The Overwatch League could be facing an extended offseason amidst change and controversy.
Initial reports alleged that the Overwatch League would be facing a potentially year long hiatus. Sources claimed that officials from the Overwatch League itself relayed information about this months long delay from competitive play. Season 5 was planned to start around the first half 2022 but reports had the Overwatch League starting back up at late 2022 or even further beyond. Coming in the wake of controversy surround Blizzard-Activision, many assumed that this was connected to the mass exit of OWL sponsors.
Further information since this initial rumor has come out since and slightly managed expectations for the situation. Overwatch League Vice President, Jon Spector, publicly denied the news of a year-long hiatus. In his Tweet, Spector stated that they “do not plan to take a ‘year-long’ hiatus in any scenario we are considering currently.” The Overwatch League is still expected to have an ‘extended offseason’ however not to the extent that has been rumored.
The reasoning behind such reports have also been clarified. Though the loss of sponsors and the current case against Activision-Blizzard have undoubtedly effected the Overwatch League, alternative reasons have been cited. Chief among the reasons for the delay is the looming presence of Overwatch 2. The project has been rumored to be pushed back due to Hero balancing troubles, and Season 5 is set on being played on Overwatch 2.
With massive competitive changes coming in this next installment of the game, moving to 5v5, new Heroes, and Hero reworks, OWL wants to start their next season in the ‘new generation.’ Consequently, the delay of the game may also cause a delay in the Overwatch league. Though the state of OWL may not be as dramatic as claims have stated, Overwatch esports is still experiencing their struggles.
Also read:
- Rumor: Is Overwatch 2 being pushed back into 2023?
- Blizzard President J. Allen Brack leaves company amidst lawsuit
- Activision Blizzard shareholders call for change in open letter to the company
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