Lego delays Overwatch 2 as the company reevaluates its relationship with Activision Blizzard

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The Overwatch 2 name has become synonymous with delay. First reported by The Brick Fan, a Lego review site, the popular toy maker is delaying the release of an Overwatch 2-themed set as the company reviews its relationship with Overwatch 2 publisher Activision Blizzard.

In a statement to The Verge, Alice Carter, Lego’s senior corporate brand communication manager, said:

We are currently reviewing our partnership with Activision Blizzard in light of concerns about progress being made to address continuing allegations regarding workplace culture, especially treating coworkers and creating a diverse and inclusive environment. As we complete the review, we will be pausing the release of a LEGO Overwatch 2 product that was supposed to go on sale on February 1, 2022.

Activision Blizzard has been embroiled in an extensive legal battle with several government agencies over allegations that its employees fostered a work environment filled with discrimination, abuse and sexual harassment. As companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo publicly and privately voice concerns about Activision Blizzard, Lego appears to be the first adjacent gaming company to act directly. Last year, advertisers including Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola withdrew their sponsorships from the Overwatch League – Activision Blizzard’s Overwatch eSports league – when the allegations first came to light.

In an interview with the New York Times Sway podcast, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said Xbox changed the way they do things with Activision Blizzard, but declined to go into details.

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