Activision Blizzard today uncovered in its quarterly earnings report that it would postpone the release of Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV.
The organization was not specific on precisely how long the games would be deferred, yet neither one of the games will be released in 2022. It basically said that the games would get “a later launch … than originally envisaged.” The given explanation is that the development teams require additional time with the games to sufficiently support them after launch.
Activision Blizzard said in a statement: “These are two of the most eagerly anticipated titles in the industry, and our teams have made great strides towards completion in recent quarters. But we believe giving the teams some extra time to complete production and continue growing their creative resources to support the titles after launch will ensure that these releases delight and engage their communities for many years into the future.”
Mike Ybarra, in the earnings call, ascribed part of the postponements to the changes in leadership in both development teams. Chacko Sonny, the executive producer of the Overwatch series at Blizzard, and Luis Barriga, the director of Diablo IV, both left the organization this year.
Diablo IV is part of Activision’s attempt to take the franchise back to its greatness days. Diablo Immortal is as yet on track to be released right on time one year from now. The Overwatch League will offer a preview of Overwatch 2 one year from now, running on an early build of the game’s new 5v5 mode.
