Did Overwatch 2 get rid of boxes?

Did Overwatch 2 Get Rid of Boxes? The Complete Guide

Yes, Overwatch 2 completely eliminated loot boxes. This significant change marked a departure from the original Overwatch’s monetization model, which heavily relied on the randomized rewards found within these virtual containers. The shift was a response to several factors, including evolving industry trends, player feedback, and increasing global scrutiny over the nature of loot boxes and their potential links to gambling.

The End of an Era: Why Loot Boxes Vanished from Overwatch

The original Overwatch, released in 2016, became synonymous with loot boxes, a system where players acquired randomized in-game items, primarily cosmetic in nature, through purchased containers or through gameplay leveling. This system, while generating revenue, drew criticism for its perceived gambling-like mechanics, where the reward is unknown until opened. This led to a growing concern among legislators and the gaming community about the potential for addiction and exploitation, especially among younger players.

Several countries began to scrutinize, and in some cases ban, games that employed loot box systems, prompting many game developers to reconsider their monetization strategies. Blizzard Entertainment, facing these pressures, made the decision to move away from loot boxes entirely with the launch of Overwatch 2, which launched as a free-to-play game, as opposed to a traditional purchase model.

The Transition to a New Model: The Battle Pass

With loot boxes gone, Overwatch 2 adopted the battle pass system, a common practice in many free-to-play games. This system offers a tiered progression of rewards as players advance through the game. The battle pass typically has a free track of rewards available to all players and a premium track that requires purchase, offering more exclusive cosmetic items, emotes, sprays, and other in-game bonuses.

This model provides players with a clear idea of what they are working towards, a stark contrast to the unpredictable nature of loot boxes. The battle pass system provides a set path of rewards based on the player’s effort, thus appealing to players who prefer to spend time to earn their items, or have an idea of what they will get from a premium purchase.

What Happened to Old Loot Boxes?

For players who had unopened loot boxes from the original Overwatch, Blizzard automatically opened all of them when they logged into Overwatch 2 for the first time. All items from those old loot boxes were transferred into players’ inventories.

Overwatch 2’s New Approach to Cosmetics

The removal of loot boxes coincided with several other significant changes in how Overwatch 2 handles cosmetics:

  • Direct Purchases: Players can directly purchase specific skins, emotes, sprays, and other cosmetic items in the in-game store. This allows players to specifically obtain the cosmetics they want, instead of hoping for them to appear from loot boxes.
  • Seasonal Events: Overwatch 2 continues with seasonal events, which feature unique cosmetic items tied to the event’s theme. These items are obtainable by progression in event-specific challenges or purchased in the game store.
  • The Overwatch Store: The store changes regularly and features rotating selections of new and old skins, player icons, voice lines and more available for direct purchase using in-game currency.
  • Currency Systems: The game utilizes two main currencies: Overwatch Coins, which are purchased with real money, and Credits which are earned through gameplay. This system allows for both a premium and free-to-play approach to collecting cosmetic items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Overwatch 2 and Loot Boxes

1. What was wrong with loot boxes in the original Overwatch?

Loot boxes were criticized for their gambling-like nature, as players spent real money for a chance at virtual items they desired. The unpredictability of the drops made it a controversial monetization system.

2. Why did Overwatch 2 remove loot boxes?

Loot boxes were removed due to global concerns about their perceived similarities to gambling, evolving industry trends, and pressure to adopt more transparent and player-friendly monetization methods.

3. Did my old loot boxes from Overwatch carry over to Overwatch 2?

No. Any unopened loot boxes from the original Overwatch were automatically opened when you logged into Overwatch 2 for the first time, and the contents were added to your inventory. You did not get any new boxes in Overwatch 2.

4. Is the battle pass the only way to get cosmetics now in Overwatch 2?

No. While the battle pass offers a structured progression of rewards, players can also obtain cosmetic items through direct purchases in the in-game store, seasonal events, and some rewards via challenges,

5. Can I still get old Overwatch skins?

Yes. The original skins from Overwatch carried over into Overwatch 2 provided your accounts are linked. Certain rare or promotional skins might not be available currently, however, and some old Overwatch skins are re-introduced in the game store rotations.

6. How do I merge my console accounts to get my skins in Overwatch 2?

You need to merge your console account with your Battle.net account via the appropriate menus in the game. This should restore your original skins and cosmetics.

7. What is the difference between Overwatch Coins and Credits in Overwatch 2?

Overwatch Coins are purchased with real money and can be used to buy premium items and battle passes. Credits are earned through gameplay and can be used to buy a limited selection of cosmetic items.

8. Why were some old Overwatch skins removed?

Some skins, such as the Pink Mercy, Zarya Alien and Blizzcon skins, were removed because of their exclusivity, controversy, or limited-time availability.

9. Is Overwatch 2 completely free to play?

Yes, Overwatch 2 is free-to-play, meaning that it’s free to download and play. However, many cosmetic items are obtainable through purchase or via the battle pass.

10. How does the battle pass system work in Overwatch 2?

The battle pass offers a series of rewards as players advance through the game via earned experience points. There is a free and a premium track which can be purchased with real money for additional or more exclusive rewards.

11. Does the battle pass contain loot boxes?

No, the battle pass in Overwatch 2 does not contain any loot boxes. The rewards are fixed and known to the player in advance before they earn each tier.

12. Why did Blizzard cancel PvE mode for Overwatch 2?

The PvE (Player vs. Environment) mode was canceled because the development team was trying to do too much at once, lost focus, and the project grew too large for them to handle effectively. They later released PvE missions as a purchase option.

13. What is a gacha game, and are they similar to loot boxes?

Gacha games are similar to loot boxes in that they rely on randomized rewards to collect characters or items. They are typically associated with mobile games but do not always have the exact same mechanics as loot boxes in traditional gaming.

14. Is Overwatch 2 subject to the same loot box regulations as the original game?

No, Overwatch 2 is not subject to regulations related to loot boxes because it eliminated them. Therefore the concerns of many governments about gambling-like systems no longer apply to Overwatch 2.

15. Are there any other games that have removed loot boxes?

Yes, many other game developers have removed or significantly reduced the use of loot boxes in their games, adapting alternative monetization strategies. Some of the other gaming giants who have removed loot boxes from some of their games include EA and Activision.

Conclusion

The removal of loot boxes in Overwatch 2 represents a significant shift in the game’s business model. This decision reflects a broader industry trend towards more transparent and player-friendly monetization practices. By adopting a free-to-play model centered around the battle pass, direct purchases, and in-game currencies, Overwatch 2 aims to provide players with a more predictable and ultimately player-centric experience when it comes to acquiring cosmetic items. While some players may miss the unpredictable nature of loot boxes, the new system brings clarity and a more controlled approach to in-game rewards.

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