In addition, Blizzard ditches loot boxes in favor of a battle pass system.
After stepping out of its comfort zone in 2016, Blizzard presented us with a team-based multiplayer shooter that revolutionized the scene. Overwatch, despite being paid, was one of the most popular games among players – even more than free-to-play games like Smite. By the end of 2016, the game was on all platforms including Nintendo Switch. It even supported crossplay long before many other games.
After many delays and development problems, Blizzard shared more of Overwatch 2 today in a reveal event. During the game’s event, it was announced that it will arrive on all platforms in October. However, the most relevant of all was that the game is free to play.
Many changes to the saga
After the triumph and many problems that Overwatch presented, Blizzard considered changes for its next title. The most relevant of all is that the game is no longer a premium title. Instead, it joins the growing list of free-to-play games. This format has become popular in recent years in the genre thanks to games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Valorant. This will allow many players to access the new title, resulting in a larger community of active players.
After the announcement of the free-to-play model, a topic to highlight is that of loot boxes. Players who wished to obtain exclusive aesthetic items in the game had to obtain them through loot boxes. This model is similar to betting and gambling, which has been banned in several countries. Therefore, Blizzard has taken the decision to move from a loot box model to a battle pass system.
In this way, players can receive aesthetic items for free depending on the number of games they play during each season. Yes, you read correctly. Overwatch 2 – as with most free-to-play games – will take a seasonal system that will change every month.
PvE Experiences
Something that has been requested for a long time is the availability of a story mode. Blizzard has heard the requests from fans and will introduce a cooperative PvE mode with a story. This game mode will not be available at launch but will arrive later in 2023. Another detail of this new mode is that it is not entirely clear if it will be free.
Blizzard has not wanted to give more information about it, which raises some intrigue and concern in the gaming community. To know more information about this, we will have to wait for the launch of the game on October 4. Until then, stick with Game Freaks 365 for more gaming news and join the discussion on the forums.
Overwatch 2 will be available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Battle.net.
