For those of you curious regarding the activities planned for BlizzCon, fear not! We'll give you the rundown on all things Overwatch coming up.
BlizzCon 2015 was certainly full of excitement, especially with all the hype building up around Overwatch, but 2016 is a special year because it is the first year in which the game is actually released and playable. With Overwatch now being a full-fledged part of the Blizzard portfolio, they can expect as much of a spotlight during BlizzCon as any other title.
Among the Overwatch panels that will be hosted are:
Overwatch - What's New
Description: Join the Overwatch developers as they discuss the newest heroes, maps, brawls, and gameplay features in Blizzard’s team-based first-person shooter.
The Overwatch devs will be discussing the current events of Overwatch, so to speak. While we have no indication of this yet, we might be catching a sneak peek on future heroes, maps, and game modes, especially with Sombra speculated to be around the corner!
Overwatch Art & Design
Description: Dave Adams - Design, John Polidora - Traditional Drawing, Jesse Davis - Animation
The art team will likely talk about their stylistic choices, as well as the processes behind their work. Since Overwatch is home to some of the most amazing art, this panel is sure to be exciting. Extra exciting will be the unique look at what goes in to animating a game that requires such smooth responses as this one.
Overwatch Animated Shorts
Description: Blizzard’s cinematic artists share a behind-the-scenes look at how they bring some of Overwatch’s most iconic heroes to life in our animated shorts.
Everyone loves the animated shorts that the Overwatch team has been producing, and now you'll get to meet the creators of those shorts. Blizzard has revealed that they don't mind unveiling shorts at conventions, like "The Last Bastion" at gamescom, so you might be in for a treat if you decide to watch the animated short panel.
Overwatch - Play By Sound
Description: Learn how Overwatch's sound can make you a better player. Hear about our audio design and mix philosophies, and discover how to listen for gameplay cues in music, voice, and sound effects.
The sound team recently hosted an AMA, where they discussed stylistic choices regarding the atmosphere of Overwatch. Given how important sounds like footsteps are in competitive play, this panel will definitely yield some interesting discussion.
United Nations of Overwatch
Description: Join us on the Voice Actor's Stage for a meeting of Overwatch minds—and voices. The international flags of Overwatch will be unfurled as we introduce you to the actors from across the globe who bring the heroes of the Overwatch universe to life.
One of the coolest things about Overwatch is that each character has their own personality, voice, and native tongue. You'll be able to meet the crew who brought these characters to life by lending their voices. We are especially excited to hear more Reinhardt impressions!
Overwatch Q&A
Description: Team up with your fellow BlizzCon attendees and check in with the Overwatch developers. Come armed with questions for this full-length Q&A session.
The Q&A session is sure to be interesting, with Jeff Kaplan and other developers ready to give detailed responses. With the developers' willingness to discuss their choices with the community, I'm sure the Q&A session will be both thought-provoking and interesting.
Remember that in order to stream these events, you must purchase a virtual ticket from Blizzard's site, here. Extra rewards are included with the purchase, including a new Bastion skin.
For more competitive Overwatch news, follow @GosuOverwatch.
