Overwatch 2 Lead Hero Designer Leaves Blizzard Just Weeks Before Launch

We're now measuring the time until Overwatch 2's launch (and the shutdown of the original Overwatch) in days, not months. As we get closer to the magic October 4th launch date (and October 2nd shut down date), though, things still continue to seem a bit rocky over at Activision Blizzard on the staffing front.

The latest name to be added to the list of departures is Lead Hero Designer Geoff Goodman. That's a pretty big departure from a game right before launch and a notable one since Overwatch 2's battle pass and its main selling point all stem from new heroes. While there's certainly plenty of other team members capable of making awesome new heroes, things always get a little shaky during lead transition periods like the one coming up for this team.

According to a statement from Blizzard given to PCGamer, Goodman's decision to depart was made "earlier this year" and follows the previous departure of Overwatch Director Jeff Kaplan and the leaving of Executive Producer Chacko Sonny.

"We thank Geoff for his many years of service at Blizzard and wish him all the best. His ability to bring to life Overwatch’s diverse hero roster through gameplay has been incredible, and the mark he’s left on the Warcraft and Overwatch teams will be felt for years to come," Blizzard told PCGamer.

No replacement has been named as of yet, but we'll be sure to keep you posted on any updates as we head to the F2P game's launch.

Note: Activision Blizzard is still under investigation by the state of California for serious harassment charges. CEO Bobby Kotick is alleged to have known about such actions within his company – and performed some himself – and shielded the perpetrators from consequences.