# Highly Anticipated Game Sequels Blizzard Entertainment Launches 'Overwatch 2' Open Beta By Kanesa D | Published 2022-04-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2 References: [ign](https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-2-twitch-views-record) & [overwatch2.playoverwatch](https://overwatch2.playoverwatch.com/en-us/story)  ‘Overwatch 2’ has been in development for a long time, and as of yesterday’s open beta release, the sequel to the already-successful FPS title has broken its previous viewership record for the game’s [Twitch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multiversus-open-beta) category. Notable streamers that broadcasted the game’s launch included xQc, Lirik, and Myth. The long-awaited sequel to ‘Overwatch’ brings a new hero named Sojourn, updates on the current roster of heroes, a new ‘Push’ game mode, and a rework of the traditional five vs. five structure. But how do you gain access? The ‘Overwatch 2’ open beta is only available to PC players who gain access to a beta key; you would need to watch a partnered Twitch streamer on April 26th and receive a “drop.” [Blizzard Entertainment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2-game) has plans to expand the ‘Overwatch 2’ beta to console players in the future. Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Esports Tournaments:** Opportunities for hosting or sponsoring tournaments for popular game franchises like 'Overwatch'. - **Live Streaming:** Opportunities for partnering with popular streamers as a means to reach the gaming community and influencers. - **Cross-media Promotion:** Opportunities for video game studios to collaborate with entertainment brands (ex. movie studios) and integrate related products in their games. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Video Games:** Continued innovation is required to keep up with the changing tastes of the gaming community. - **Streaming:** As more people turn to streaming platforms like Twitch, content and advertising opportunities related to gaming can become more prevalent. - **Entertainment:** Opportunities exist for entertainment brands to collaborate and integrate with the gaming industry, given its increasing prominence and influence. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Game Platform Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2-1.md) - [Dating Sim-Inclusive Digital Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2-game.md) - [PC Platform Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blizzard-x-steam.md) - [Story Mission PvP Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2-invasion.md) - [Competitive Multiplayer Game Crossovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2-persona-5.md) - [Game-Themed Animated Mini-Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-anime.md) - [Iconic Multiplayer Game Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2-street-fighter.md) - [Unique Team-Based Game Modes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2-stadium.md) - [ARPG Beta Test Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diablo-iv.md)