In today’s Developer Update for Overwatch, Game Director Jeff Kaplan explained what players can expect from the Lunar New Year Event. A new Capture the Flag map is coming to Overwatch for the event. The map is called Ayutthaya and is set in Thailand.
According to Kaplan, “The biggest and best part of the “Year of the Dog” celebration, in my opinion, is a brand new map that will be bringing you. This map takes place in Thailand is absolutely gorgeous.
“One side of the map is ancient and shows some temple that’s very gorgeous and the other side is bright and beautiful and very modern. We think you’ll enjoy it, but the coolest part, in my opinion, is it’s the first map that we’ve ever built specifically for Capture the Flag.”
Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag was introduced in last year’s Lunar New Year event and took place on Lijiang Tower. Due to the nature of the map, gameplay and mode, many games of Capture the Flag ended in a tie. In this year’s event, Kaplan explains that draws in Capture the Flag are basically a thing of the past.
A brand new sudden death mode has been introduced to Capture the Flag. “If the two teams are tied at the end of time; what will happen is both teams flags are moved closer to the center of the map and then the map resumes at that point and the teams will go for the flags and then they only have a very short distance to cap.”
Kaplan also explained that the mechanics of the mode have been changed. Picking up the flag is now instant, however, some abilities are now restricted. Abilities that render a character invulnerable or give greater mobility will cause the flag to be dropped. An example of a restricted ability is Winston’s leap.
In addition to the new map and updated mechanics, Blizzard will host a four-week competitive season for Capture the Flag. Those who make it into the Top 500 will earn a spray and icon.
Finally, six Legendary Skins will be added as part of the Lunar New Year event. Kaplan confirmed that both Genji and Mercy would receive a Legendary Skin each, but the remaining four will be a surprise.
Overwatch’s Lunar New Year event was introduced last year for the Year of the Rooster and will this year be based on the Year of the Dog. Last Year’s seasonal cosmetics will be available for purchase at a discounted price as with all seasonal events.
Overwatch’s Year of the Dog celebration will run from February 8, 2018 for four weeks.
