Blizzard is taking a new approach to microtransactions in Overwatch 2, ditching the multiplayer shooter's predecessor's loot boxes in favor of an in-game cosmetics shop.
During an Overwatch 2 press roundtable, TechRadar Gaming learned that loot boxes will not appear in the upcoming game. Instead of blindly opening packs to earn random cosmetic items, players can purchase their own content directly.
"As we transition to Overwatch 2, we're going to do away with our loot boxes in favor of a new system that is an in-game store," said Overwatch Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Jon Spector. "Players can go in and directly purchase any cosmetic items they want."
However, the game's approach to microtransactions has not been fully defined. Speaking during the panel discussion, Spector said that additional details, such as how players can link their Overwatch accounts between platforms to update, will be announced at a later date.
Meanwhile, game director Aaron Keller said some behind-the-scenes details are still being ironed out. Without a full picture of how Overwatch 2's free-to-play business model works, he said, it's hard to know exactly what the game's monetization systems will offer. "More than anything," Keller said, "we just want it to feel fair to the players, to feel generous to the players."
fun and fair
(*two*)
(Image credit: Blizzard)The removal of loot boxes represents a big change for the Overwatch series. Blind Luck packs were once a staple of nearly every competitive multiplayer shooter, and Overwatch's first in-game monetization system relied solely on them.
But loot boxes have fallen out of fashion among major video game publishers in recent years. Fortnite's Battle Royale mode never featured them, nor did Call of Duty: Warzone. As gamers became increasingly wary of what are often seen as predatory money-making schemes, and some countries (opens in a new tab) ban them under gambling law, publishers began looking for new ways to monetize your games.
Blizzard is doing exactly that, as Overwatch 2 becomes a free-to-play model supported primarily by a battle pass. The nine-week pass will offer character skins, weapon charms, and new voice lines via a free and premium progression track.
Players will be eager to see how generous and fair Overwatch 2's systems really are. Blizzard's latest release, Diablo Immortal, has been criticized for excessive monetization and hidden progression caps that punish free players.
Overwatch 2 will launch on October 4 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Check out the roadmap now and what we know about the new PvE mode.