Summary
Between 2007 and 2017, games likeTeam Fortress 2andOverwatchcontributed to the rising popularity of the hero shooter genre, despite titles likeThe Amazing Eternals,Battleborn, andLawBreakersfailing to achieve this level of success. However, when games such asPlayerUnknown’s BattlegroundsandFortnitegained recognition in 2017, battle royales firmly took hold of the shooter community. Now, although battle royales still enjoy considerable prevalence, hero shooters are making a comeback.
A cornerstone of the genre,Overwatch 2has served as both a sequel and a replacement for the originalOverwatch. By expanding its availability to consoles like the Switch and platforms like Steam, Blizzard has demonstrated its commitment to keeping the title fresh and accessible. Still, likely due to shortcomings that have left some fans wanting more, 2024 is shaping up to be a year brimming with fresh takes on the hero shooter genre.
The Hero Shooter Resurgence Has Already Begun
Concord, Marvel Rivals, And Star Wars: Hunters Aim To Take Overwatch 2’s Crown
For some, there’s a theory thatOverwatch 2may be the reason for the rise inOverwatchclones. With Blizzard stumbling upon a gold mine in 2016, other studios likely saw an opportunity followingOverwatch 2’s troubled lifespan. Given the extensive development timelines involved, it makes sense that a hero shooter renaissance would begin approximately two years after the sequel debuted.
As such, existing and upcoming titles with hero shooter characteristics include, but aren’t necessarily limited to:
As battle royale fatigue sets in, fierce competition is brewing among shooter developers. Whilethe arrival of new hero shootershas its drawbacks, it also yields several benefits. For players dedicated toOverwatch 2, increased competition should lead to improved game quality. Fortunately, following Season 10, this is already apparent with the adjustments made to competitive play, new maps, and fresh heroes.
Regardless, in recent monthsOverwatch-like games such asMarvel Rivalshave been making waves in esports, while Sony’sConcordis being lauded for its plans to include weekly in-game cinematics. Notably,Valorant’s upcoming release on console and reports of Valve developing its own hero shooter further complicate predicting which titles will come out on top of this highly competitive race.
Modern Day Hero Shooters Are Competing In An Arms Race
While each of the aforementioned titles has the potential to succeed, and even coexist,in the modern shooter market, there are various factors to consider. This encompasses the release date, audience reception, and monetization strategies, which often include controversial microtransactions. Each equally important, these factors will play a crucial role in determining which of these games will ascend to prominence.
Interestingly,Concordhas not been confirmed as free-to-play, suggesting it may adopt a base price model instead of relying on a monetized live service approach. With some players growing weary of live service titles, this could be a step in the right direction forConcord’s development team. Other games likeDeadlockmight come with a price tag, but considering Valve’s track record withTeam Fortress 2andDota 2being free-to-play, it seems less probable.
Ultimately, a significant challenge for these new hero shooters isOverwatch 2’s strong position within this niche. Despite some of its missteps,Overwatch 2has maintained a loyal player base and even recently achieved its largest player count on Steam in May. As such, combined with being a free-to-play title that’s accessible on various consoles, recognizable heroes, and the legacy of the original having been2016’s Game of the Year, Blizzard’s hero shooter remains a formidable competitor. Nevertheless, with 2024 hailed as the year of the hero shooter, it should be exciting to see what enjoyable experiences will emerge from the genre’s renaissance.
Overwatch 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
