Unfortunately, this early version of the viewer doesn't include any of the elements from the broadcast (commentary, play-by-play, analysis etc.). We really want to include features like that in the future.
The main goal of this world cup test is to make sure the technology works at scale and to collect feedback for future feature iterations. Seeing the requests for the broadcast incorporated is refreshing because it aligns with our instincts.
The big next steps after this test (and I really want to re-iterate that this weekend is really a test, a true beta) are:
All of these things are pretty large tasks but we've been working on them for months (some for over a year). We hope...
Read moreGet ready to sharpen your skills and perfect your strategies—Season 13 of Competitive Play has begun!
Unlocked at level 25, Competitive Play is designed for those players who want to put their skills to the test, and offers a more serious experience than our Quick Play or Arcade Modes.
To begin your competitive journey this season, click on the “Play” butt...
Read moreExperience the Overwatch World Cup from any perspective in real time with the Overwatch World Cup Viewer. We’ve taken professional esports observer tools from the big stage and put them in your hands at home so you can curate your viewing experience. Watch live games alongside hundreds of thousands of other players around the world from all of the first or third-person, birds’, or worms’-eye views that are most important to you. Curious how South Korea’s Widowmaker landed the seemingly out of nowhere headshot on Australia’s Mercy? You can simply watch from her perspective as she lines up a pixel-perfect shot to secure the elimination before seamlessly snapping your camera back to the main teamfight on the payload.
Had to miss the game? Don’t worry, our replay system has you covered. Overwatch World Cup replays will be available for a month after ...
Read moreThe winners of this year's pumpkin-carving contest have been chosen -- and they're monstrously spectacular. We'd like to thank everyone who participated this year, and we can't wait to see your mad scientist skills in action again next time around. Check out all of the creepy, incredible, and creative winning pumpkins:
Raine Pye - Kemptville, ON. Canada
... Read moreMarcin ”Ganisz” Rausch is the founder of the Academic League, now known as T-Mobile Academic League (or TMLA), the largest collegiate esports league in Poland. After a successful first season, T-Mobile partnered with the organization as a sponsor to support its mission: to build bridges between the esports and academic communities. Rausch hopes that the league can bring students together to developer meaningful relationships as they play or support their schools’ teams. In his mind, there’s no reason that universities in Poland shouldn’t be able to benefit from the promotional opportunities that collegiate esports programs bring to schools in other countries.
We spoke to Rausch about his experience starting TMLA, where he sees the league going in the future, and his love of Overwatch.
From Incheon to Los Angeles, Bangkok to Paris, the Overwatch World Cup is nearing its thrilling finale. Next weekend at BlizzCon, the Top 8 qualifying teams from the four Group Stages will battle it out for a chance to take home a gold medal.
Can South Korea defend their title for a second consecutive year? They’ll face stiff competition from the other higher seeds in China, France, and the USA. And don’t count out the the four lower seeds: Australia, Finland, Canada, and the United Kingdom—who would love to pull off an upset.
Get ready for all the action at BlizzCon with our handy guide below, including match times, updated team rosters, and matchups!
Earlier this year we sold our first charity skin: PINK MERCY. This limited-time exclusive skin and accompanying themed apparel were created in partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to support our family and friends that have been impacted by this disease. Thanks to all of you, we were able to raise $12.7 million—the largest donation made by a corporate partner in a single year within BCRF’s 25-year history. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, in the spirit of transparency, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation has graciously shared some insights on how the funds raised are being used to support research into understanding, preventing, and treating breast cancer.
The donation of over $12.7 million will fuel three critical programs that examine every aspect of a breast cancer diagnosis and will change the lives of women and men across the globe: BCRF Precision Prevention Initiative,...
Read moreThe Halloween season has finally arrived, and we’re ready to cut straight to the heart of the holiday. If you're dying to pick up a knife and hack, slash, and jab at something, you’ll be excited to hear that Blizzard's 2018 Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest officially begins October 15! Unleash your magical axes, psi blades, sharpened claws, and other creative cutlery to carve up Blizzard-themed jack-o-lantern of impressive splendor.
We’ll choose five of the grandest autumnal squash to each receive $60.00 (USD) Blizzard Balance.
It’s Halloween time and to celebrate, Blizzard Gear has a ton of exciting new Overwatch products, costumes, and more to bring out your spooky side!
Halloween Terror Gear
This is the perfect chance for Funko collectors to snag the newest Blizzard Exclusive Overwatch Funko POP! Vinyls: Witch Mercy, and Cultist Zenyatta. Only available from the Blizzard Gear Store and at select Blizzard Events.
Read moreBlizzCon® season is upon us, and whether you’re attending the show in person or tuning in to the news and excitement online, we want you to have access to the full experience. Starting today, you can pre-purchase a BlizzCon Goody Bag through the Blizzard Gear Store and have it shipped directly to your home in time to celebrate the show. Claim yours while supplies last!
A limited number of Goody Bags are now available to pre-purchase in the Blizzard Gear Store for $55 USD (plus tax, shipping, and applicable fees). You don’t need a Virtual Ticket to order, but as a bonus, Virtual Ticket holders can pre-purchase the Goody Bag at an automatically discounted price of $45. Just log in to the Blizzard Gear Store on the Blizzard account you used to purchase your Virtual Ticket. Supplies are limited, so be sure to grab one while you have a chance!
Read moreProfessional artist and illustrator Chae “Kkuem” Ji Yun has worked on numerous books, games, and other kinds of art projects over the last 10 years. Recently, she got the opportunity contribute to her absolute favorite: Overwatch.
Earlier this month, players got the opportunity to unlock limited-time cosmetic items during D.Va’s Nano Cola Challenge. While most could be earned in-game, a set of special D.Va emoji-themed sprays were unlocked by watching selected Twitch broadcasters stream Overwatch. Kkuem is the artist who behind these adorable sprays. “Among all the projects I’ve been a part of, the D.Va emoji project was one of the most enjoyable for me to work on. It thrills me to see players use the emoji sprays to express themselves!”
Kkuem’s journey began in 2016, when Blizzard Korea reached out to her to create Over...
Read moreWith South Korea, Finland, the USA, Canada, China, and Australia locked into the Top 8 at BlizzCon, we now travel to one of the most passionate esports cities in the world—Paris—to determine the final two countries who will compete for the Overwatch World Cup title. They always call Paris “The City of Love,” but this weekend it’ll need to be temporarily renamed to the city of esports love, am I right?