BlizzConline , the first online-only Blizzard fan convention, runs February 19-20. Fans can expect some big reveals an new details about upcoming games, including Diablo Immortal , Diablo 4, Overwatch 2, and WoW updates 9.1 and 9.2. Unfortunately, a fourth-quarter earnings call has revealed that Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2 are not expected to launch in 20

But what are the best tanks to dominate and protect one's team in this wild looter shooter? Following the latest release of Hazard , Overwatch 2 has a whopping 13 tanks to choose from. Each of them brings unique styles of play, and a necessity for situational awareness to counter opponents, protect one's team, and come out on the other side to claim vict

Overwatch defined my first steps into adulthood. I was in my first year of university when it came out, and remember watching my flatmates jump into the beta as they hyped it up as the next big thing. I’d never played a Blizzard game before, and at the time it was an untouchable bastion of goodwill defined by countless classics. Not so much these days . This was its first new IP in decades, and it had all the ingredients to be a masterpiece.

Overwatch’s corporate identity was clear to see through its diverse cast and clear attempts at inclusion, made worse by queer characters who were never given any strong narrative within the world itself. On the surface it was a bold statement, but dig any deeper, and you were left wanting so much Read Significantly more as Blizzard chased demographic approval. Its universe had so much potential for excellent stories and worthwhile sociopolitical commentary, but this clear ambition was brushed aside as the years went on in favour of recycled seasonal events and development of a sequel that is only now lumbering towards the finish line. I once looked up to Overwatch, but now I can’t help but view its failings and cynical business practices for what they really are. I still love so much about it, and the warm memories it brings to the forefront of my mind are clear proof that Blizzard struck gold with this one.

After five years of trying, Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment has finally secured a patent for the Nemesis System . Created for Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor, the Nemesis System has been hailed as one of the greatest innovations in gaming over the last decade. Unfortunately, WB's patent means the chances we'll get to see the system grow and flourish are relatively s

Once you let me combo my Earthshatter with somebody else’s ult, or give me a Zarya who bubbles me as I charge headfirst into a massive mech, I’ll be happy. Maybe I’ll even put another 1,000 hours

It's been a strange week of ups and downs for Sonic. Netflix announced that its upcoming 3D animated series will be called Sonic Prime and is coming to the streaming service in 2022. Meanwhile, several long-time voice actors from the series revealed that they won't be returning to their signature roles. Roger Craig Smith , Colleen O’Shaughnessey , and Cindy Robinson have revealed that they won't be returning to voice Sonic, Tails, and Amy in Sonic Prime. Luckily, Eggman voice actor Mike Pollock has confirmed that he will continue to voice the villain in video games but did not confirm whether he would perform Robotnik in the Netflix Ser

A brand new 4K trailer for Mass Effect: Legendary Edition premiered this week. The remake/remaster of the original Mass Effect trilogy launches May 14, 2021 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The trailer shows off some of the major enhancements coming to the trilogy, including big changes to Eden Prime , upgrades to FemShep , and updates to... certain camera angl

Jumpers also seem to have an intense effect on friendly Omnics when destroyed, thanks to Overwatch 2's new chain-hit reactions system. One clip in Blizzard's video shows the player gunning down a Jumper, which then explodes and bowls into a group of Omnic Grunts. Sw

In the video's example, Elite Grunts differ from standard Grunts in a few ways. Besides an increase in hit points and damage output, Elite Grunts get a second wind after they're killed; instead of just blowing up, these bots crawl after the player even after losing their limbs, ultimately exploding upon if they reach the player before getting gunned down. Who knows what else other Elite units will be able to

When it comes to the hero shooter, few have managed to compare to Overwatch. Yet many are now taking the idea of the genre and applying it to other games in other ways. The genre is evolving, so don't be surprised if the next big FPS, or action game has a Tracer or Reaper of their very

Square Enix revealed the next Final Fantasy 14 expansion during a livestream event yesterday. Called Endwalker , the expansion is set to conclude the current storyline and move the MMO into the next

Of course, we had awesome women like Mei and Zarya amongst the cast, but there was D.Va, Tracer, and Widowmaker strutting their stuff alongside them. Overwatch was a real sticking point in our development as horny gamers, and a willingness to embrace sexuality in our games and view it as something to no longer be ashamed of. Overwatch was a stepping stone to this point, but a stone covered with the slippery moss of the mid ‘10s Whedonised feminism, where the best way to make a female character strong was to make her sexy too. Putting aside the smut, I was invested in some of the game’s queer ships for years, whether it be through tasteful fanart or brilliantly written fiction that understood these characters better than Blizzard ever will. Pharmercy till I die. You know Overwatch was something special because it made you care, and the relative indifference from Blizzard in the years since is almost upsetting.