6 replies to this topic

[AndY]

Hello all,

For the first time since Overwatch's public announcement, I have a bit of bad news to share: we have decided not to release our two new maps (Canals and Crossroads) in 1.3.0.

Rest assured that this decision was not taken lightly. After thorough testing and tweaking over the past week, we feel that the levels need to be improved a little more (both in terms of their unique gameplay elements and overall balance) so that they can be enjoyed by our fans for hours on end.

We know you understand that every aspect of Overwatch is still a work in progress and far from perfect, but we still feel that no matter how crude and orange a map may look, it should still be very fun to play (over and over again) before it is ever released to the public. Crossroads and Canals are fun, but not quite ready to be put in the spotlight just yet. As our priority is to provide an enjoyable experience for all, delaying their release, no matter how disappointing, is the right thing to do.

But,

Since we have much more done for this update than just the two levels (see below), we will still be releasing 1.3.0 tomorrow. Canals and Crossroads, on the other hand, will be part of the next planned update (1.4.0), which is scheduled for release just a few short weeks from now (target: early November).

In related news, the level design contest we have planned is still good to go, but we'll be announcing the details on Monday (the 25th) instead of today. We've put together over 600$ worth of cash and prizes, so be sure to check it out!

Furthermore, our interview on Podcast 17 is still set for tomorrow. We will be live on the air starting at 17:00 UTC/GMT (visit the Podcast 17 website for the official agenda and countdown, and for times in your timezone).



So what's in 1.3.0?

As we showcased earlier this week in our Spotlight segment, 1.3.0 contains tons of new features, improvements and bug fixes, including NPC Abilities, City Scanners, Player Roles (Defender/Medic) and Voice Commands. In addition, tomorrow's update includes phase three of Overwatch's first map, Citadel, which received a fresh coat of paint and a hint of fog. Tired of seeing orange everywhere? Check out this awesome new trailer:

Like the music? It's a taste of what you'll be hearing as you dash through the upcoming Canals map. Believe me, it's worth the wait! Here's the track:




In closing, I hope tomorrow's update will keep you all entertained enough for the next few weeks as we work hard (like we always do) to get Canals, Crossroads and many other features ready for 1.4.0.

I expect to see everyone on Overwatch servers over the weekend playing 1.3.0 and, if you feel like punching me in the nose as payback for the delay, I'll be playing the updated Citadel during Podcast 17's after-show gaming event.

Game on!

[Auxor]

What type of map is Canals supposed to be? If you're ready to tell us yet. And what is the status of Coast?

[WAXT]

Aarrgg! Rage! Untracking, this mod is shit. nah, just kidding we love you guys. I can wait. Quality is better than quantity right?

Auxor, on 22 October 2010 - 03:11 AM, said:

What type of map is Canals supposed to be? If you're ready to tell us yet. And what is the status of Coast?

Yea, i thought it was Coast too. Are you mistaken AndY or have you just leaked one of those developer secrets of yours? (or am i missing something? )

[TheSuperNova]

I dont know whether to be happy, or disappointed , i think ima stick with happy XD citadel is looking pretty decent now and the new features look pretty fun as well,i can wait for the maps.

[AndY]

Auxor, on 22 October 2010 - 03:11 AM, said:

What type of map is Canals supposed to be? If you're ready to tell us yet. And what is the status of Coast?

Ah, those are good questions.

The next Ask the Devs is going to be on Thursday (the 28th), be sure to ask me again then! (I'll even post some screenshots of Canals)

[Auxor]

Sure. Thanks for answering, not many mod developers have the distinction of being able to do that.

[AndY]

Auxor, on 22 October 2010 - 01:31 PM, said:

Sure. Thanks for answering, not many mod developers have the distinction of being able to do that.

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