Overwatch 2 Director Discusses Marvel Rivals: “I Don’t Think That’s a Response”

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Okay, so game director Aaron Keller over at Overwatch 2 just threw out some interesting bits about this Marvel Rivals thing. I know, superheroes wanting a slice of the Overwatch pie? Who’d have thought? Anyway, Keller’s like, sure, it’s healthy competition. But those cool new features in Overwatch 2? Not really Marvel-inspired — they were cooking those up ages ago.

When Marvel Rivals dropped on December 6, 2024 (feels like just yesterday, right?), everyone eyeballed Overwatch 2 like it was about to flinch. Did it? Kinda. Rivals showed off some shiny tricks, no doubt. Overwatch still rolled out some neat stuff — Perks, Stadium, the whole shebang. Makes you wonder though, doesn’t it?

Oh, wait — there’s this image. Doctor Strange rubbing elbows with Mercy. Surreal? A Marvel mashup moment?

Anyway, Keller kind of slipped during a chat. At one of those laid-back gaming hangouts on Jay3’s stream, someone nudged Keller about Marvel Rivals’ influence. His answer was a classic no-yes — that kind of “yeah, but nah” vibe that doesn’t say much but kinda does. He’s not saying Overwatch 2’s updates are all because of Rivals — they had those plans in the works — but maybe Rivals made them speed things up a bit here and there. You catch my drift?

People talk, right? Some fans are like, “C’mon, the timing’s too perfect. Overwatch 2 is totally playing catch-up.” Well, maybe, maybe not. Who knows how long they’ve been brewing those ideas? You ever tried to bake a really good cake? Takes time. So, sure, Marvel Rivals might’ve nudged Overwatch 2 to push some stuff out faster, but those things were likely simmering for a while.

Competition between these two games seems like a love-hate kind of gig. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies for the Overwatch crew. But Keller admits it’s been a boost. Healthy competition, right? Keeps you on your toes.

And just when you think that’s it, there’s more. Keller hints at big plans — like “get ready for some fireworks” kind of big. Season 18 onwards. Cryptic much? Guess we’ll just have to hang tight and see what the Overwatch universe has in store.

So there it is, messy and all. Who would’ve thought video game drama could get this juicy? But hey, keeps us on our toes, right?