Blizzard’s Overwatch 2 Collaborations Bring New Skins and Surprising Crossovers
In 2023, Blizzard opened up Overwatch’s world for third-party collaborations, leading to some unexpected and exciting crossovers. The first collaboration introduced a set of skins and other cosmetics based on the popular anime/manga, One-Punch Man. This collaboration turned Overwatch’s own “one-punch man,” Doomfist, into the titular hero with a new skin. Other heroes such as Soldier: 76, Kiriko, and Genji also got to cosplay during the event, delighting fans with their transformations into characters from the One-Punch Man universe.
Despite the fact that One Punch Man hasn’t been as active in recent years, with the third season still in development, the collaboration brought a surprising amount of love and fun to the game. The whimsical skins and highlight intros added a lighthearted touch to the game, with the sight of Soldier: 76 pedaling like his life depends on it being one of the highlights for fans.
The second big collaboration saw a partnership with K-Pop girl group Le Sserafim, resulting in an absolute banger of an event. The collaboration brought a new level of glamour to Overwatch, as Tracer, Kiriko, Brigitte, D.Va, and Sombra were all given stunning K-Pop concert-themed skins. The music video that accompanied the collaboration featured the Overwatch heroes attending a Le Sserafim concert and using their various abilities to have their perfect night, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
While Blizzard looked outside of its stable for crossovers, it also looked within its own portfolio and had a Diablo crossover. Moira mains rejoiced as she finally got a decent skin out of the arrangement, although the Diablo-themed co-op mode was met with mixed reviews.
Even for those who may not be fans of One-Punch Man or Le Sserafim, Overwatch 2’s collaborative events have felt meaningful and impactful. The team at Blizzard has managed to capture the essence of its partners without compromising the game’s own identity. Unlike other games that may become cluttered with crossovers, Overwatch 2 has found a happy medium in paying tribute to outside properties while maintaining its own framework. The collaborations have brought a new level of excitement and fun to the game, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what other surprises Blizzard may have in store.