Like 'Fortnite,' 'Overwatch' is eyeing a big Chapter 2 update

Ahead of annual fan expo Blizzcon this coming weekend, popular team action game "Overwatch" is being linked with a big overhaul, including new modes and a new Toronto map.

Having launched in 2016, team shooter "Overwatch" is expected to expand its ambitions to include a sequel.

It's likely to include more cooperative missions, an additional game mode called Push (alongside the existing Assault, Control, Escort and Hybrid modes from "Overwatch"), and a new map inspired by Toronto, Canada, according to reporting from ESPN.

Players can expect more missions that pit them against AI-controlled opponents, including one "four-player story experience" set in Rio de Janeiro, home of one of the game's characters, which might be tied to character origins and interests.

All this, as well as the first of a new wave of hero characters, is expected to be revealed during the "Overwatch" game developer's annual fan expo, Blizzcon, which runs November 1-2, 2019.

ESPN writer Rod Breslau clarified via Twitter that "it is very likely the next iteration of 'Overwatch' will not be 'Overwatch 2', but instead a variant of 'Overwatch: Chapter 2.'"

That led established "Overwatch" leaker Metro_OW to speculate that "Overwatch 2" would consist of a free update for current "Overwatch" owners -- "a complete engine and content update and the rebranding of the ga me to 'Overwatch 2'" -- and a separate retail package for new owners.

He also corroborated Breslau's reporting that "Overwatch 2" would contain both player-versus-player and player-versus-environment elements, as well as a level-based progression system and the new Push game mode, all running on a new game engine, with no current plans to transfer items or progress from "Overwatch" to "Overwatch 2" when it launches in 2020.

Blizzard, the studio behind "World of Warcraft," "StarCraft" and "Hearthstone," is expected to showcase not only "Overwatch 2" but also "Diablo 4" and various "Diablo" remasters at Blizzcon 2019.

It will also need to negotiate reactions from a passionate fan community regarding bans and reinstatements for various "Hearthstone" players over public support for the Hong Kong citi zen protests.

Tweet