The launch of “Overwatch 2” on Steam faces a turbulent start as the game receives a barrage of negative reviews, dividing the gaming community. With thousands of players expressing discontent, the game’s rating on Valve’s platform quickly dips into “overwhelmingly negative” territory.
Of the 25,000+ user reviews, only 14% hold a positive sentiment, according to Steam’s stats. The focal point of dissatisfaction centers on the game’s monetization. When “Overwatch 2” debuted in late 2022, Blizzard’s shift of its premium predecessor into a free-to-play sequel drew heavy criticism, rendering the original “Overwatch” unplayable and causing disappointment.
The controversies didn’t stop there. “Overwatch 2” faced challenges, including canceling the highly anticipated PvE Hero mode—something fans believed would justify the sequel.
The recent Steam launch, alongside the Invasion update, seemed to expand the player base and mark the game’s transition from early access. Although “Overwatch 2” reached the top five revenue ranks on Steam and peaked at 52,349 concurrent players, negative reviews cast a shadow. A poignant critique by Steam user Ornge captures the sentiment: “Overwatch 2 lacks respect, attempting to open your wallet while pretending to be the game it was.”
Backlash centers on the shift to free-to-play, introducing heroes via the battle pass, the pass itself, and Blizzard’s cosmetics approach. These changes stray from the original “Overwatch,” leaving loyal fans disillusioned. The decision to abandon the PvE hero mode exacerbated matters. Despite adding new story missions through the Invasion update, access requires a $15 bundle. Many players disagree with its value.
The Steam launch aimed to redefine “Overwatch 2” and engage more players, yet negative reviews underscore the role of player satisfaction. Developers struggle to meet expectations and uphold cherished franchises. As players voice opinions, Blizzard must respond to salvage “Overwatch 2’s” reputation among its fan base.
