Overwatch 2 Director Discusses Marvel Rivals: ‘It’s Not About Competition’

Sure thing, let’s dive right into this. And, oh boy, you might want to buckle up because this might get rambly. Okay, here goes nothing.

—

So, there’s this thing with Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals, right? Aaron Keller, who’s kinda like the big boss of Overwatch 2, was all laid back about the whole Marvel Rivals vibe. He said something like, “Yeah, it’s cool they’re out there doing their thing, but hey, we’re not exactly losing sleep over it.” I think that’s what he meant, more or less?

Now, when Marvel Rivals kicked off on December 6, 2024—mark your calendars!—everyone peeped at Overwatch 2 like it had spilled soda on its new carpet. Marvel Rivals borrowed a ton from Overwatch, like they were neighbors borrowing a cup of sugar but then deciding to take the whole bag. But Overwatch 2 was like, “Nah, we’re chill,” even though Marvel was kinda poking them a bit.

Here’s where it gets spicy. In the following months, Overwatch 2 dropped some sweet new content: Perks, Stadium, Hero Bans, and Map Voting. I know, sounds pretty rad, right? Just vibing with new stuff. But Keller, he stood his ground, saying it’s not Marvel Rivals making them do flips and tricks. Oh no, not at all. They already had all these grand plans up their sleeve.

But here’s a twisty bit—he kinda acknowledged that Marvel did light a fire under their feet, not literally though. Like, maybe they shuffled some plans around? Something about ‘Hero Bans’ coming out sooner because Marvel was doing something similar for the big-league matches. Coincidence? Maybe, but Keller said it was gonna happen anyway.

And of course, because it’s the internet, folks with keyboards and opinions went wild, saying the new updates were way too timely to be just a happy accident. Maybe Marvel’s release did poke them to shuffle their timeline a bit? Or maybe not. Game-making stuff takes ages, you know? Like, actual eons in game developer years.

Keller, he nodded wisely—at least I imagine he did—saying that, while the pressure wasn’t exactly a comfort blanket, the competition made everything feel like an adrenaline rush. Like sipping an espresso shot after a long week. It’s exciting, a bit wonky, but a ride nonetheless.

Oh, and speaking of rides, big things are supposed to be coming for Overwatch 2 this year and into 2026! Keller’s hinting at it like a teaser trailer that doesn’t give away too much, just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. So, here’s to more surprises and hopefully fewer spills.

Anyway, where was I going with this? Right, Overwatch 2 is doing its own thing, and Marvel Rivals is there too, sharing the stage. Both rocking their own styles. Let’s see where this goes, yeah?