Lego Overwatch
SubjectOverwatch
Licensed fromBlizzard Entertainment
AvailabilityOctober 2018–December 31, 2020 (on hiatus)
Total sets9 (one delayed)[1]
CharactersBastion, D.Va, Genji, Hammond, Hanzo, Jesse McCree, Junkrat, Mei, Mercy, Pharah, Reaper, Reinhardt, Roadhog, Shimada Henchmen, Soldier: 76, Tracer, Widowmaker, and Winston
Official website

Lego Overwatch (stylized as LEGO Overwatch) is a Lego theme based on the video game of the same name. It is licensed from Blizzard Entertainment.[2] The theme was first introduced in October 2018.[3][4] A set based on the upcoming Overwatch 2 was scheduled to be released in February 2022, but has been delayed indefinitely, leaving theme's return uncertain.[5]

Overview

The Lego Overwatch product line focuses on playable characters from the 2016 video game.[6][7] Lego Overwatch aimed to recreate the main characters in Lego form, including D.Va, Genji, Hammond, Hanzo, Jesse McCree, Junkrat, Mercy, Pharah, Reaper, Reinhardt, Roadhog, Shimada Henchmen, Soldier: 76, Tracer,[8] Widowmaker and Winston.[6][9][10]

In addition, The Lego Group built a life-sized model of D.Va who appears in the video game. The model included D.Va with her mech suit MEKA, representing a scene from the video game. D.Va and MEKA contained a total of 145,276 Lego bricks, and weighed 1,256 pounds.[11] They were placed in front of the BlizzCon.[12] In May 2019, they were also placed in front of the MCM Comic Con London.[13][14]

In 2018, Lego Designer Chee Woon Tze his current project with his design team is Lego Overwatch, where they designed the Lego Overwatch sets based on the video game.[15]

Development

During the development process of Lego Overwatch theme, Blizzard Vice President of Consumer Products Matt Beecher and Lego Group Designer Woon Tze Chee had discussed the new Lego Overwatch theme. Blizzard Entertainment and The Lego Group worked together to select the Overwatch characters, vehicles and settings that would be turned into the Lego sets. Blizzard Vice President of Consumer Products Matt Beecher explained, “We really spawned a lot of ideas, and we started looking at those through different lenses. The lens of what do we want to deliver for the fan experience? The lens of playability. There’s a lot of research that LEGO team did in trying to understand which play sets come together the best for the audiences. And through collaboration we ultimately got to the six play sets that we announced here.” Lego Group Designer Woon Tze Chee explained, “We’re hitting a different age group than we’re usually targeting, a little bit higher age mark, we spent quite a fair bit of time trying to strike a balance between a set that has play features, versus a cool model that they can just display. With older children, they might not want to play with the model that much, but they find it cool and they might want to build it and display it.” The product line does, however, include recognisable characters from Overwatch video game.[16][17]

In June 2019, Lego Group Designer Woon Tze Chee discussed how the Lego Overwatch theme was developed and explained, "Some of these sets are inspired by the animation, some of the sets are inspired by the game mode, this has something to do with the composition of the team. Pharmacy combo is a composition of the team that is popular among fans. We definitely tried to keep the conflict in each set so that it is a good play starter for anyone who doesn’t know much about the story, you have a few opposing characters you can make some conflict with."[18]

In July 2019, Lego Group Designer Woon Tze Chee discussed how did the new weapon piece come about and explained, "We made a blaster in general for the whole project so that we can build the different weapons in the game. These are as iconic as the characters themselves. For the blaster, again it is a general element and other projects can use them, but we developed it with this project in mind first. The element designers studied the art style of the weapons in the game: how they would depict the futuristic look of the weapons. They try to create one that is generic across all the weapons that they have, with the intention of making this element that is able to use eventually build all the weapons of the game: the starting point is this element."[19]

Launch

Lego Overwatch theme was launched at the American International Toy Fair in 2019.[4][20][21] As part of the marketing campaign, The Lego Group released toy sets based on the video game and featured mech suits, vehicles, spacecraft and combat robots. Minifigures were released as well,[6] including one depicting Tracer is the first Lego minifigure to be revealed.[22][8] In UK, Lego Overwatch was launched in New Year.[23]

Construction sets

According to Bricklink, The Lego Group released 10 playsets and promotional pack based on the Lego Overwatch theme.[1]

Lego Overwatch sets

In 2018, it was announced that the limited-edition of Omnic Bastion (set number: 75974)[24][25] was released as an exclusive promo set only available at Blizzard's online shop and BlizzCon in October 2018.[26][27] The set consists of 182 pieces and based on the “Omnic Crisis” in orange version from the video game.[28]

