Did Overwatch Get Rid of Boxes? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Overwatch did indeed get rid of loot boxes. The transition from the original Overwatch (now retroactively referred to as Overwatch 1) to Overwatch 2 marked the end of the loot box system. This change was a significant shift in how players acquire cosmetic items and was driven by a combination of factors, including regulatory pressures and a desire to move towards a more predictable monetization model.
The End of an Era: Loot Boxes in Overwatch 1
Before the release of Overwatch 2, loot boxes were a core feature of the original Overwatch. Players earned these boxes by leveling up and occasionally through special events. Loot boxes contained a random assortment of cosmetic items, including skins, sprays, voice lines, and player icons. This system, while popular for a time, was also criticized for its random nature and perceived similarities to gambling.
How Loot Boxes Worked in Overwatch 1
- Acquisition: Players earned one loot box every time they leveled up their account.
- Event Boxes: Special event loot boxes were awarded during limited-time events, containing event-themed cosmetic items.
- Random Contents: Each loot box contained four items of varying rarity, with the exact contents being completely random.
- Duplicate Items: Players often received duplicates of items they already owned, which were converted into in-game currency (credits).
- Purchase Option: While not mandatory, players could purchase loot boxes with real money to accelerate their cosmetic collection.
Why Were Loot Boxes Removed?
Several factors led to the demise of the loot box system in Overwatch:
- Regulatory Pressures: Concerns over the gambling-like nature of loot boxes led to increased regulatory scrutiny and even outright bans in some countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. The fear of falling foul of gambling regulations and the potential for harm to minors was a key driver.
- Perception of Predatory Practices: Many gamers viewed the random nature of loot boxes as predatory, especially towards children. The desire to collect rare items often led to significant spending, leading to backlash against the system.
- Shift Towards Battle Passes: The gaming industry saw a general shift towards battle pass systems. These passes offer a more predictable way to acquire cosmetics, with players knowing exactly what they’ll get by progressing through the tiers.
Overwatch 2 and the Battle Pass System
Overwatch 2, released in early October 2022, completely removed loot boxes. Instead, it introduced a battle pass system as the primary method for obtaining cosmetics. This system allows players to earn cosmetic items by completing challenges and progressing through tiers of the pass.
How the Battle Pass Works
- Tiered Rewards: The battle pass is divided into tiers, each containing a set of rewards.
- Progression: Players progress through the tiers by playing the game and completing challenges.
- Free and Premium Tiers: Battle passes often include free tiers, available to all players, and premium tiers, accessible via purchase. Premium tiers offer a larger and often more desirable selection of rewards.
- Predictable Rewards: Unlike loot boxes, the battle pass allows players to see all the rewards available in each tier, making the rewards predictable.
What Happened to Old Loot Boxes?
Any unopened loot boxes from the original Overwatch were automatically opened when players logged into Overwatch 2. This ensured that no cosmetic items were lost during the transition. The transition was designed to be seamless so players would not lose their accumulated cosmetic items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the removal of loot boxes and their replacement in Overwatch 2:
1. What exactly is a battle pass, and how is it different from loot boxes?
A battle pass is a tiered system that offers predetermined rewards to players as they progress through its levels. Unlike loot boxes, which provide random items, a battle pass clearly shows the rewards at each tier, giving players more control over what they earn.
2. Can I still get loot boxes in Overwatch 1?
No, you cannot. Loot boxes are no longer obtainable in Overwatch. The servers for Overwatch 1 were shut down when Overwatch 2 was launched. Any unopened loot boxes were automatically opened on players accounts when they first logged into Overwatch 2.
3. What happened to the money I spent on loot boxes in Overwatch 1?
The money spent on Overwatch 1 loot boxes is a sunk cost. While the purchased loot boxes were automatically opened in Overwatch 2, the currency was used in Overwatch 1. It was a cost of enjoying Overwatch 1, and the change in systems is a replacement for that model.
4. Will my skins from Overwatch 1 carry over to Overwatch 2?
Yes, all standard, exclusive, and golden weapon skins from Overwatch 1 carried over to Overwatch 2. Blizzard ensured a smooth transition of player cosmetics to the sequel.
5. How do I get new skins in Overwatch 2?
In Overwatch 2, skins are acquired through the battle pass system, the in-game store, special events, and by completing challenges. You can unlock cosmetics by playing and completing specific tasks in the game.
6. What is the in-game currency used for in Overwatch 2?
Overwatch 2 uses a premium currency called “Overwatch Coins” which can be purchased with real money. They are used to buy premium battle passes, cosmetics, and other in-game items.
7. Why did Blizzard decide to remove loot boxes?
The removal of loot boxes was primarily driven by regulatory pressures due to their gambling-like nature, criticisms of predatory practices, and the industry’s shift towards battle pass monetization models. They were causing legal and public relations issues for the company.
8. Are loot boxes considered gambling?
The classification of loot boxes is debated. Some countries, like Belgium, have declared them illegal for violating gambling laws. Many argue that the random nature of loot boxes and the potential for spending real money to obtain them makes them akin to gambling, especially for minors.
9. What is the rarest skin in Overwatch?
The BlizzCon Bastion skin is considered to be the rarest skin in Overwatch. This skin was only available at BlizzCon and never re-released. Some have been resold on third party sites at high values.
10. Does Overwatch 2 still have mystery boxes or mystery items?
No, Overwatch 2 does not have mystery boxes. The shift to the battle pass and a direct purchase system eliminated any random elements that were present in Overwatch 1.
11. Will Overwatch 1 ever be playable again?
No, Overwatch 1 will not be playable again. The game servers were shut down on October 2, 2022, and the game was replaced by Overwatch 2.
12. How do I get Overwatch Coins in Overwatch 2?
Overwatch Coins can be purchased with real money. You can also earn a limited number of coins per week by completing weekly challenges in the game.
13. Are there any other games that have removed loot boxes?
Yes, many games have either removed or modified their loot box systems in response to regulatory pressures and player feedback. The push to remove them has become more common in the gaming industry.
14. What is PvE in Overwatch 2?
PvE stands for “Player vs. Environment”. In Overwatch 2, PvE was a planned game mode where players would team up to complete missions against AI enemies. However, these plans were ultimately canceled due to development challenges.
15. Are loot boxes still legal in most places worldwide?
Loot boxes remain legal in most countries, but there are exceptions like Belgium, where they are banned. Regulatory scrutiny is ongoing, and the legality of loot boxes is likely to remain a topic of debate.
Conclusion
Overwatch’s transition from loot boxes to a battle pass system was a significant change driven by regulatory pressure, criticisms of predatory monetization, and a move towards more predictable and direct reward systems. While the random nature of loot boxes was a popular feature for some players, the battle pass and direct purchase system in Overwatch 2 provides a more controlled and transparent experience. This change marks a significant shift in how games monetize their content.