“Overwatch 2 will not feature loot boxes”

At a recent reveal event, Blizzard announced that Overwatch 2 will be eliminating loot boxes, a controversial element from the first game. Instead, players will be able to acquire items they desire through a Battle Pass or an in-game store that will be regularly updated. This change aims to provide a more transparent and predictable way for players to obtain special character skins and emotes.

Seasonal updates will be a significant part of Overwatch 2, with free content being added every nine weeks to keep the game fresh. The first season will introduce three new heroes, six additional maps, over 30 new skins, and a new game mode. The second season, scheduled to begin on December 6th, will bring a new hero, more maps, and additional cosmetics. Furthermore, players can look forward to a new “PvE experience” in 2023 that will advance the game’s storyline.

This decision marks a shift for Blizzard, as they had previously defended the use of loot boxes in Overwatch. However, with increasing backlash against this mechanic and legal concerns in some countries, the development team has chosen to move away from this feature in Overwatch 2. This change may not only appease players who dislike loot boxes but also help the company avoid potential legal issues related to gambling regulations.