In October 2018, it was officially announced by The Lego Group that the first wave sets that based on the Overwatch video game was released on 3 January 2019.[24] The six sets[29][30] being released were Tracer vs. Widowmaker (set number: 75970),[29][31] Hanzo vs. Genji (set number: 75971),[29] Dorado Showdown (set number: 75972),[29][32] D.Va & Reinhardt (set number: 75973),[29][33][34] Bastion (set number: 75974)[29][35][36][lower-alpha 1] and Watchpoint: Gibraltar (set number: 75975).[29][31] Lego Model Designer Woon Tze Chee discussed about the Tracer vs. Widowmaker (set number: 75970) combine with Watchpoint: Gibraltar (set number: 75975) and explained, "I think that idea came up quite early. I think there was a few ideas that started off with this set, so we wanted to make a small price point so we know there are probably two minifigures in there. It kind of generated from this one – wouldn’t it be cool if the first one connects with the last one? Then you can play out the story, move the payload right to the end and it connects to it. It is a very fluid sort of process."[31]

Later, it also announced that the second wave sets was released on 2 October 2019.[38] The two sets[39] being released were Wrecking Ball (set number: 75976)[40] and Junkrat & Roadhog (set number: 75977).[40] The sets were designed primarily for children with an age rating of 8+ or above. In October 2020, The Lego Group announced all sets were to be retired on 31 December 2020.[41][42]

Future

In December 2021, The Lego Group had revealed a new set named Titan (set number: 76980) would be released in February 2022 based on the game's sequel Overwatch 2. The set consisted of 901 pieces with 2 minifigures of Tracer and Mei.[43][44][45][46] However, in January 2022, The Lego Group announced that it would delay the set indefinitely while it reviews its partnership with Activision Blizzard, following the workplace misconduct lawsuit by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).[5][47] As of May 2023, there has been no word from The Lego Group on when or if the set will be released, leaving the theme's return uncertain.[48]

Web shorts

The product line was accompanied by a series of animated short films that was released on YouTube.

  • How Heroes Play Tribute Video is an official web short was released on YouTube on 20 February 2019 that inspired by both Lego toyline as well as the Overwatch video game. It features gamers playing Overwatch video game, with their Lego models sat on the desk alongside them. As they engage with the game, the Lego builds come to life and start having their own adventure.[49][50]
  • Wrecking Ball chasing Junkrat & Roadhog inside Junkertown is an official web short was released on YouTube on 5 December 2019, that inspired by both Lego toyline as well as the Overwatch video game. It features Wrecking Ball chasing after the Junkrat and Roadhog inside Junkertown.[51]

Reception

In 2020, Junkrat & Roadhog (set number: 75977) was listed as one of the "LEGO Christmas 2020 gift list for gamers" by Lego fansite Brick Fanatics.[52]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Bastion was also the first character to be made available in Lego form through official collaboration between Blizzard and The Lego Group.[24] A limited-time event in 2019 allowed players the opportunity to earn a Bastion skin based on the Lego version.[37]

