Overwatch 2 Pulls Blizzard Gear Store Ad After AI Art Backlash

Overwatch 2 has found itself in hot water after promoting its new Busan Cow YouTooz Plush with what appeared to be AI-generated art. The promotional image was quickly removed, but not before fans spotted the controversial background and voiced their frustrations.

🐄 From Map Decoration to Plush Collectible

The inflatable cow perched atop a building in Overwatch 2’s Busan map has become a fan-favorite detail, thanks to its adorable design and amusing jiggle physics when shot. Hoping to bring that charm into the real world, Blizzard partnered with collectible maker YouTooz to create a nine-inch plush version of the Busan Cow.

🤖 AI Art Sparks Controversy

The drama began when Blizzard posted a promotional image for the plush on the official Overwatch 2 Twitter account. Fans quickly noticed the background looked suspiciously like generative AI art.

Key details tipped them off:

• Distorted depictions of Overwatch heroes D.Va, Tracer, and Genji
• Inaccurate armor designs
• An uncanny facial expression on Tracer that didn’t match the game’s style

A clearer version of the image — shared by Overwatch Cavalry without the plush — made these flaws even more noticeable.

💬 Player Reactions & Blizzard’s Response

The post’s comment section filled up with criticism almost immediately, with fans questioning why Blizzard would opt for AI-generated backgrounds instead of simply using official in-game art.

Within an hour, Blizzard deleted the tweet and image. As of now, the company has not replaced the promotional post.

❓ How Did This Happen?

It’s unclear whether the image came directly from Blizzard or was provided by YouTooz. Possible scenarios include:

• YouTooz created the promotional art without Blizzard realizing AI was involved
• Blizzard knowingly used AI art, similar to its Diablo Immortal x Hearthstone promo earlier this year
• A simple oversight in the rush to market the plush

🛒 Plush Still Available

Despite the ad controversy, the Busan Cow Plush remains available exclusively on the Blizzard Gear Store for $38 (excluding taxes, shipping, and fees). For fans of the quirky map prop, it’s an officially licensed keepsake — controversy or not.