stub Blizzard Will Stop Selling Overwatch Loot Boxes on August 30th - Gaming.net
Connect with us

News

Blizzard Will Stop Selling Overwatch Loot Boxes on August 30th

Updated on

Overwatch is well-known for being one of the games that offer microtransactions for in-game loot boxes to its players. However, as of August 30th, in-game loot boxes will no longer be available, according to a blog post from Blizzard announcing the Overwatch Anniversary Remix Vol.3 event, their third and final event. Just one of the moves being made by developers Blizzard as we get closer to the new free-to-play Overwatch 2. Which releases on October 4, 2022.

Overwatch's Anniversary Remix Vol. 3 event, which begins today, August 9th, gives players one last chance to get limited in-game skins by purchasing Anniversary Loot Boxes throughout the event before it concludes on August 30th. When that date arrives, in-game loot boxes will no longer be available for purchase. However, after the event, you will still be able to earn standard free loot boxes. Then, any loot boxes you have lying around will open automatically before the release of Overwatch 2. Transferring all loot box items to Overwatch 2 when it replaces Overwatch on October 4th.

Overwatch Anniversary Remix: Vol. 3

 

Once Overwatch 2 launches, purchasable in-game loot boxes will be a thing of the past. Instead, Overwatch 2 will provide its players with a free and paid seasonal battle pass to earn in-game loot and cosmetics. With that, the games store will also continue to offer items for purchase. Similar to that of Epic Games model for buying in-game cosmetics in Fortnite; which has never featured loot boxes.

This is due to the fact that in-game loot boxes are widely regarded as an unethical form of gambling. Video games frequently target a younger audience, and paying money for in-game loot boxes where you don't know what you're getting is seen as encouraging gambling. Some countries, such as China and Belgium, have gone so far as to outright ban in-game loot boxes altogether.

 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with Blizzard's decision? Are you excited for Overwatch 2? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

Riley Fonger is a freelance writer, music lover, and gamer since adolescence. He loves anything video game-related and grew up with a passion for story games such as Bioshock and The Last of Us.