References

  1. ↑ Grubb, Jeff (October 2, 2018). "Overwatch, in block form! Blizzard partners with Lego". Venture Beat. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  2. ↑ Lego Group (27 August 2019). "July 25: Tune into the first ever LEGO Overwatch Twitch rivals tournament". Lego.com. Lego. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  3. 1 2 "LEGO Systems Builds On Momentum With Key 2019 Launches". PR Newswire. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
  4. 1 2 Parrish, Ash (January 11, 2022). "Lego delays Overwatch 2 set as company reevaluates relationship with Activision Blizzard". The Verge. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 Stevens, Colin (August 22, 2018). "Overwatch LEGO Characters Revealed - Gamescom 2018". IGN. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Bits N' Bricks Season 1 Episode 15: LEGO® Overwatch®: A Conversation" (PDF). Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  7. 1 2 Radulovic, Petrana (October 2, 2018). "Overwatch's Lego line teaser introduces first tiny, blocky hero". Polygon. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  8. ↑ "LEGO recreations of Overwatch highlight intros". Brick Fanatics. 26 May 2019.
  9. ↑ Farshtey, Gregory; Lipkowitz, Daniel; Hugo, Simon (2020-10-01). LEGO® Minifigure A Visual History New Edition. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 233. ISBN 978-0-241-50202-0.
  10. ↑ "Giant LEGO Overwatch D.Va build revealed". Brick Fanatics. 2 November 2018.
  11. ↑ "LEGO Overwatch D.Va statue at BlizzCon". Brick Fanatics. 2 November 2018.
  12. ↑ "LEGO Overwatch at MCM Comic Con London May 2019". Brick Fanatics. 27 May 2019.
  13. ↑ Building LEGO Overwatch D.Va and Mech in Real Life - Model Shop Time-lapse. November 1, 2018 – via YouTube.
  14. ↑ "Bricking the Mould: Meet Lego Designer Chee Woon Tze!". Brickfinder. 28 September 2018.
  15. ↑ "How Blizzard Entertainment's New 'Overwatch' LEGO Models Snapped Together". Forbes. 3 December 2018.
  16. ↑ "Blizzard and the LEGO Group reveal how LEGO Overwatch was developed". Brick Fanatics. 6 December 2018.
  17. ↑ "LEGO Overwatch: Developing the theme". Brick Fanatics. 14 June 2019.
  18. ↑ "LEGO® OVERWATCH: DESIGNER INTERVIEW WITH WOON TZE". New Elementary. 14 July 2019.
  19. ↑ Oloman, Jordan (May 22, 2018). "LEGO Overwatch Sets Are Coming". IGN. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  20. ↑ Bryd, Matthew (May 22, 2018). "Overwatch Lego Sets and Nerf Guns in Development". Den of Geek. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  21. ↑ Santangelo, Nick (October 3, 2018). "Blizzard Gives First Look at Overwatch Legos". IGN. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  22. ↑ "LEGO Head of Marketing talks Christmas picks and LEGO Overwatch". Brick Fanatics. 15 November 2018.
  23. 1 2 3 Santangelo, Nick (October 10, 2018). "LEGO Overwatch First Set Revealed, Available Now". IGN. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  24. ↑ Brittany Vincent (2018-10-10). "First LEGO Overwatch Model is Omnic Bastion, Available Online". Variety. Retrieved 2018-10-10.
  25. ↑ Gartenberg, Chaim (October 10, 2018). "The first Overwatch Lego set is a blocky Bastion". The Verge. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  26. ↑ McWhertor, Michael (October 11, 2018). "Overwatch Lego line kicks off with Bastion". Polygon. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  27. ↑ "More details on LEGO Overwatch 75987 Omnic Bastion". Brick Fanatics. 11 October 2018.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gartenberg, Chaim (November 2, 2018). "Here are all of the new Overwatch Lego sets". The Verge. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
  29. ↑ Foster, Elizabeth (November 5, 2018). "LEGO, Hasbro launch new Overwatch products". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
  30. 1 2 3 "LEGO Overwatch: Designing 75975 Watchpoint: Gibraltar". Brick Fanatics. 2 June 2019.
  31. ↑ How LEGO Overwatch Was Designed - Dorado. March 9, 2019 – via YouTube.
  32. ↑ How LEGO Overwatch Was Designed - D.Va & Reinhardt. February 28, 2019 – via YouTube.
  33. ↑ "LEGO Overwatch: Designing 75973 D.Va & Reinhardt". Brick Fanatics. 5 August 2019.
  34. ↑ How LEGO Overwatch was Designed - Bastion. March 30, 2019 – via YouTube.
  35. ↑ LEGO Overwatch Bastion Unboxing – The Build Zone. June 15, 2019 – via YouTube.
  36. ↑ Moore, Bo (September 17, 2019). "New Overwatch event lets players earn a Lego-themed Bastion skin". PC Gamer. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  37. ↑ "Overwatch Lego gets new Junkrat, Roadhog and Wrecking Ball sets". CNET. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  38. ↑ Tuchow, Ryan (June 28, 2019). "LEGO gets in the game with Overwatch tourney". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  39. 1 2 McWhertor, Michael (June 27, 2019). "Overwatch Lego line adding Wrecking Ball, Junkrat, and Roadhog this fall". Polygon. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  40. ↑ "LEGO sets retiring in 2020: October update". Brick Fanatics. 8 October 2020.
  41. ↑ "The best 2020 LEGO kits to buy before they disappear forever". 9to5Toys. 2020-11-11. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  42. ↑ "First LEGO Overwatch 2 set revealed by retailer". Brick Fanatics. 16 December 2021.
  43. ↑ "Here's our first look at LEGO's 900-piece Overwatch 2 Null Sector Titan set". 9to5Toys. 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  44. ↑ "LEGO Overwatch 2 set appears in catalogue with February release date". Brick Fanatics. 2 January 2022.
  45. ↑ "Hands-on with LEGO's unreleased Overwatch 2 Null Sector Titan its and exclusive minifigs". 9to5Toys. 2022-04-27. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  46. ↑ "Why has the LEGO Group postponed its new Overwatch 2 set?". Brick Fanatics. 11 January 2022.
  47. ↑ "Five LEGO sets that were cancelled before making it to shelves". Brick Fanatics. 13 March 2023.
  48. ↑ "Fun LEGO Overwatch video sees the real and LEGO worlds combine". Brick Fanatics. 20 February 2019.
  49. ↑ LEGO Overwatch - How Heroes Play Tribute Video. February 20, 2019 – via YouTube.
  50. ↑ Watch Wrecking Ball chasing Junkrat & Roadhog inside Junkertown - LEGO® Overwatch™. December 5, 2019 – via YouTube.
  51. ↑ "LEGO Christmas 2020 gift list for gamers". Brick Fanatics. 10 November 2020.
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