Overwatch 2 Devs Spent A Year Making Genji’s Customizable Mythic Skin – Exclusive Interview

Overwatch 2 launches next week and introduces many new characters, maps, modes, and more. However, the most significant change arriving alongside the sequel’s new free-to-play format is a Battle Pass. The pass’ free track allows players to unlock a new support character named Kiriko, while its premium track – which costs $10 or 1,000 Overwatch Coins – offers unique cyberpunk-themed cosmetics like weapon charms, souvenirs, and legendary skins. Cyber Demon Genji is the first in Overwatch’s new range of custom cosmetics, called Mythic Skins. 

We recently interviewed Overwatch 2’s leadership group to learn about their philosophy while developing the Battle Pass and Mythic Skins’ role in the sequel’s revamped monetization strategy. 

We had one goal when we considered making the switch to free-toplay. That was to deliver content to Overwatch users. Walter Kong, general manager of Overwatch, says that players tell us this keeps them interested over the long-term.

Kong tells us the size of Overwatch 2’s core team is nearly triple what it was in 2016 – a necessary expansion to meet the short timelines of developing a free-to-play online game. His explanation continues with, “We spent many hours thinking about how to continue developing the game while still providing fair and enjoyable gaming experiences to all players regardless of their choice to pay for it or play free.” We believe that players who are paying will receive tremendous value. 

That’s precisely where Overwatch 2’s new skins come into play, though they’re not exactly a cheap investment, according to Game Director Aaron Keller.

We put in a lot of effort into creating our cosmetics. The production of Mythic Skin took us more than a year. The team has to make a large investment and invest a great deal of time in building this product. It’s a huge investment, but we believe it’s worthwhile. Keller says, “One our core values is being able to produce the most innovative cosmetics possible, and we hope that they will be recognized as the best in this industry.”

Every season has a theme and an accompanying Mythic Skin featuring multiple layers that players customize to their liking. 

Jon Spector, Overwatch’s commercial lead and vice president, spoke exclusively to us about Mythic Skins, and their philosophy in creating them. 

“Putting the Mythic Skin in the Battle Pass felt like the right decision, even if candidly, I think we’d make more money selling it directly in the shop. However, we wanted it to be a central part of our Battle Pass system,” Spector says. He continues, “The guiding principle behind Mythics was asking the art team to outdo themselves and make something even cooler than Legendary Skins. In some of our media assets, you can see the Dragonblade animation, which I think is the single coolest thing we’ve ever done with a skin.”

Cyber Demon Genji has four layers according to Spector. These include three types of Dragonblade, three styles of helmet and three patterns for tattoos. For those who are hesitant about making a decision, there is an option to randomly assign the layers. After unlocking the skin, all customization options are available to players, so they won’t have to complete challenges or spend additional time playing the game to fully enjoy their reward for reaching Tier 80.

However, Overwatch 2 will not mirror Halo Infinite’s Battle Pass system that never expires. 

“One of the pieces of player feedback I’ve seen since Mythic Skins were first announced is people feeling like [the skins] are more special if there’s an aspect of earning them. So I think the ability to look back and say, ‘I got Mythic Genji because I was playing in Season One and completed the Battle Pass,’ will make it feel even more special,” says Spector, who wants players to feel really good about investing money into the game. 

“We have all worked hard to get everything in place for October 4. Overwatch 2 will be a big moment in the lives of our entire team. The team is so excited about Overwatch 2.

Click here for information on Kiriko (Overwatch 2’s support character).