Overwatch marked its 10th anniversary in 2026 after Blizzard Entertainment launched the game in 2016, and its esports scene has built a large following in China. [1]
The game became a shared community experience for millions of Chinese players, with Overwatch esports taking a firm place in local gaming culture. [1]
Blizzard and NetEase suspended their collaboration on Overwatch in China from November 2022 until April 2024, cutting into the game's presence in the market. [1]
The Overwatch League launched with city-based permanent teams and no relegation, a format that helped build local and regional loyalty. China fielded four teams in the league, including the Chengdu Hunters, whose all-Chinese roster and panda logo became a symbol of Chinese pride. [1]
Team China also delivered steady results on the world stage, taking silver medals at the Overwatch World Cup in 2018, 2019 and 2023. The tournament began in 2016, the same year as the game itself and the start of Overwatch esports. [1]
The 2026 anniversary lands after a period of disruption and recovery for the game's China business, with the latest concrete milestone being the return of the Blizzard-NetEase collaboration in April 2024. [1]