Overwatch Video Teases Anniversary Event's New Arena Maps

Blizzard has offered a sneak peek at some new maps being added to Overwatch. A Twitter post from the official Overwatch Twitter account states the maps are "coming soon" as part of the game's anniversary celebrations.

The maps look to be alternative versions of existing maps, as the teaser above shows they take inspiration from the Dorado, Eichenwalde, and Temple of Anubis currently available in the game. Blizzard hasn't yet discussed what unique gameplay opportunities the arena mode update will provide, if any.

Interestingly, Blizzard has described these as "Arena maps," which indicates they're specifically for an Arena mode that isn't currently in the game. Somewhat confusingly, maps such as Ecopoint: Antartica, where players duke it out in 3v3 or 1v1 fights, are referred to as "arenas." It's unclear whether these maps will use that existing gameplay format, or if they're for a new mode.

In 2016, a data mine of Overwatch revealed new announcer lines that specifically said "Now entering the arena" and "Gladiator." It was thought that these were for a specific Arena mode, but one has not yet been added to the game. Last week, another data mine suggested a new mode focused on destroying objectives is in development.

Blizzard has confirmed the Overwatch anniversary event will start next week, giving players the opportunity to unlock more unique loot. Additionally, a Game of the Year edition is on the way, as well as a free weekend.

For fans of Overwatch's art, an art book and comic anthology is currently available to preorder. The former, according to the product listing, will have "never-before-seen art as well as commentary provided by the game's development team."