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Overwatch Co-Creator Jeff Kaplan Launches New Game Amidst Industry Pressure

3/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jeff Kaplan, co-creator of Overwatch, left Activision Blizzard in 2021 after describing pressure from the Overwatch League to rival major sports leagues and to generate revenue.
He said a meeting with Activision Blizzard's chief financial officer warned that failing to meet financial targets could trigger significant layoffs.
Kaplan is now developing a new game titled The Legend of California, while Overwatch 2 has dropped its title and remains free-to-play.

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Story summary

Jeff Kaplan, co-creator of Overwatch, left Activision Blizzard in 2021 after describing pressure from the Overwatch League to rival major sports leagues and to generate revenue.
He said a meeting with Activision Blizzard's chief financial officer warned that failing to meet financial targets could trigger significant layoffs.
Kaplan is now developing a new game titled The Legend of California, while Overwatch 2 has dropped its title and remains free-to-play.