Several months ago, the artist andOverwatchplayer Joshua Llorente createdan unofficial Cairo mapfor Blizzard’s team-based shooter by using 3DS Max, Unreal Engine 4, Substance Painter, and Photoshop, with the Egyptian setting looking like a fantastic place in which to do battle. Now, Llorente decided to give everyone a closer look at the map by releasing a full walkthrough video of the stage.
As seen in the video below, Llorente’s design for theOverwatchmap includes a lot of traditional Eastern architecture surrounded by more futuristic towers and skyscrapers. Additionally, the artist peppers the map with a giant obelisk, multiple references to the Egyptian god of the afterlife, Anubis, and plenty more beautifully recreated symbols and iconography from ancient Egyptian culture. What’s more is that the map’s layout appears to have something for everyone, with long sightlines, mid-range dueling spots, cramped alleyways, and semi-enclosed close-quarter combat zones offering the chance for each of the game’s Heroes to shine.
While theOverwatchfan base has been impressed by Llorente’s Cairo map, the artist’s hard work has even been noticed by some of Blizzard’s top brass, with game director Jeff Kaplan showing his admiration in the shooter’s official subreddit, saying, “Amazing work! We’ll be in touch.” Should Llorente actually receive a followup response from the publisher and developer about a gig with the company, it’s worth noting thatOverwatchalready has several maps that are set in the African country, including Necropolis and Temple of Anubis, so he might wind up working on a new area altogether.
All things considered, it’s wonderful to see artists like Joshua Llorente’s hard work get the recognition it deserves, as it’s a testament to how great games likeOverwatchand their top notch designs often inspire fans to make gorgeous labors of love all their own. And if Llorente continues to produce such assets forOverwatchthat are on par with his Cairo stage andFavela map, then Blizzard could very well come knocking with an offer.
Overwatchis available now for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
