, Inc. is an American video game developer and publisher founded in February 1991. The company is best known for its Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo franchises, as well as its massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft.

History

was founded by three University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) graduates: Michael Morhaime, Allen Adham, and Frank Pearce. The company’s first game was The Lost Vikings, released in 1992. Blizzard’s breakthrough came in 1994 with the release of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, the first game in the Warcraft series.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Blizzard released several critically acclaimed games, including StarCraft (1998), Diablo II (2000), and World of Warcraft (2004). World of Warcraft became one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world, with over 100 million registered accounts as of 2020.

Products

develops and publishes a variety of video games, including:

Real-time strategy (RTS) games: Warcraft, StarCraft
Action role-playing games (ARPGs): Diablo
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs): World of Warcraft
First-person shooters (FPS): Overwatch
Card games: Hearthstone

Financial Performance

is a privately held company, so it does not disclose its financial performance. However, it is estimated that the company generates over $1 billion in revenue per year.

Corporate Culture

is known for its strong corporate culture, which emphasizes creativity, innovation, and work-life balance. The company has been recognized as one of the best places to work in the United States by Fortune magazine.

Impact on the Video Game Industry

has had a major impact on the video game industry. The company’s games have been praised for their high quality, engaging gameplay, and innovative features. Blizzard has also been a pioneer in the development of online gaming, and its games have helped to popularize the MMORPG genre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When was founded?
A: February 1991

Q: What is ‘s most popular game?
A: World of Warcraft

Q: What is ‘s corporate culture like?
A: Emphasizes creativity, innovation, and work-life balance

Q: What is ‘s impact on the video game industry?
A: Major impact, known for high-quality games, innovative features, and popularizing the MMORPG genre

References:

Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play first-person shooter video game developed and published by . It is the sequel to the 2016 game Overwatch. Overwatch 2 was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on October 4, 2022.

Gameplay:

Overwatch 2 introduces several new gameplay features, including:

New characters and maps: Includes new heroes Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko, as well as new maps such as Circuit Royal and Esperança.
5v5 Teams: Reduces team sizes from 6v6 to 5v5, focusing on more dynamic and fast-paced gameplay.
Push Game Mode: Introduces a new game mode where teams compete to push a robot to the enemy’s base.
Cross-Platform Play: Allows players across different platforms to compete together.

Story:

Overwatch 2 continues the story of the original game, following the members of the Overwatch organization as they face new threats and challenges. The game includes new PvE missions that expand on the lore and provide context for the events of the multiplayer mode.

Other Features:

Redesigned User Interface: Introduces a modernized user interface with improved navigation and customization options.
Battle Pass and Shop: Includes a battle pass system that grants rewards for completing challenges and a shop where players can purchase cosmetics and other items.
Cross-Progression: Allows players to carry over their progress and cosmetics from Overwatch to Overwatch 2.

Overwatch League

The Overwatch League (OWL) is a professional esports league for the video game Overwatch, developed by . Established in 2017, it comprises 20 teams from around the world, each representing a different city or region. The league operates on a franchise system, similar to major professional sports leagues.

Matches are played in a first-person shooter format, where teams compete in a series of maps to secure objectives or eliminate their opponents. The league features a regular season, playoffs, and a final championship tournament that determines the league champion.

The OWL is known for its high level of competition, skilled players, and passionate fans. It has played a significant role in the growth of esports and has helped to legitimize professional gaming as a mainstream sport.

Overwatch Esports

Overwatch esports, a competitive scene for the team-based first-person shooter game Overwatch, features professional players and teams competing in tournaments and leagues for prize money and recognition. The game’s popularity and accessibility have fostered a thriving esports ecosystem with a global reach. Major events include the Overwatch League (OWL), a franchise-based league featuring teams from around the world, and the Overwatch World Cup, an international tournament where players represent their respective countries. Overwatch esports combines strategic gameplay, individual skill, and teamwork, with matches often featuring fast-paced action and intense objective-based battles.

Overwatch Heroes

Overwatch features a diverse roster of 33 heroes, each with their own unique abilities, weapons, and playstyles. These heroes are divided into four main roles:

Tank: Heroes with high health and protective abilities who shield their team from enemy attacks.
Damage: Heroes who deal high amounts of damage and can eliminate enemy targets efficiently.
Support: Heroes who provide healing, buffs, or utility abilities to their team.
Hybrid: Heroes who combine elements of multiple roles, offering versatility and adaptability in combat.

Overwatch Maps

Overwatch features a diverse range of maps, each with a unique theme, setting, and gameplay objectives. Here are some of the notable maps in the game:

Hanamura: A Japanese temple complex with a futuristic twist, centered around capturing the point and escorting the payload.
King’s Row: A London-inspired cityscape featuring a payload escort mission through a bustling street market.
Nepal: A mountainous temple where players fight over three control points amidst serene surroundings.
Hollywood: A movie studio where attacking teams escort a payload through film sets and a Western shootout scene.
Gibraltar: A massive shipyard with narrow walkways and open areas, designed for both payload escort and control matches.
Route 66: A classic American road trip map with diners, gas stations, and a final destination at an abandoned amusement park.
Ilios: A series of floating Greek islands where teams compete for control of two points and a central lighthouse.
漓江塔: A modernized Chinese city featuring a unique aerial payload escort mission through a series of skyscrapers.
Eichenwalde: A war-torn castle set in Germany, with a payload escorted through a forest and a castle courtyard.
Junkertown: A post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland with Mad Max-inspired vehicles and a chaotic team deathmatch mode.

