Blizzard revealed Overwatch‘s next map and hero during the opening ceremonies for BlizzCon 2017 in Anaheim, California today. The map is a theme park full of references to Blizzard franchises such as Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Diablo.
Overwatch has been a blockbuster success since it launched in May 2016. It has attracted over 35 million players. The team-based shooter is a premium game, though it does sell loot boxes that give away random cosmetic items. Blizzard adds new characters, maps, and modes for free.
Moira is a new healer who can also shoot out a giant damaging laser. She can use a fade ability for mobility.
The new map, Blizzard World, is a hybrid stage, meaning that it starts with the attacking team capturing a point and then moving a payload (an slowly moving item you must protect) to the end of the stage. It is coming out next year.
Those additions keep Overwatch’s fans engaged, which makes them more likely to keep playing (and spending money on loot boxes). A healthy, thriving community also makes it easier for Overwatch League, Blizzard’s big esports organization that will feature teams from across the world, to be a success when it launches next year.
This is Overwatch’s 26 total hero and the fifth that it has added since its launch. The last character, Doomfist, is a punch/combo-focused fighter that came out in July.