Blizzard could release three Overwatch maps this year

Blizzard currently has six Overwatch maps in development, three of which are standard maps past their initial play testing.

“While something could always change, all three of those [standard maps] are looking likely for a release this year,” Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan said in the game’s forum. The other three maps in development are non-standard, meaning they won’t go in quick play or competitive—so possibly event-based maps or arcade maps.

Overwatch’s latest standard map, released in January, is Oasis, a control point map like Nepal, Ilios, and Lijiang Tower. The map not only added a new environment for players to scramble around in, but also gave further insight into Overwatch’s world. With new maps, Blizzard expands Overwatch in new, unique ways, giving players a better understanding of the world we’re all playing in.

Kaplan also mentioned Blizzard has a few “experiments” going on, but didn’t expand beyond that comment.

“Hopefully this will satisfy some of what you’re looking for,” Kaplan said. “We want to play on these maps as badly as you guys do. We’ll work as fast as we can!”

Kaplan’s response comes as a reply to a forum post in which an Overwatch player said they were worried that Blizzard will only release two maps this year. Overwatch is quickly approaching its one year release anniversary, and Blizzard has since released two maps. While it may not seem like a lot, keep in mind that the Overwatch team has been juggling a lot: They’re working on new heroes, maps, events, skins, and balance.

A release schedule for the six maps in development was not outlined.

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