well with Metro, who claimed that "it was like the devs have no clue how their game works."

He continued, "I mean, we know that, right? They have shown us time and time again over the last five years that they don't have a grasp on the balance and the workings of the game."

Metro went on to say that the team did make "beautiful" games with "beautiful-looking maps" and heroes that appealed to players on several levels. However, when it came to the actual mechanics, he reiterated that they had "no clue."

"At this point," he said, "just hire someone that knows. They have Overwatch League pros...that play the game for a living. Ask them how to balance the game."

He accused the developers of doing nothing to remedy this at several points in the process, whether on their own or when it came down to asking for help. According to him, the developers "haven't even done anything" despite player feedback and won't ask, regardless.

DBLTAP cannot confirm whether or not OW2 is still projected to hit its 2022 launch goal.