The latest Overwatch LEGO set has been delayed due to ongoing allegations against Activision Blizzard. The new release date is unknown.
Overwatch fans can't catch a break. After facing several Overwatch 2 delays, now they won't be able to build the LEGO Overwatch 2 "Zero Hour" set, either.
LEGO announced earlier today that the Overwatch 2-themed LEGO set to drop on February 1, 2022 will be delayed. A LEGO representative explained this was due to Activision Blizzard's ongoing problems with gender discrimination, harassment, and poor workplace conditions.
"We are currently reviewing our partnership with Activision Blizzard, given concerns about the progress being made to address continuing allegations regarding workplace culture, especially the treatment of female colleagues and creating a diverse and inclusive environment. While we complete the review, we will pause the release of a LEGO Overwatch 2 product which was due to go on sale on February 1, 2022."
What is the Overwatch 2 Zero Hour LEGO set?
The LEGO set, based on the Overwatch 2 announcement trailer, is called "Zero Hour." The cinematic featured the heroes of Overwatch fighting an Omnic, which became the inspiration for the LEGO set.
The heartwarming cinematic opens up with Mei and Winston on their way to a mission alone. Other members of Overwatch are missing, causing Mei to become worried they don't have enough people for the mission.
"As long as we stick together we'll be fine," Winston responds.
Tracer drops them into Paris where there is a Null Sector invasion. Mei gets thrashed quickly by the large Omnic. This leads to Winston ordering a retreat. Luckily, Winston is joined by the previously missing Overwatch members, allowing them to win the day.
Heartwarming stuff if you didn't know what was going on behind the scenes at Activision Blizzard.
LEGO has teamed up with Overwatch before, creating sets inspired by Overwatch heroes like D.Va, Hammon, Junkrat, and Bastion. But the future of this ongoing partnership is unclear at this time. It's not even guaranteed that the "Zero Hour" LEGO set will see release. This depends largely on Activision Blizzard's actions moving forward.
What is happening at Activision Blizzard?
LEGO isn't the first company to become wary of working with Blizzard. Kellogs, T-Mobile, and others have pulled out of partnering with the company. This was after it was first reported that the State of California Department of Fair Employment and Housing had accused Blizzard of harassment, abuse, and gender discrimination in the workplace.
Since the initial accusations, more and more employees have come out against Blizzard, causing many high-power employees to leave the company. But when the CEO refused to step down despite reports that he knew of the ongoing problems at Blizzard and ignored it, employees staged a walkout. Other allegations, including that of a female employee having their breast milk stolen, have since become public.