Tech

Blizzard Entertainment has announced Overwatch Rush, a new mobile game built from the ground up for iOS and Android devices. Unlike a simple port of the popular team-based hero shooter, Overwatch, this iteration is a top-down hero shooter designed specifically for mobile play. The announcement, made on February 24, 2026, signals Blizzard’s continued expansion into the mobile gaming market and a broadening of the Overwatch universe.

The development of Overwatch Rush is being handled by a dedicated team within Blizzard, separate from Team 4, the team responsible for the ongoing development of Overwatch on PC and consoles. According to Blizzard, this dedicated team possesses “deep mobile experience,” indicating a focused approach to tailoring the gameplay experience for mobile platforms. Team 4 will continue to focus on supporting and expanding the core Overwatch experience, recently launched with Season 1.

Early gameplay footage reveals a familiar yet distinct aesthetic. The Busan control map, a popular location in the original Overwatch, is featured in the preview, but viewed from a top-down perspective. Heroes like Mercy, Reinhardt, and Tracer are visible, suggesting a roster of recognizable characters will be available in Overwatch Rush. The control scheme shown in the preview indicates a simplified touch-based interface, with movement controlled by one finger and abilities activated with another.

Blizzard emphasizes that Overwatch Rush is designed for “fast-paced, on-the-go play,” catering to a different playstyle than its PC and console counterpart. The game aims to balance hero-centric combat with customizable playstyles, appealing to both team-oriented and solo players. This suggests a potentially more accessible and streamlined experience compared to the tactical depth of the original Overwatch.

Monetization will be a key consideration for Overwatch Rush, with Blizzard planning a free-to-play model with optional in-app purchases. The company states its vision is for player skill to be the primary determinant of success in matches, and that monetization elements will be subject to adjustment based on player feedback during testing phases. This commitment to skill-based gameplay, while a stated goal, will be closely watched by the community as free-to-play games often struggle to balance monetization with competitive integrity.

The announcement of Overwatch Rush comes as Blizzard seeks to capitalize on the popularity of the Overwatch franchise and expand its reach to mobile gamers. The original Overwatch, despite a rocky period leading up to its transition to a free-to-play model and the removal of the “2” from its title, has seen a resurgence in player engagement. This momentum, coupled with the growing mobile gaming market, likely influenced the decision to invest in a dedicated mobile title.

The development team is preparing for testing in select countries and regions, and encourages interested players to join the official Discord server for updates. This phased rollout will allow Blizzard to gather valuable feedback and refine the game before a wider release. The company acknowledges that the game is still a work in progress and is eager to hear from players about their experiences and suggestions.

The move to create a separate mobile title, rather than simply porting the existing Overwatch, demonstrates a strategic understanding of the mobile gaming landscape. Mobile gamers often prefer experiences tailored to the unique constraints and opportunities of the platform. A top-down perspective, simplified controls, and a focus on shorter, more accessible matches are all indicative of this approach. The success of Overwatch Rush will likely depend on how effectively Blizzard can translate the core appeal of Overwatch – its diverse roster of heroes and engaging team-based combat – into a compelling mobile experience.

While the exact details of the game’s progression system, hero balance, and monetization model remain to be seen, Overwatch Rush represents a significant expansion of the Overwatch universe and a bold step into the competitive mobile gaming market. The game’s development and subsequent testing phases will be crucial in determining whether it can capture the attention of both existing Overwatch fans and a new generation of mobile gamers.

A unique blend of first-person shooting and tower defense is heading to Steam on March 18, 2026, with the release of AI.VI. Developed by Out of Time, and indie.io, the game casts players as a veteran war robot unexpectedly reactivated to combat a hostile corporate takeover.

The premise centers around P.A.S.C.A.L. Gigacorporation, an intergalactic entity focused on maximizing profits through aggressive acquisitions. Their methods involve what the developers describe as an “entirely voluntary merger under duress,” executed by a relentless army of combat robots. The setting is the desert moon of Sohot, initially targeted as a simple acquisition, until the corporation encountered AI.VI.

Players assume the role of this titular war robot, pulled from a quiet retirement spent mining batteries. Equipped with a “pickbow” – a weapon combining picking and bow functionality – and supported by a small group of “revolutionary workerbots,” the player’s mission is to dismantle P.A.S.C.A.L.’s forces and reclaim the moon. The gameplay loop revolves around strategically deploying defenses and engaging in direct combat, utilizing a combination of melee attacks, ranged weaponry, and environmental traps.

The developers emphasize a flexible approach to combat. Players aren’t locked into a single strategy; they can choose to focus on close-quarters destruction with crushing melee attacks, utilize a diverse arsenal of ranged weapons described as ranging from “outlandish to ludicrous,” or construct elaborate defensive structures to dismantle incoming robotic waves. The game’s core mechanic involves turning enemy robots into “mountains of scrap.”

Adding a layer of tactical depth, AI.VI incorporates the four classical elements – fire, ice, acid, and electricity – into its combat system. Exploiting enemy weaknesses is crucial, as different robot types respond uniquely to each element. A strategy effective against one robot may be entirely useless against another, encouraging players to experiment and adapt.

Beyond weapon and defense selection, AI.VI features a progression system with both permanent and temporary upgrades. Permanent upgrades offer expanded tactical options, while temporary power-ups found within each level provide short-term boosts, such as increased damage, enhanced shields, invulnerability, or even the ability to access the “final thoughts” of defeated robots. This last feature adds a darkly humorous element to the game’s narrative.

The game’s design philosophy appears to prioritize player agency and creative problem-solving. The developers highlight the ability to “corner the galactic used parts market,” suggesting a resource management component tied to dismantling enemy robots. This implies that salvaged components can be used to further enhance the player’s arsenal and defenses, creating a self-sustaining cycle of destruction and improvement.

While the game blends genres, the core experience is rooted in the satisfaction of dismantling robotic enemies in inventive ways. The developers’ description of the gameplay – “selecting weapons, building defenses, [and making them] pay” – suggests a focus on impactful, visceral combat combined with strategic planning. The emphasis on turning enemies into scrap reinforces the game’s anti-corporate theme and provides a tangible reward for successful engagements.

The release of AI.VI on Steam represents a potentially interesting addition to the indie game landscape. The combination of FPS and tower defense mechanics, coupled with a satirical narrative focused on corporate greed, could appeal to players seeking a unique and engaging experience. The game’s emphasis on player choice and tactical flexibility suggests a depth that extends beyond its initial premise.