{"title": "Blizzard Removes '2' from Overwatch Name Ahead of February 10 Launch for Five New Heroes Including Jetpack Cat", "body": ["Blizzard Entertainment has been hosting presentations for its key game series, and during Wednesday's event, the focus shifted to Overwatch—specifically, the version without the '2' designation. The company is officially eliminating the numeral from the title going forward."], ["In an official announcement, the Overwatch developers explained, 'Overwatch transcends a mere number: it represents an evolving world that continues to expand, innovate, and unite gamers globally.' They added that 2026 signals a pivotal moment in the team's vision for the title's direction, prompting the decision to abandon the '2' and proceed simply as Overwatch."], ["When Blizzard released Overwatch 2 in October 2022, it positioned the update as a true follow-up to the initial release, coinciding with a transition to free-to-play status. The changes were substantial, including a move from 6v6 to 5v5 matchmaking by reducing tanks per side—a move that sparked debate but was later partially reversed through the reintroduction of 6v6 options."], ["Blizzard's ambitious plans for Overwatch 2 did not fully materialize. The developer abandoned its intended hero missions, which featured RPG-style skill trees and extended progression systems, though elements of this concept influenced the Stadium mode."], ["The game received just one set of cooperative story missions. Sales for that premium content were reportedly underwhelming, causing Blizzard to halt development on player-versus-environment features and redirect efforts toward competitive player-versus-player gameplay."], ["In recent years, Blizzard has stabilized the title effectively. Overwatch now appears to be in stronger condition than it has been in quite some time."], ["2026 promises substantial developments for Overwatch. The game will celebrate its 10th anniversary in May, likely with notable commemorations. The Overwatch Spotlight event revealed key elements of the 2026 schedule, indicating imminent major alterations."], ["The upcoming season, launching February 10, represents the most significant overhaul since the introduction of Stadium mode and its perks last year—and potentially since Overwatch 2's inception. A key factor is the simultaneous debut of five fresh heroes."], ["Among them is a hero concept Blizzard tested in 2017 but eventually shelved. Jetpack Cat is making a comeback, set to integrate into Overwatch shortly."], ["This support character features a constant flight capability, allowing her to transport a teammate airborne while providing healing. Her ultimate, named Catnapper, involves burrowing into the earth to stun foes and link the nearest one, enabling pulls toward hazards for eliminations. Her main attack is termed Biotic Pawjectiles."], ["Jetpack Cat introduces an eccentric, hamster-like flair reminiscent of Wrecking Ball, refreshing the roster with unconventional designs."], ["The additional newcomers include Domina, a tank focused on area denial with extended-range accuracy; Emre, a damage specialist embodying a swift, agile trooper influenced by cybernetic enhancements that create internal conflict; Mizuki, a support able to hurl a hat for ally restoration; and Anran, a versatile hero delivering fiery attacks with a self-revival ultimate. Like Jetpack Cat, Anran belongs to the Overwatch group. Players can test Anran from February 5 via a trial feature. The remaining trio connects to the antagonistic Talon faction. New heroes will arrive roughly every two months with each season, resulting in more additions in 2026 than any previous year since launch."], ["This season initiates Blizzard's termed 'new story-driven era,' commencing with a 12-month plotline titled The Reign of Talon. All forthcoming narrative elements, characters, and activities over the next year will revolve around Talon's ascent."], ["Blizzard describes this as Overwatch's inaugural comprehensive yearly storyline. A fresh narrative will commence in 2027's Season 1, coinciding with a season numbering reset at the start of The Reign of Talon."], ["Roles will divide into subcategories, with shared passive traits per group. For example, initiator tanks gain enhanced healing during aerial maneuvers, certain damage dealers can spot low-health enemies through obstacles post-attack, and select supports retain surplus ultimate energy following ability activation."], ["An upcoming 'meta event' named Conquest will simulate a prolonged conflict between Overwatch and Talon over five weeks, offering numerous loot boxes and incentives like legendary skins for Echo."], ["The user interface receives a comprehensive redesign, featuring modernized menus, an updated hero selection area, a centralized alerts system, and improved browsing speed. Stadium mode gains tweaks such as renewed ability visuals and data-driven build suggestions refreshed mid-match. The Vendetta mode integrates into Stadium's lineup."], ["Complementing the hero additions and enhancements, a two-week Hello Kitty partnership begins February 10, providing customized items for various characters. Further cosmetics include Crimson Wolf weapon designs earnable via competitive currency, plus weather-themed and romantic options. Items from the prior six seasons enter rotation in loot boxes, while mythic outfits for Mercy, Juno, and Mei debut in Season 1."], ["Further into the future, Overwatch will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 with Season 2 in April. Additional mythic skins arrive for heroes like Ana and Genji, with weapon variants for Genji, Hanzo, and Sojourn. Two new maps, one set in nighttime Japan, join core modes, alongside the revival of end-game commendations."]}