Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft: Crossing Worlds for the crossover event

During the Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2024 we revealed that Overwatch2 we would be celebrating World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary with an in-game crossover event, and we revealed a skin that will be available during the event – Widowmaker cosplaying as Sylvanas Windrunner. Overwatch2 As an art director and former environment artist for World of Warcraft, this was a dream project for me!

Creating immersive worlds in video games is an art that requires imagination, skill, and a deep understanding of how to engage players. Since joining Blizzard as an Environment Artist in 2006, I’ve had the opportunity to design some of the most iconic areas and login screens, from the original World of Warcraft release through the Cataclysm expansion. Now, as Art Director for Overwatch 2, I’m drawing on those experiences to blend the magical with the real to bring players the first-ever collaboration between World of Warcraft and Overwatch 2!

The Blizzard journey begins

During my years on the WoW team, I poured my creativity into designing the inviting environments that WoW players know inside and out. Whether it was the unforgettably beautiful Zangarmarsh or the quiet of the Grizzly Hills forest, each environment was a labor of love designed to transport players into the rich diversity of Azeroth.

While working on World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, I was drawn to a new project called Titan, which eventually became the game we know today as Overwatch. My passion for organic elements and game lighting found a new outlet here. I shifted my focus to lighting and props and played a role in developing the living world of Overwatch.

Bringing World of Warcraft and Overwatch 2 together

With my experience in the magical worlds of WoW, I approached Overwatch with a desire to create environments that were equally colorful and historically rich. Our goal was to recreate the vibrancy of WoW in the context of Overwatch’s real world. Just like WoW’s distinctive aesthetic, Overwatch’s environments needed to tell a story.

Working on the Widowmaker skin for Sylvanas was a collaborative project. It reunited me with former colleagues and friends and evoked a nostalgic sense of camaraderie. Together we explored how WoW’s deep narrative could inform the design of Overwatch’s characters and landscapes.

One example of this was our character concept artists’ decision to draw parallels between Widowmaker and Sylvanas, who both share similar aesthetics and key moments in their story. Widowmaker is a ruthless killer and the perfect assassin, and Sylvanas is a cunning ranger and vengeful leader: the two couldn’t be a better fit.

The art of enjoyment

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of working on these projects is the simple fact that I genuinely enjoy playing both games. It’s a joy that fuels my creativity. It blurs the lines between work and play, turning long hours into passionate explorations rather than mere tasks.

Creating worlds that captivate millions of players worldwide is a privilege I never take for granted. Throughout my career, both WoW and Overwatch have been platforms for learning, creativity, and development in ways I once thought unimaginable. The wealth of experiences and community of talented people I’ve met along the way have played a significant role in shaping me into who I am today.

As I reflect on my career from WoW to Overwatch 2, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had. Transitioning from the fantastical landscapes of Azeroth to the dynamic arenas of Overwatch has been a fulfilling creative journey – enriched by beloved characters, vibrant worlds, and a loyal fanbase.

To all WoW and Overwatch fans, thank you for joining us on this adventure. Your passion and dedication continue to inspire us as we create new worlds and stories. Here’s to many more adventures in the amazing universes we create together!

The collaboration between Overwatch 2 and World of Warcraft will launch in September. For more details about the event and Overwatch 2, visit GamesOverwatch.com.