Blizzard’s Overwatch 2 developers will not be receiving bonus compensation this year due to the game’s rocky performance since its launch in October 2022. Typically, Blizzard staff receive bonuses based on the critical and commercial success of their games. However, a new policy now ties payouts to the overall performance of the franchise, leaving the Overwatch 2 team empty-handed.
Former Blizzard presidents have advocated for fair compensation, while the former CEO argued for rewarding those behind the most successful games. In contrast, the teams behind Diablo IV and World of Warcraft were well-compensated in 2023 due to the success of their games.
Despite the initial reluctance, Activision Blizzard has promised to cover some Overwatch bonuses. The new Blizzard president, Johanna Fairies, is exploring profit-sharing plans and addressing unpopular work policies.
The PvE (Player vs. Environment) mode of Overwatch 2 has been confirmed dead, with only one three-mission set available. A Kotaku report claimed that more PvE missions were in development but were halted due to a lack of executive support.
A Blizzard spokesperson stated that the team is now focusing on improving the foundational team-based experience and quickly addressing player feedback. Overwatch 2 is now shifting its focus to PvP (Player vs. Player) gameplay.
The financial situation of Blizzard and the struggles of Overwatch 2 have been detailed in a Bloomberg report. The future of the game remains uncertain as developers work to overcome the challenges they face. Stay tuned to Jala News for further updates on this developing story.
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