Director’s Insight: The Evolution and Future of Stadiums – News

Hey folks! So, you’ve all been buzzing about Stadium, and honestly, we’re just as thrilled watching you dive into it. The way you’re all building stuff? Super creative! Though not gonna lie, we kinda expected it. You guys never let us down.

Right, let’s take a stroll down memory lane (because, you know, context), and where Stadium might be headed. Also, “Past, Present, and Future” just sounds cool, doesn’t it?

### Blast from the Past

Stadium was just a twinkle in the eye before Overwatch 2 was even a thing. Fun fact, my kid actually threw together the first pitch document with a level sample. It’s come so far since those early days, but whenever I play, I’m reminded of his little contribution.

Back in its baby days, Stadium played differently. It was more of an eight-team tournament with random upgrades—you’d fight in Team Deathmatch or against AI, losing health if you blew a round. Try strategizing with randomness… yeah, good luck with that. Anyway, that’s when we realized, let’s prioritize balance. Make those epic builds about strategic choices and how everyone’s meshing in the match.

### Now-ish

Balance, folks—that’s what we’re doubling down on. Playtime went through the roof post-launch, which is awesome! Stadium sorta stuck around more than usual, with over 50% of Overwatch 2 play hours in its first week. Nuts, right?

Looking at how builds and Hero balance play out, the team’s eyeing some tweaks. Gathering data, you know how it goes—midseason balance patch, maybe sooner. A whole lot spinning in the background. Oh, and a Reddit AMA happened! We’ll drop more insights in a Director’s Take next week. Stay tuned, I guess?

### What’s Next

Dig Stadium? You’re in for a treat. We’re dreaming big—seasonal updates, fresh Heroes, maps, the whole shebang. Loads loaded into the pipeline for the next two seasons.

Newbies join the Hero lineup starting with Freja in Season 16. She’s just the start—we reckon Heroes shake up the meta big time, so expect more every season.

Plus, a new mode, Payload Race, plus fresh maps. And this quirky “Quests” thing—rewards for stuff you do in-game. Sounds fun, right?

Oh, and systems! We’re rolling out a build importer/exporter come Season 17. Craft builds outside, then select in-match. Community builds too—pick your poison, really.

And yep, heard you loud and clear on Cross-Play. Competitive rules keep PC and Console players separate, but we’re exploring an unranked mode. Maybe even a best-of-5 format? Who knows where this leads!

Before I drift off, just wanna say, other core modes are still getting all the love they’ve always had. Stadium’s not stealing from that; it’s just a fresh canvas for Overwatch. Season 18? Gonna be a blast!

So, off you go. Dive into Stadium, keep having fun, and yeah, let’s keep this game rocking!