Anime Expo, the largest North American anime convention, welcomed crowds of over 100,000 people to the Los Angeles Convention center over the 4th Of July Holiday weekend. And in the midst of all those attendees the Overwatch presence was strongly felt.  Overwatch , if you aren’t familiar with, is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter video game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. Overwatch was released on May 24, 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. It’s intense popularity has even warranted an Overwatch League with teams around the world competing for a championship title. Blizzard Entertainment had an exhibit booth at Anime Expo and well as the interactive exhibit know as the Overwatch Payload Tour.
Payload Tour
Impressed by the swiftness and creativity in which the cosplay community took to Overwatch characters, Blizzard announced it’s “Payload Tour“. The Overwatch Payload Tour has set out to some of the biggest pop culture events of the year to celebrate everything Overwatch—especially the amazing cosplay. They have created a one-of-a-kind photo experience to capture your inner hero. They even have a selection of iconic Overwatch weapons on hand for those who don’t cosplay. Attendees were able to get their photo taken in a 360-degree panoramic stage in the center of some of our favorite Overwatch maps. Every participant also received an exclusive Overwatch pin. Each event has its own unique pin. The event has already hit PAX East, E3 and now Anime Expo! You can see the Overwatch at upcoming 2018 conventions like San Diego Comic-Con, Dragon Con and New York Comic Con.
Cosplay
At Anime Expo cosplay is encouraged! Aside from hosting a masquerade and the US World Cosplay Summit Finals, Anime Expo encourages cosplay gathering. There are areas set aside for cosplay gatherings. Fans are allowed to host meet ups. Overwatch meets up were set up throughout the weekend.
Do you play Overwatch? Which heroes do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!Â
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