Earlier today, @PlayOverwatch offered up a recap of it’s Blizzcon 2019 “Evolving The Art” Panel. During this, Overwatch 2’s development team offered an exciting insight into the art and technology of the sequel. Art Directors Bill Petras and Arnold Tsang spoke alongside Technical Director John Lafleur to discuss a number of key improvements.
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Improving On The Overwatch Roster
The panel discussed the benefits of technological advancements in the game’s engine when bringing a fresh look to the existing heroes. New shaders and lighting allowed the development team to include a greater level of detail in their character models.
“This enables more intimate, engaging storytelling and allows players to get up close and personal to their favorite heroes in ways they’ve never been able to.”
Richer Environments to Explore
Overwatch’s maps are arguably characters in their own right. Each of the current maps offers players an environment that both reflects the global theme it is based on and much of the Overwatch lore. For example, Hanamura’s second point shows signs of the conflict between the Shimada brothers shown in the animated short ‘Dragons’. During the panel, the team expressed excitement at the fact that Overwatch 2’s maps will offer multiple unique experiences highlighting a number of themed areas in the new map Rio. Rio will offer a contrast of colorful Brazilian streets and the “sinister inside of a Null Sector dropship”.
The team also talked about how they utilized newer game engines to include a number of improvements to the game’s environments. Dynamic weather systems, sequenced events, and a greater level of detail were all discussed. Currently, no permanent map offers any dynamic weather systems, but hopefully these changes will come to both the new maps and the old as the panel suggests.
Items, Enemies, and More
Overwatch 2 adds more PvE modes and PvP mode Push to its line-up. Improvements in technology undoubtedly help their inclusion. Previously, the only PvE modes Overwatch has seen are four-person co-operative experiences. These are often wave-based and follow similar objectives to the multiplayer experience. Additionally, these PvE modes offer players a variety of item pick-ups and ability customization. Everything from these in-depth looks at gameplay, artwork, and technology reinforces the idea that the series is being taken to the next level.
These are often wave-based and follow similar objectives to the multiplayer experience. Additionally, these PvE modes offer players a variety of item pick-ups and ability customization. Everything from Overwatch 2’s series of in-depth looks at gameplay, artwork, and technology, reinforce the idea that it is taking the series to the next level.
Be sure to check out our full Blizzcon 2019 recap here.
Check out the original article here.