Overwatch Skins

Overwatch skins are customizable cosmetic items that allow players to alter the appearance of their heroes. Skins change the character’s model, texture, and sometimes even their abilities. They offer personalization options, enhancing the gameplay experience and providing variety to character aesthetics. Skins are unlocked through loot boxes, events, or direct purchase. Their rarities range from common to legendary, with the latter offering the most substantial visual transformations. Skins have no effect on in-game mechanics, ensuring a balanced gameplay environment.

Overwatch Lore

Overwatch, a futuristic first-person shooter game, has a rich and intricate lore that spans over multiple decades and characters.

The Omnic Crisis:
In the year 2042, the world was plunged into chaos as a rogue artificial intelligence known as the Omnium launched an uprising against humanity. The conflict resulted in widespread destruction and countless deaths.

The Overwatch Initiative:
To combat the Omnic threat, the United Nations established Overwatch, a global peacekeeping force composed of elite soldiers, scientists, and engineers. Under the leadership of Commander Jack Morrison (Soldier: 76), Overwatch successfully quelled the crisis.

Internal Divisions:
Despite their initial victory, Overwatch faced internal divisions. Gabriel Reyes (Reaper) believed in more aggressive tactics, while Morrison advocated for a balanced approach. The rift between them led to Morrison leaving Overwatch and forming the covert Blackwatch.

Fall of Overwatch:
In 2076, Overwatch was disbanded amidst allegations of corruption and government interference. Reyes, now a mercenary, sought revenge against Morrison, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the apparent deaths of both.

The Reckoning:
Years later, a new generation of heroes has emerged to face a resurgent Omnic threat. Winston, the former Overwatch scientist, rallies the remaining members of the original team to confront the forces of chaos and restore order to the world.

Overwatch Community

The Overwatch community is a diverse and passionate group of gamers who share a love for the popular first-person shooter video game. The community is active on various platforms, including social media, forums, and streaming services, where players connect, share strategies, and engage in discussions about the game. The community also organizes tournaments, events, and fan creations, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared experiences.

Overwatch Fan Art

Overwatch has inspired a plethora of fan art, showcasing the creativity and passion of its community. These works range from stunning concept art and detailed character illustrations to humorous comics and heartwarming fan fiction.

Fans have embraced the diverse cast of characters, capturing their unique personalities and abilities in vibrant depictions. They have also explored the game’s lore, creating fan art that expands upon the official story and introduces new perspectives.

Overwatch fan art has not only celebrated the game but also fostered a sense of community among players. Artists share their creations online, sparking discussions, collaborations, and a shared passion for the franchise. Through fan art, the Overwatch community continues to expand and evolve, giving life to the game’s characters and stories beyond the digital realm.

Overwatch Cosplay

Overwatch cosplay is a popular hobby among fans of the video game. Cosplayers create elaborate costumes to represent their favorite characters, capturing their unique abilities and personalities. Popular characters for cosplay include Tracer, Mercy, Genji, and D.Va, among others.

Cosplayers use a variety of materials and techniques to create their costumes, including fabric, foam, and paint. Some cosplayers even create custom props and weapons to enhance their outfits. The level of detail and accuracy in Overwatch cosplay varies greatly, with some cosplayers aiming for professional-grade results while others create more stylized or whimsical interpretations.

Overwatch cosplay is often showcased at conventions and fan events, where cosplayers can meet other fans and show off their creations. Cosplaying can be a rewarding hobby that allows fans to express their creativity and connect with others who share their passion for the game.

Overwatch Machinima

Overwatch machinima is a type of fan-made video animation that uses the game’s assets and characters to create original stories and scenarios. These videos are usually created using the game’s replay system, which allows players to record and edit their gameplay footage.

Overwatch machinima has a long history, dating back to the game’s release in 2016. Over the years, machinima creators have produced a wide variety of content, including short films, music videos, and even full-length feature films.

Overwatch machinima is a popular way for fans to express their creativity and share their love of the game. It is also a great way to experiment with diferentes storytelling techniques and create unique and engaging experiences.

Overwatch Tutorials

Overwatch tutorials provide comprehensive guidance for players of all skill levels. They cover a wide range of topics, including:

Hero Abilities and Strategies: Learn how to effectively use each hero’s abilities, including combos, counters, and playstyles.
Maps and Game Modes: Get familiar with different map layouts, objectives, and game modes to maximize your strategic advantage.
Aim and Mechanics: Improve your aiming accuracy, movement techniques, and overall gameplay skills.
Team Coordination and Communication: Learn how to effectively communicate with teammates, coordinate strategies, and work together to achieve victory.
Advanced Techniques: Discover advanced game mechanics, such as ult management, map control, and situational awareness, to enhance your gameplay.

Overwatch Tips and Tricks

General Tips:

Learn the maps: Knowing the layout and objectives of each map will give you an advantage in positioning and strategy.
Communicate with your team: Use the in-game voice chat to coordinate attacks, defend objectives, and call out enemy locations.
Use cover wisely: Stay behind walls, natural barriers, and deployable shields to avoid enemy fire.
Flank the enemy: Catch your opponents off guard by attacking from unexpected angles.
Control the high ground: Positioning yourself above the enemy provides a strategic advantage.

Hero-Specific Tips:

Tracer: Use Blink to quickly engage and disengage from combat. Stick bombs to enemies for additional damage.
McCree: Stun enemies with Flashbang and follow up with a headshot for a quick kill. Use Deadeye to take out multiple enemies at once.
Reinhardt: Protect your teammates with Barrier Field and charge into the enemy ranks to disrupt their formation.
Mercy: Heal and resurrect your allies to keep them in the fight. Damage boost their attacks to increase their effectiveness.
D.Va: Use Defense Matrix to block incoming projectiles. Eject from your mech when it’s low on health to escape and call it back.