If there is one question that has been looming over the video game community, it’s “Is Overwatch Dying?”. Overwatch has been available for over 10 years now, with Overwatch 2 launching in August 2023. The game has experienced numerous turbulent times after its release and today is no different.
When Overwatch was first released, there were not many games in the hero shooter genre. Since then, we have seen the launch of VALORANT and Marvel Rivals worldwide. Now, in 2025, it feels like the game has some life left in it and its community but not as much as before. So let’s take a look and figure out if Overwatch is really dying:
Image Source: Blizzard Entertainment
One point to note is that Overwatch 2 hasn’t been able to touch the peaks of the original game’s initial success. When Overwatch 2 was released in August 2023, the game reached 70,000 players on Steam. Although Steam doesn’t represent the entire player base, dwindling numbers still signify a drop in players.
In October 2023, the number of players fell to 30,000. The reason for this was quite apparent: many fans were simply unhappy with the game. Following the situation with its esports circuit, the game had lost considerable goodwill from the community.
People who felt esports wasn’t something tangible like a real sport had finally gotten a proper example of a failed idea. In fact, the Overwatch League was such a failure that it resulted in Blizzard completely shutting it down.
Additionally, the sequel had numerous gameplay issues. With significant changes to its 6v6 shooter gameplay, the game was a shell of its past self. Another issue players faced was concern over the matchmaking system. However, not everything is as bleak as it looks.
In 2025, things have been looking a lot better for the game. When Season 15 launched in February 2025, the game had a peak of 59,000 active players. Since then, it has averaged around 30,000 to 40,000 daily players.
If we take a look at esports, the Crazy Raccoon Cup Five Overwatch 2 tournament had a peak viewership of 150,000 fans. During the Overwatch Champions Series Korea Stage One, the tournament had a viewer count of 70,000 fans. Thus, we have observed a gradual decline in viewership during the various Overwatch 2 esports tournaments.
Since the launch of Overwatch 2, we have seen a new form of collaboration in the game. These collaborations are with organisations and IPs from different brands. They include the likes of Nerf, GI Joe, One-Punch Man, and Street Fighter. The result of these collabs is the addition of new skins to the game and various other cosmetics. Surprisingly, Overwatch 2 went back to the loot box marketplace as well, following community feedback.
The only thing players can now purchase in the game is the battle pass. If players wish to obtain new skins, they can open loot boxes. These loot boxes consist of all types of skins available in the game. Unfortunately, the majority of players didn’t like this, primarily because the first game’s shop was richer with items to buy and you could get the skins you want directly, instead of gambling and hoping you’ll win the one you want.
The notion that Overwatch is dying because of Marvel Rivals is relatively accurate. Since the launch of Marvel Rivals in 2024, a significant portion of the fan base has switched to it since it feels like Overwatch 2 on steroids and handles gameplay in a more fun, rewarding way than Overwatch 2.
Image Source: Blizzard Entertainment
Another significant addition to the game is the introduction of a new game mode, Stadium. This game mode was introduced in the game in April 2025. It features 5v5 team gameplay in a best-of-7 setting. Below are the various types of rules within the Stadium game mode:
The significant change within this gamemode is that players cannot switch heroes between rounds. Instead, you select one hero and, over time, use Stadium Cash to get hero upgrades. Upgrades allow players to build heroes in their own personalised manner. You can upgrade 4 characteristics of your hero: Weapon, Ability, Survival, and Power.
Within Stadium, there is also a ranked ladder for fans to play. Interestingly, the game mode is played from a third-person perspective. Due to the addition of these game modes, the game has attracted a significant number of daily players.
The Stadium game mode has revitalised the game. According to Blizzard, in the first month since the launch of Stadium, 50% of the game’s playtime has been spent on the new game mode. Thus showing that the community has a want for shorter and fast-paced games.
Over time, this game mode has become the go-to for the Overwatch 2 esports circuit as well. With shorter games, players do not need to wait a long time per game.
If Overwatch 2 wants to regain its mainstream presence, it may need to focus on changing the narrative and pacing of the game. Blizzard should add more game modes, such as Stadium, that focus on a round-based format with one hero. This will result in players who are mains of 1-2 heroes getting to play with them more often than having to switch based on the enemy.
With Marvel Rivals still being the go-to Hero shooter for most fans, it will be interesting to see if Overwatch 2 can build its community up again and average 60,000-80,000 daily players.
Judging by the player counts in recent months, Overwatch 2 is currently steady but exhibits less interest from players than its predecessor.
Yes, Overwatch 2 has lost multiple tens of thousands of players since launch. While the numbers have recovered, they still aren’t at the level they were when the game came out.
No, Overwatch is not being shut down. Blizzard regularly releases updates to the game and periodically introduces new heroes, game modes, and maps.
Featured Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment
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