Paladins vs. Overwatch: Unraveling the Timeline of Two Hero Shooters
The question of which game came first, Paladins or Overwatch, has sparked debates among gamers for years. The answer is nuanced and goes beyond simple release dates. While Overwatch had its official release in May 2016, Paladins had been in development and available in closed beta before then. This article aims to dissect the timeline, development periods, and other pertinent details to provide a comprehensive understanding of which game can truly be considered “older.”
Delving into the Development Timelines
The key to understanding the age of each game lies in examining their respective development timelines.
Overwatch’s Origins
Overwatch‘s development commenced in Summer 2013, following the cancellation of Blizzard’s ambitious MMORPG, Project Titan. A core team, referred to as Team 4, was tasked with brainstorming a new game concept. This led to the initial development of Overwatch, beginning with the creation of Tracer, the first hero, based on a character concept from Project Titan. Overwatch‘s closed beta was released on October 27th, 2015, followed by its official launch on May 24th, 2016.
Paladins’ Evolution
Hi-Rez Studios, the creators of Paladins, announced the game in August 2015. The closed beta for Paladins was launched on November 17th, 2015, just weeks after Overwatch‘s closed beta. However, the genesis of some elements within Paladins can be traced back to Global Agenda, a game released by Hi-Rez Studios in 2010. Global Agenda featured character designs and abilities that bear resemblances to heroes found in both Paladins and Overwatch. Paladins had a full release on May 8th 2018.
Answering the Question: Which is Older?
Although Overwatch had a full release before Paladins, Paladins‘ development and beta access began shortly after Overwatch‘s. However, some could argue that the spiritual predecessor to Paladins, Global Agenda released in 2010, predates Overwatch‘s development. Considering the closed beta release dates and taking into account the development, Overwatch edges out Paladins as being slightly older, despite the close proximity in release timings.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Paladins and Overwatch
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the history, similarities, and differences between Paladins and Overwatch.
1. Did Overwatch Copy Paladins?
Given that Overwatch began development earlier and the game’s closed beta released only a few weeks before Paladins‘, it’s unlikely that Overwatch directly copied Paladins. However, the perception of copying often stems from the shared genre of hero shooters and the visual similarities in some character designs.
2. Is Paladins Based on Overwatch?
Hi-Rez Studios denies copying Overwatch, emphasizing the influence of their earlier game, Global Agenda. The debate around inspiration versus imitation remains ongoing within the gaming community.
3. When Did Paladins Come Out Compared to Overwatch?
Overwatch was released on May 24th, 2016, while Paladins had its closed beta release on November 17th, 2015. Paladins had its full release on May 8th 2018.
4. When Did Overwatch Start Development?
Overwatch began development in Summer 2013, initiated by Team 4 at Blizzard Entertainment.
5. How Old Was Overwatch 1?
Overwatch 1 was released in May 2016 and was active until the launch of Overwatch 2 in October 2022, making it approximately 6 years old.
6. Is Paladins Better Than Overwatch?
“Better” is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Paladins is free-to-play, offering a different monetization model compared to Overwatch, which may appeal to some players. Additionally, the character and gameplay mechanics also play a role in determining the preferred game.
7. Who Was the First Character in Overwatch?
The first character developed for Overwatch was Tracer, who was based on a character concept from Project Titan.
8. Who Created Paladins?
Paladins was developed by Evil Mojo Games, which is a studio owned by Hi-Rez Studios.
9. How Many Characters Did Paladins Start With?
When Paladins first launched into open beta, it featured a smaller roster of champions than it does today. New players now start with seven champions unlocked by default.
10. When Did Ruckus Release in Paladins?
Ruckus, a Front Line Champion, was added to Paladins on November 17th, 2015, coinciding with the launch of the closed beta.
11. What Game Did Paladins Copy?
Hi-Rez Studios disputes claims that Paladins copied Overwatch, pointing to Global Agenda as an earlier source of inspiration. However, similarities between the games have led to persistent discussions.
12. Is a Paladin a Human?
In fantasy lore and specifically in the realm of Paladins, the class is available to all races.
13. Why is Paladins Called Paladins?
The name “Paladins” is derived from the legendary paladins of Charlemagne’s court, symbolizing the idea of noble warriors and protectors.
14. Who Are the Strongest Characters in Paladins?
Strong champions in Paladins often include Cassie, Lian, and Tyra, due to their high damage output, mobility, and effective abilities.
15. What Was Paladins First Name?
According to Robertson’s novelization of the season-six premiere “Genesis”, Paladin’s real name is Clay Alexander.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Hero Shooters
The debate about which game came first, Paladins or Overwatch, highlights the competitive and creative landscape of the gaming industry. While Overwatch had a full release before Paladins, the timelines of their development, beta releases, and inspirations are closely intertwined. Both games have contributed to the popularity of the hero shooter genre and continue to engage players with their unique characters, gameplay mechanics, and ever-evolving content. Ultimately, the choice between Paladins and Overwatch comes down to personal preference and what resonates most with each individual player. This is a constant topic of discussion and research in the world of gaming, and the Games Learning Society fosters discussions about topics such as this, and is committed to the advancement of knowledge in the field of games and education, as well as other similar educational initiatives. Consider checking out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.