Blizzard teams up with Saudi Arabia for Overwatch league

Jan 24, 2024 4:05 PM

Blizzard is teaming up with ESL Faceit Group, owned by the Saudi Arabia-based Savvy Games Group, to launch the new Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), which succeeds the previous Overwatch League. Announced as an "open and inclusive competitive ecosystem," the OWCS aims to honor the legacy of Overwatch esports and will allow participants from regions including Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. These regions will host open qualifiers leading to main events and then international live events at DreamHack. Qualification details are available on the Overwatch website.

The partnership with ESL Faceit Group has stirred some controversy due to its ties to Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, known for investments aiming to diversify the kingdom's economy beyond oil but also criticized for the nation's human rights issues. Despite these concerns, the collaboration reflects the growing Saudi investments in the global gaming industry.

How can gamers qualify for the Overwatch Champions Series?

Gamers interested in competing in the Overwatch Champions Series can find qualification details and information on how to participate on the official Overwatch website. The competition is structured to have regional open qualifiers that lead to main events and ultimately to international live competitions.

Overwatch, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter released in May 2016. It quickly gained popularity due to its fast-paced gameplay, unique hero characters, and emphasis on teamwork. With the introduction of the Overwatch League in 2018, it cemented its place in esports history. The league aimed to establish city-based teams and a regular season schedule akin to traditional sports, although the Overwatch League was phased out in favor of the new Overwatch Champions Series. Overwatch 2, a sequel with an updated engine and additional game modes, has been confirmed by Blizzard Entertainment, furthering the franchise's legacy within the gaming community.

Written by:

Samira Khan

Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.

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Stimpy commented on: 2024-01-24 16:45:29
Blizzard's shift to the new Overwatch Champions Series with ESL Faceit Group nods to a more globally inclusive approach, adapting to the evolving esports landscape and community expectations. However, the involvement of Savvy Games Group does open up a complex dialogue about ethical investment in gaming that's as intricate as the gamespace strategies Overwatch players love to dissect.

Miss Peachy commented on: 2024-01-24 16:30:23
Stepping into a fresh chapter with the Overwatch Champions Series, it's interesting to see Blizzard embracing inclusivity across a wider range of regions; it's a bold move that could really shake up the esports scene. Despite the buzz, the partnership's backdrop of ethical concerns is a reminder that the intersection of gaming and global politics continues to be a complex and nuanced affair.