More than Meets the Eye – Exploring the Art of Optimus Prime in the Overwatch 2 x TRANSFORMERS Collab

Overwatch 2 teams up for another exciting collaboration, teaming up with the iconic TRANSFORMERS franchise. Featuring four all-new Legendary skins for some of Overwatch 2’s heroes. Now you can fight in an epic battle of AUTOBOTS vs DECEPTICONS, as Optimus Prime x Reinhardt, Bumblebee x Bastion, and Arcee x Illari take on the menacing Megatron x Ramattra.

It’s time to roll out and log onto Overwatch 2 on Xbox, where you can pick up Optimus Prime Reinhardt and other Transformers favorites in the in-game shop or the Microsoft Store. You can even collect all four skins in the action-packed Transformers Mega Bundle. Play for free and earn cool Autobot and Decepticon-themed player icons, name cards, and titles as you battle in your favorite Overwatch 2 game modes. But hurry – this unique collaboration event ends on July 22.

To celebrate the collaboration, we had Blizzard Korea Studio’s Bobby Kim share what it was like to create the concept art and design for Optimus Prime Reinhardt, and how it felt to bring both worlds together.

How exciting was it to make Optimus Prime x Reinhardt for the new Overwatch 2 x TRANSFORMERS collab?

Bobby Kim: It’s the TRANSFORMERS series after all! TRANSFORMERS is one of the best action robot franchises out there, and it gets people’s hearts racing, so I knew this was a project I wanted to take on.

TRANSFORMERS and Overwatch are such a great combination. Optimus Prime is the leader of the AUTOBOTS, and after seeing his fearlessness when charging at DECEPTICONS, I thought he was a perfect fit for Reinhardt. I also couldn’t wait to incorporate Optimus Prime’s silhouette into Reinhardt.

What was the important thing about Optimus Prime you wanted to make sure was included in the design?

Bobby Kim: When developing the skin, I tried to integrate the sturdy, truck-like design that Optimus Prime is known for, such as the front windshield and the exhaust on the skin’s shoulders, to make him look more like a speeding truck when he charges. I also tried using sharper, angular parts throughout the skin, which I think captured the iconic look of Optimus Prime.

Are there any fun features about the skin that players should look out for?

Bobby Kim: One of the aspects I love about this skin are the windshield wipers. The technical artist did a remarkable job of bringing my vision to life. The skin is also filled with other mechanical parts that move which add a touch of realism. I can’t wait for our players to put this skin on and charge into battle, experiencing these fun little features.

What are some of your favorite TRANSFORMERS experiences that you want to share?

Bobby Kim: I remember watching the TRANSFORMERS series on TV with my eyes wide open as a kid. The robots inspired a lot of kids to let their imaginations run wild. To my eyes, every car on the road looked like it could convert at any time, and I still sometimes daydream about it all these years later. While I didn’t have the chance to own one of the toys back then, being part of this collaboration feels like the coolest gift I could give my childhood self.

Overall, this collaboration was a fantastic experience. Bringing Optimus Prime and other TRANSFORMERS characters including Megatron, Bumblebee and Arcee to the world of Overwatch has been a dream come true.