Overwatch 2 has now been available for two weeks and, well, most of what you've probably heard about the game until now has likely been bad. Despite the numerous fires Blizzard has been trying to put out so far, the studio has revealed more than 25 million people played the game in its first ten days.
Blizzard boasted Overwatch 2's massive numbers via a statement it issued last week (thanks, VGC). “The launch of Overwatch 2 has been such an important moment for Blizzard. We’re thrilled to bring new players from around the world into Overwatch’s vibrant universe while welcoming back the existing Blizzard community,” Blizzard's statement reads. Included in that statement is the reveal that new and old players have combined to total more than 25 million people.
Turns out that's more new players than old as also highlighted in the statement is the reveal that Overwatch 2's peak player count is triple that of the original game. Not the fairest of comparisons, of course, since the first game needed to be bought and the sequel is free-to-play. Blizzard will rely on players paying for items in-game now Overwatch is a live service title.
That is where many of the sequel's early issues stem from since the change to Overwatch's foundation has been more jarring than most expected, Blizzard included. The studio clearly didn't expect that many people to play the game right off the bat as crowded servers left some people queuing for hours. Not to mention multiple DDoS attacks and some OG players claiming their cosmetics haven't come with them.
Blizzard has confirmed double XP weekends and a free legendary to make up for the game's imperfect launch. Activision Blizzard also still faces investigations and lawsuits surrounding the various allegations made regarding a toxic workplace culture, including a fresh sexual harassment lawsuit filed a few days ago.