overwatch release date

You can duke it out with friends in this futuristic virtual version of Toronto

Get that itchy trigger finger ready because the long-awaited sequel to one of the world’s hottest video games is about to debut, and Toronto is among the settings where players will be able to mercilessly slaughter one another only to safely respawn unharmed.

Reaching a peak of 7.3 million average players in July 2021, Overwatch is still played by millions of gamers per month even six years after its release. But its long-awaited sequel is on the way, with Overwatch 2 set to begin beta testing on April 26.

Overwatch teased the new Toronto map along with others in an Instagram post shared on Thursday, the four new Overwatch 2 PvP maps debuting in the April 26 Beta test. And it's packed with fun easter eggs that locals will recognize.

Local landmarks like City Hall and the CN Tower are included in a futuristic version of the city with a distinctive art style, but there are other fabulous finds for those willing to look closer.

A streetside advertisement displays a burly lumberjack type (with bionic arms for futuristic effect) holding a steaming hot cup of coffee with the red branding of....Tom Beansons?

You'll also see trees with red maple leaves, Toronto's iconic Bay and Gable style homes, and the familiar orange and green livery of a Beck Taxi.

overwatch 2 toronto"We want players to feel like they time jumped into the future where these cities are in their Golden Era," says Blizzard Entertainment Art Director Dion Rogers.

Rogers explains that "With each map, we are trying to find the 'Golden Moment' through the cities' architectures, culture, vision—and we want that to come across in our design."

The press release notes the "warm, welcoming feeling that represents Toronto's multicultural history," which should juxtapose interestingly against the game's shoot-'em-up play style.

Photos by

Blizzard Entertainment


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Tech

Canadians can get part of $15.2 million eBook price-fixing class-action settlement

Rogers takes huge step in expansion of 5G service across entire TTC subway network

Canadians can claim up to $375 in Yahoo data breach settlement

U.S. electronics chain is opening its first Canadian stores around Toronto

Major failure with emergency alert test has Ontario residents confused and worried

Nearly 100K USB chargers sold on Amazon Canada recalled for 'unreasonable' shock risk

Canada's richest person worth $40B and climbing ranks of world's wealthiest people

Viral video warns Ontario rideshare users about 'cleaning fee scam' on Uber