BerserkandGundamaren’t two franchises that have a lot in common, which is why it’s strange the two both had crossovers with massive Blizzard franchises announced at the same time. In a move that is sure to delight fans ofBerserk, Kentaro Miura’s epic is officially crossing over withDiablo IVas confirmed by a post onDiablo’sofficial X account. Strangely, around the same time, theofficial X account forOverwatchconfirmed that it was crossing over withGundam Wing, teasing fans with an image that appears to be of Mercy fused with the titular Gundam.
Though the two collaborations seemingly have little to do with each other, both are massive Blizzard games crossing over with absolute juggernauts of Japanese media. TheGundam WingxOverwatch2 crossover appears simple, as all fans have to go on is the image of Mercy. On the other hand, theBerserkxDiablo IVannouncement is a little more elaborate, depicting the game’s Barbarian wearing Guts' iconic armor.
Blizzard’s Two Anime Crossovers Hint At A Larger Strategy
Blizzard Could Be Making A Play To Appeal More To Anime Fans
Berserkis a seminal dark fantasy series that has helped inspire countless pieces of media, including many works by Fromsoftware, includingDark SoulsandElden Ring. Meanwhile,Gundam Wingwas the firstGundamanime to become a huge successin the West.Wingjust passed its 30th anniversary, so it’s plausible the collaboration is a part of that series' anniversary celebration.
Taken together, these two crossovers seem to represent Blizzard’s attempt to appeal more to anime fans in the West. This seems to represent a larger strategy by the gaming giant, asOverwatch 2has also recently crossed over withMy Hero Academia,Cowboy Bebop, andOne-Punch Man.
What Will Blizzard’s New Anime Crossovers Look Like In Game?
The Company’s Past Crossovers Provide A Tantalizing Glimpse
As for what players of both can expect, based onOverwatch’spast crossovers with anime, it will almost certainly be limited to skins.Gundam Wing’stitular mech appears to be a skin for Mercy, while Deathscythe seems like a natural fit for Reaper. Heavyarms for Zarya and Shenlong for Zenyatta would also be logical.
In terms of theDiabloandBerserkcrossover though, that is a little more difficult to predict. Blizzard went through the effort of creating a short little animation to promote the collaboration, hinting that it could be something slightly more substantial. Berserk armor and the Dragonslayer sword both for the Barbarian could be fun items, but what would be far more exciting than items or cosmetics would be maps based on Kentaro Miura’s epic.
Regardless of what each crossover will contain though, both are undeniably exciting for fans of all four franchises. Hopefully, Blizzard will reveal more soon so those who are attached toBerserkandGundam Wingcan get hyped.
Berserk
Berserkis a dark fantasy manga series by Kentaro Miura, first published in 1989. Set in a medieval Europe-inspired world, it follows Guts, a lone mercenary, and his struggle against demonic forces after his betrayal by Griffith, leader of the Band of the Hawk. The franchise has expanded into multiple anime series, films, video games, and merchandise.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
Cast
Set in the future, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing follows five young pilots sent to Earth to fight against the oppressive Romefeller Foundation. Utilizing advanced mechas called Gundams, they aim to awaken humanity’s rebellious spirit.
Diablo 4
Players are set to return to the world of Sanctuary in Diablo 4. Set after the events of Diablo 3’s Reaper of Souls DLC, Lilith, the daughter of Mephisto, has been summoned to the world and has assumed power in the absence of demons and angels. Lilith establishes Sanctuary as a haven for refugees caught in the crossfire between hell and heaven. Wanting to protect her kind from the recently emerged Nephelem, Lilith is banished to the void. Now she has returned, seeking revenge for the crimes committed against her
Overwatch 2
Developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch 2 is a continuation of the base game and is now a free-to-play experience in which players can unlock new heroes as they play. It currently features a multiplayer PVP component with plans to unveil PvE modes in the future.
