Blizzard Entertainment Vice President and Overwatch Game Director Jeff Kaplan has expressed his desire for the industry to approach video game sequels the same way his team did to Overwatch 2.

In an interview with VG24/7, he was asked that if players of Overwatch could play with those in Overwatch 2, and access all but the PvE content- then why make Overwatch 2 a sequel as oppose to an update to Overwatch?

Kaplan stated how with the games numerous updates (Including an upgraded engine, UI, and new looks for characters) he felt it was a true sequel- but did not wish to punish long term Overwatch fans.

“We made a bunch of decisions to make it so nobody felt left behind. I’m sure we’ve all played games where we were enjoying it immensely and a sequel came out, we were not allowed to play that sequel, and all the progression that we had didn’t come forward with us. It just felt like a bummer. I almost want to challenge everyone back: why is it okay if we do the wrong thing by the player? Which is not give them the new maps, not pull the progression forward, is it okay to call it a sequel? But if we let everyone play, “Oh, it’s just a mode that you’re getting”.

I don’t subscribe to that at all – I think the game is absolutely a sequel. It’s a huge game, and I think not only are we trying to do right by our players – current Overwatch fans who aren’t interested in Overwatch 2 – I’m hoping that we’re doing right by players of games that have sequels that are nothing to do with Overwatch. I hope we actually influence the industry a little bit. Progression can come forward with you, and players of the earlier version can play the new version with people. It’s all semantics, but I really believe we’re doing the right thing by our players.”

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below!

Overwatch 2 is coming soon to Windows PC. Though even Kaplan has stated he has no idea when the game will launch.