During Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2024, we revealed that Overwatch 2 would be celebrating World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary with an in-game crossover event, and we showed off a skin that will be available during the event—Widowmaker cosplaying as Sylvanas Windrunner. As the Overwatch 2 Art Director and a former World of Warcraft Environment Artist, this was a dream project for me!

Creating immersive worlds in video games is an art that demands imagination, skill, and a deep understanding of how to draw players in. Since joining Blizzard in 2006 as an Environment Artist, I had the opportunity to design some of the most iconic areas and log-in screens, from the original World of Warcraft release up to the Cataclysm expansion. Now, as art director for Overwatch 2, I find myself drawing on those experiences of blending the magical with the real to bring players the first-ever World of Warcraft x Overwatch 2 collaboration!

The Blizzard Journey Begins

Throughout my years with the WoW team, I poured my creativity into crafting the inviting landscapes that WoW players have come to know inside and out. Whether it was the hauntingly beautiful Zangarmarsh or the tranquility of the Grizzly Hills forest, each environment was a labor of love designed to draw players into Azeroth’s rich tapestry.

Zangarmarsh in World of Warcraft

During my work on World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, I found myself gravitating towards a new project called Titan, which eventually morphed into the game we now know as Overwatch. My passion for organics and game lighting found a new outlet here. I shifted focus to lighting and props, playing a role in developing what would become the vibrant world of Overwatch.

Grizzly Hills in World of Warcraft

Bringing Together World of Warcraft and Overwatch 2

With my grounding in the magical realms of WoW, I approached Overwatch with a desire to create environments that were equally colorful and historically rich. Our goal was to replicate the vibrancy of WoW within the context of Overwatch’s real-world setting. Just like WoW’s distinct aesthetics, Overwatch environments needed to tell a story.

Working on the Widowmaker Sylvanas skin was a collaborative endeavor. It reunited me with former colleagues and friends, evoking a nostalgic sense of camaraderie. Together, we explored how the deep storytelling of WoW could inform the design of Overwatch’s characters and landscapes.

One such instance was our character concept artists’ decision to draw parallels between Widowmaker and Sylvanas, both of whom share aesthetics and pivotal moments in their lore. Widowmaker is a ruthless killer and the perfect assassin, and Sylvanas is a cunning ranger and vengeful leader: the two couldn’t be a better match.

The Art of Enjoyment

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of working on these projects is the simple fact that I genuinely enjoy playing both games. It’s a joy that fuels my creativity. It blurs the lines between work and play, turning long hours into passionate exploration rather than mere tasks.

Building worlds that captivate millions of players worldwide is a privilege I never take for granted. Throughout my career, both WoW and Overwatch have been platforms for learning, creativity, and development in ways I once thought unimaginable. The wealth of experiences and the community of talented individuals I’ve encountered along the way have been instrumental in shaping who I am today.

As I reflect on my career from WoW to Overwatch 2, I’m deeply appreciative of the opportunities and experiences that have come my way. The transition from Azeroth’s fantastical landscapes to Overwatch’s dynamic arenas has been a fulfilling creative journey—one enriched by beloved characters, vibrant worlds, and a devoted fanbase.

To all the fans of WoW and Overwatch, thank you for joining us on this adventure. Your passion and engagement continue to inspire us as we craft new worlds and stories. Here’s to many more adventures ahead in the captivating universes we create together!

The Overwatch 2 x World of Warcraft collaboration will be launching in September. Stay tuned for more details about the event, and learn more about Overwatch 2, at PlayOverwatch.com.