Overwatch 2 is finally doing a fan-made hero skin design contest… sort of

Throughout the years, there have been thousands of fan-made Overwatch skins. Now, players will finally have the chance to see their creations added to the game, but only if they live in China.

NetEase, Blizzard’s game publisher in China, revealed plans for a special competition where fans can submit their own Overwatch 2 hero skin designs.

According to the contest, players must abide by the theme of “what if the Omnic crisis never happened” – referring to the lore events that jump-started the creation of Overwatch and the game’s heroes.

Players are urged not to make their designs too similar to existing skins, and they should be considered feasible when it comes to 3D modeling.

Voting will begin on September 26. The skins are subject to a jury and player vote, with the jury making up 90% of the weight. The Overwatch development team will have the final say. Notably, AI art is strictly prohibited.

Blizzard

The first-place prize is 20,000 Yuan, around $2,800 USD, and the opportunity for their skin to be added to the game.

Overwatch players demand global skin design contest

With this competition only tied to China, fans are urging Blizzard to make this contest a global affair in the future.

“Blizzard should totally do community skin contests in every server like what Dead by Daylight does every year: multiple skins designed by players then released in the free tiers of future battlepasses,” one suggested. “They could do that during the anniversary too and for everyone, not just China.”

“I like being a part of the main audience and get nothing except chances to give Blizzard more money, because everything is now a China exclusive!” another blasted.

First Fan-Made Skin Design Competition in #Overwatch2 🎨

NetEase is hosting a contest in China with a prize of 20,000 Yuan and the chance for your skin to be added to the game!

🤖 AI-Generated Artwork is prohibited. pic.twitter.com/LwHT3a6mIL

— Overwatch Cavalry (@OWCavalry) September 22, 2025

“People would love for a skin competition where your skin can be added to the game, why China only?” someone else questioned.

Hopefully, Blizzard takes note of how many fans want to see a skin design contest and decides to implement something in the future for players who aren’t based in China.

Needless to say, don’t expect to see any Mei Winnie-the-Pooh skins this time around.