It appears to be the trend for divisive sequels to revert to elements last seen in their predecessors. Overwatch 2 joins the movement of retreating modifications that upset fans, following in the footsteps of Call of Duty: Warzone 2, which promised a few adjustments to make the game seem more like the original.
Overwatch 2’s third season aims to alleviate some players ire over the difficulty of acquiring hero cosmetics and skins behind paywalls, which has been a sticking point since the game’s release. But calm down; there’s more to it than that.
Overwatch 2 hadn’t easily won over the series’ loyal fanbase since its 2016 release when it transitioned to a freemium model. Newer generations of Overwatch have been met with discontent because of modifications like the elimination of the original’s six-player skirmish mode and the introduction of five-on-five matches instead.
However, in a recent blog post, Activision Blizzard announced the return of Overwatch Credits with the premium currency Overwatch Coins, which can be purchased with real money. Credits are appealing in theory (and are likely to be in high demand), but without a more straightforward explanation, this seems like a step forward followed by a half-step back.
Overwatch Credits will return in Season [three], as announced in yesterday’s season two post-mortem blog. They are an updated version of the Legacy Credits, a form of in-game cash brought over from Overwatch 1.
Those familiar with the series or who have access to an old account will already have a good number of them. Still, there is no way to acquire any more in Overwatch 2 Season 3 sees the transition from Legacy Credits to Overwatch Credits for all players.
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP I CAN FINALLY BE IN MY PROPER RANK AGAINhttps://t.co/psDeYFWHZJ
— alyssa mercante (@alyssa_merc) January 30, 2023
The announcement reads, “Now, throughout Season [three] Battle Pass, all players can win up to 1500 credits as free incentives and 500 credits as premium awards.” While adding a credit system for purchasing skins may sound like a pleasant improvement, it comes with a catch that some players aren’t too keen on.
After Season 3 arrives, it appears that the primary purpose for these newly introduced credits is to purchase “epic and legendary-tier skins” before the introduction of Overwatch 2. The promise of free credits is quickly dashed as it becomes clear that you’ll be using outdated skins from the original game.
In addition, the overwatch 2 Battle Pass can only award 2,000 credits per season. Following the arithmetic presented by Blizzard in this patch, you will unlock one new legendary skin per season. And I shouldn’t even use the word “new,” considering these are Overwatch 1 skins.
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🕹️ Get to Know the Game
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⭐ Share Your Inspiration
Hear more from OW2's Art Director: https://t.co/NCSN8m4WsK
— Blizzard Entertainment (@Blizzard_Ent) January 30, 2023
According to the blog post, Blizzard has plans to investigate further opportunities for Overwatch Credits. Their application is now appreciated but insufficient. The good news is that the concerns about the high cost and limited availability of skincare and cosmetics are being heeded.
The bad news is that the solution is being implemented in a narrowly tailored fashion that may not adequately address long-standing issues with modern skins, such as their lack of appeal and the fact that too many of them can be bought exclusively with actual money. Furthermore, the free skins you can obtain through credits are relics from the original game.
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