Overwatch 2: Invasion’s audio director reveals 12,000 voice lines on the way

Overwatch 2: Invasion is set to feature an unprecedented 12,000 voice lines, as unveiled by the game’s Audio Director, Scott Lawlor.

In a Twitter thread, Lawlor, the Audio and Technical Narrative Director for Overwatch 2, shared intriguing insights into the much-anticipated Invasion update. The highlight? A staggering 12,000 lines of dialogue for the upcoming Player vs Environment (PvE) mode.

Having been part of the Overwatch team for 11 years, Lawlor expressed his excitement about the game’s narrative progression. For the first time, Overwatch is introducing permanent story missions, a departure from the temporary events that have characterized the game until now.

These story missions will feature 19 different playable heroes, each with unique narrative perspectives.

Say what you will about #Overwatch2

After 11 years on the Overwatch team, next week we release something permanent. For the first time in Overwatch's history we are moving the story forward with something crafted by hundreds of developers who love this universe.

— Scott Lawlor (@TheAudioAnarchy) August 4, 2023

The 12,000 lines of dialogue will allow heroes to react to every game mechanic, enemy spawn, and story beat, creating a dynamic and immersive gaming experience.

The audio aspect of Overwatch 2: Invasion has also undergone a significant transformation.

The game’s sound has evolved from a PvP experience to a full-blown 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos mix for home theaters or 3D audio for headphones.

This change, Lawlor explains, was a long and methodical process aimed at enhancing the game’s dynamic range for better storytelling.

There are roughly 12000 lines for PVE so the heroes can react to every game mechanic, enemy spawn, and story beat. We have spent the last many years slowly evolving the tools so we can tell stories like this in a synchronized multiplayer game.

— Scott Lawlor (@TheAudioAnarchy) August 4, 2023

Overwatch 2: Invasion is expected to be one of the biggest updates the game has ever seen. It will introduce the new PvE game mode alongside a new core PvP game mode titled Flashpoint with two new maps, promising a unique and exciting experience for players.

Blizzard has even involved John Cena in Invasion’s marketing campaign, revealing that he was the mysterious “Enigma” character requesting heroes to prepare for the invasion and be ready to fight back.

The new game mode is set to release on August 10.