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, genji whitewashing Backlash and the relative indifference from Blizzard in the years since is almost upsetting.
But, you might be thinking, "Sure, Blizzard may be making it impossible to enjoy the game you bought while forcing you to play a different game - but can’t you still be Mercy in Overwatch 2?" And the answer is, "Yes, but who gives a shit?" Oh, goodness! What a fucking deal! If I paid money for the original Overwatch, I get the courtesy of unlocking all the characters I already paid for ? Talk about a good value! Thank you, Blizzard, sir! Thank you! What is going on here? Why is this cool with us?
But by essentially disabling the first Overwatch, Blizzard is fucking over people who paid money for the game. It doesn’t matter if they get free content for owning the first game - it doesn’t mean anything if you can’t still play original content you specifically paid for. I don’t care if Overwatch 2 is bigger and badder than ever before! When I buy a game, I’d love to be able to play that game. And if you’re shutting down a game’s online capabilities, at least be honest about it. Don’t talk like you’re doing people some grand favor.
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 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.
Updated on January 31, 2025, by Stephen LaGioia: Another season has come to Overwatch 2, once again shaking up the meta for everyone, including tanks. With over a dozen tanks in Overwatch 2, players will want to find the best for them to main in the current season and beyond, and with recent reworks, nerfs and buffs, a solid choice is always up in the air. With the gameplay seemingly getting even more chaotic and complex, it's more important than ever to pick a solid tank that can absorb damage and gel with the team. For players still seeking the best Tank in Overwatch 2 — for their playstyle, a given situation, or as a whole — this list will rank their abilities and advantages of play to see which Tank takes the top spot of the m
Overwatch getting shuttered and Stadia getting taken behind a woodshed isn’t the apocalypse. Most titles on Stadia already exist elsewhere and Overwatch 2 appears to be a real video game. This isn’t the end of all things. You can be excited about Overwatch 2 while still admitting it’s a crappy way to treat fans. The suits at Blizzard and Google (I know it’s "Alphabet" or whatever now, but come the fuck on) don’t care about you. Maybe that’s a cliche, but it’s worth remembering because it’s going to only happen more as the "take the money and run" strategy plays out. They’ll promise and swear that your purchase will be good and playable for the foreseeable future and then take that shit away the moment it’s convenient.
The Overwatch 2 battle pass is clean and simple. I’m surprised Blizzard didn’t decide to push the boat out or try something new with its implementation of the mechanic, because what we have here is rather basic and predictable. Some tiers have more than one reward hidden away inside them which is cool, and the variety of cosmetics is quite incredible and makes great use of the extensive hero roster, but what you’re working towards is very clear.
Overwatch 2 provides players with ample opportunity to play their own way, especially those who run a tank. Tank heroes are made to soak up damage, destroy fortified positions, and group with their allies to ensure they alone are the target. The best tanks in Overwatch 2 will lead the charge, keeping their team well-hoarded and safe from the many threats coming from an opposing t