Overwatch 2 is bringing about a slew of content alongside new maps, one of which is inspired by New York City (Midtown map). However, one player saw something that might be not too important to some, but is still a very poignant reality in cities around the world - not just NYC.
overwatch 2 midtown
As reported by Polygon, the design of the benches that players pass by in the Midtown map's "Grand Central" station has been criticized as anti-homeless by OW2 player ClearTogether. The benches were present in the beta and feature a design that is intended to discourage and restrict homeless people from at least comfortably sleeping on them, as shown in this tweeted image here:
According to ClearTogether, the benches make them "super bummed" and they were hoping that it would be changed. Eventually, the design was changed based on the player's feedback - but the change is going to affect Overwatch 2 further than the mere visual aspect.
Narrative director Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie said in a reply to the ClearTogether's tweet that the change to the benches is a "big part" of the game's story development. While he didn't elaborate on how this could work with the in-game lore, he did say that how people hope the world to be will play a major role in the game's narrative.
OW2 was revealed not just as a direct sequel to the popular hero shooter from Activision Blizzard, but also on the premise that it will add a single-player campaign. Much of the game's early tests are focused on the multiplayer aspect, but perhaps the development team will reveal more about the story missions closer to the game's official release date.
Players will get their hands on the free-to-play shooter on October 4th, when it releases on all major platforms (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC, and Nintendo Switch).
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More Details About Overwatch 2's Midtown Map
Overwatch 2's Midtown map is one of a total of seven new ones that were included as part of the beta (the others are Toronto, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, Gothenburg, Monte Carlo, and India). It is designed as a Hybrid map which will focus on the Assault game mode, writes DotESports. Assault tasks one team to capture a point at the beginning, then escort a payload to the end while fending off enemy attackers.
Here's a quick video detailing Midtown's details:
As you can see there, the map itself is chock full of details paying homage to the sights and sounds of NYC's midtown Manhattan area. There are the iconic yellow cabs, fire trucks, and the subway cars that are prominent features of the Big Apple.
In terms of gameplay strategies, Overwatch 2's Midtown looks to be ripe for opportunities to take the high ground. There's a ton of options for attackers to take the fight to defenders and vice versa at the first capture point, where DotESports says heroes like Doomfist, Brigitte, and Junkrat could do a lot of damage with their explosions and devastating melee attacks.
DPS and most importantly, hitscan heroes can then take the high ground to try to get these explosive and melee heroes off-balance, though it seems like Midtown's various points will act as chaos-filled areas focusing on intense 5v5 team fights. Whoever wins most of these team fights early on (especially at the first capture point) could end up as the victor. Of course, the meta could still change over time.
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