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Blizzard Entertainment’sOverwatch 2has faced its share of controversies even before its official release. One of the stranger situations that the game went through is the removal of a subtle homage to Jeff Kaplan, the game’s former director, from the game’s New York City-inspired map Midtown (then known as simply New York).
Kaplan had an unparalleled passion for the game and was loved by fans. He eventually departed from Blizzard in 2021 amid growing tensions within the company and its legal troubles at the time. The removal of Jeph’s Corner Pizza in Midtown was part of Blizzard’s movement to remove any real-life references in its games.
Overwatch 2was a big step in a different direction after the lawsuit
Jeff Kaplan, affectionately nicknamed “Uncle Jeff” by fans, left Blizzard in April 2021 after a 19-year tenure. His departure preceded the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, which alleged systemic s*xual harassment and discrimination. While Kaplan was not implicated, his resignation symbolized a larger exodus of talent amid increasing corporate pressure.
Jeff Kaplan easter eggs in Overwatch 2.“Jeph” coffee cup.“The Green Hills of Stranglethorn” Jeff Kaplan’s Quest line.“Jeph’s Corner Pizza” store front.pic.twitter.com/6bzmWn0LUz
While he left the studio beforeOverwatch 2‘s release, he had a big part in its development. And even after his departure, fans remember Uncle Jeff very fondly.He might not remember the communityas fondly though.
Kaplan’s legacy includedOverwatch’scelebrated gameplay and a fan-favorite map design, the New York-inspired Midtown. This map initially featured nods to Kaplan, such as “Jeph’s Corner Pizza,” a tribute to his nickname. However, in September 2021, Blizzard unveiled a reworked version ofOverwatch 2’s Midtown map, and Kaplan’s references were notably absent.
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The pizza shop was renamed “Corner Pizza,” and other subtle nods to Kaplan, like a coffee cup with his name, were rumored to have been removed. The changes came as Blizzard implemented a new policy to avoid referencing real-world individuals.
The sequel has faltered but is it because of Uncle Jeff’s departure?
The New York City/Midtown map was one of Kaplan’s last contributions to theOverwatchuniverse. Designed with an art deco aesthetic reminiscent of the 1920s and 1950s, the map was intended to celebrate the city’s vibrant energy while adding an “Overwatch spin.” Its creation was a collaborative effort by Team 4, many of whom hailed from New York.
If they’re removing all real world references there’s a lot to get through in WoW 😂
The decision to remove these tributes was met with mixed reactions. Some fans understood the rationale behind the changes, citing the need to align with Blizzard’s updated policies. Others viewed it as an unnecessary erasure of Kaplan’s legacy, particularly given his instrumental role inOverwatch’s success.
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Blizzard’s decision was part of a move to separate fictional universes from real-world controversies. The company stated toKotakuat the time that its commitment to ensuring that its games align with its values of inclusivity and equity. This policy extends to all forms of in-game content, including character names, map details, and Easter eggs.
A few years later, the sequel toOverwatchhas come and gone.Overwatch 2has largely been disappointing andhasn’t even delivered on its main promiseof a PvE-focused mode. Whether you attribute the game’s slow downfall to the departure of Jeff Kaplan is up to you. Regardless, the downfall is there.
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
