Blizzard Entertainment has announced the triumphant return of Overwatch 2 to China, following the resolution of a prolonged stalemate between Blizzard and NetEase. The multiplayer shooter, which had been offline in China due to a failed agreement between the two gaming giants, is back thanks to a new partnership deal.
This milestone marks a pivotal moment for Chinese players and the global Overwatch community, complete with celebratory events and exciting new content.
A New Era for Overwatch in China
The absence of Overwatch 2 in China, one of the franchise’s largest player bases, left a significant void after servers were shut down in early 2023. The breakdown in negotiations between Blizzard and NetEase led to widespread disappointment among fans, compounded by limited access to certain cosmetics and in-game content.
However, the new deal has brought the game back, offering Chinese players a generous compensation package. Returning and new players will have the opportunity to acquire previously unavailable limited-time cosmetics, rekindling enthusiasm for the game.
Aaron Keller, the game director for Overwatch 2, expressed his excitement in a recent video message. He also used the occasion to drop a cryptic teaser about the theme of Season 15, hinting at big things on the horizon for players worldwide.
Exclusive Events and Rewards for Season 15
To celebrate the game’s revival in China, Blizzard has announced several special events exclusive to Chinese players. One of the most exciting features is the chance to earn old Mythic skins from prior battle passes, a rare opportunity that has players buzzing with anticipation.
It sounds crazy but it's real and official. Players in China are getting 9 full-level Mythic skins and 966 additional skins and items, including collab skins for FREE as a compensation. #Overwatch2 #Overwatch pic.twitter.com/pXjRsNYu5W
— Ska'Vorah (@SkaVorah) January 15, 2025
For the broader player base, Season 15 will introduce skin bundles inspired by Chinese mythology, as well as playable content that Keller teased but didn’t fully reveal. These additions coincide with Overwatch 2’s annual Lunar New Year event, traditionally held at the end of January or early February. Last year’s celebration featured a “Year of the Dragon” player icon and a new skin for Mercy, making this year’s event highly anticipated.
Keller remained tight-lipped about whether Season 15’s overall theme would center around Chinese mythology, or if the inspiration would be limited to a few specific skin bundles. Regardless, players are eager to speculate about the new content arriving with the midseason update.
A Timely Boost for the Player Base
The return to China couldn’t come at a better time for Overwatch 2, as Blizzard faces ongoing criticism from its global community. Last week, the decision to move the beloved 6v6 mode to the Arcade sparked outrage among fans. Many felt that removing the classic format from the main playlist disregarded the preferences of the players.
With the revival of Chinese servers and a plethora of new content on the way, Blizzard is likely hoping to restore goodwill and energize its global community. Events celebrating Overwatch 2’s return to China could serve as a turning point, showing the publisher’s commitment to its diverse player base.
The return of Overwatch 2 to China is more than just a regional development – it’s a global celebration that brings new life to the game. For a player base that’s been grappling with recent changes, this news signals a chance for Blizzard to rebuild trust and remind fans why they fell in love with the franchise in the first place.