( CNN ) -- Gamers rejoiced over news that Blizzard Entertainment , the company behind popular role-playing game `` World of Warcraft , '' plans to release its first new franchise in 17 years . `` Overwatch '' is a team-based shooter game for computers set in a cartoonish version of the not-so-distant future in which a reformed band of heroes battles evil across the planet . Blizzard , which has built a global fanbase through its Warcraft , Starcraft and Diablo franchises , debuted `` Overwatch '' Friday in a cinematic-style trailer at BlizzCon 2014 , the company 's fan convention , this weekend at California 's Anaheim Convention Center . The trailer was followed by a gameplay demonstration showing characters such as an armed gorilla and a pistol-wielding Reaper showing off their abilities . A beta version of `` Overwatch '' will be available to the public in 2015 , game director Jeff Kaplan told the crowd . The game marks Blizzard 's first foray into the multiplayer shooter genre and its first new franchise in 17 years . It comes on the heels of `` Heartstone , '' a World of Warcraft-inspired card game , and `` Heroes of the Storm , '' which features characters from other Blizzard games . `` Perhaps the most amazing thing about Overwatch is the fact that it was kept a total secret , a rarity in this industry , '' Paul Tassi wrote for Forbes . `` Many were guessing that Blizzard 's big surprise was going to be a new Hearthstone expansion or something along those lines . '' Immediate reaction to the announcement was mostly positive , though some wondered if Blizzard should just stick to its tried-and-true franchises . Some fans noted references and allusions to weapons and characters from other Blizzard games .
Gaming company Blizzard debuts `` Overwatch , '' first new franchise in years . Score: 6 Beta version of `` Overwatch '' will be available in 2015 , game director says .