Overwatch (video game)#Esports

{{Infobox video game

| title = Overwatch

| image = Overwatch cover art.jpg

| caption = Cover art featuring Tracer, one of the game's playable characters

| developer = Blizzard Entertainment{{efn|Iron Galaxy co-developed the Nintendo Switch version.}}

| publisher = Blizzard Entertainment

| director = {{ubl|Jeff Kaplan|Chris Metzen|Aaron Keller}}

| producer =

| designer = {{ubl|Jeremy Craig|Michael Elliott|Scott Mercer}}

| programmer = {{ubl|Mike Elliott|John LeFleur}}

| artist = {{ubl|William Petras|Arnold Tsang}}

| writer = {{ubl|Michael Chu|Alyssa Wong}}

| composer = Derek Duke

| series = Overwatch

| engine =

| platforms = {{ubl|PlayStation 4|Windows|Xbox One|Nintendo Switch}}

| released = {{ubl|PS4, Windows, Xbox One|May 24, 2016|Nintendo Switch|October 15, 2019}}

| genre = {{ubl|First-person shooter|Hero shooter}}

| modes = Multiplayer

}}

Overwatch (retroactively referred to as Overwatch 1{{efn|Due to the game requiring players to update to the sequel Overwatch 2 and having accounts merge original game and sequel statistics, media outlets and players often refer to the original game as Overwatch 1 to distinguish the two.{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Justin|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-overwatch-1-i-will-permanently-shut-down-on-october-2-says-blizzard|title=Overwatch 1 will permanently shut down on October 2, confirms Blizzard|work=Game Developer|date=September 15, 2022|accessdate=May 31, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Wood|first=Austin|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-death-of-overwatch-2-pve-is-hitting-players-hard-after-years-of-waiting-overwatch-1-died-for-this/|title=The death of Overwatch 2 PvE is hitting players hard after years of waiting: "Overwatch 1 died for this?"|work=GamesRadar+|date=May 16, 2023|accessdate=May 31, 2023|archive-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531225407/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-death-of-overwatch-2-pve-is-hitting-players-hard-after-years-of-waiting-overwatch-1-died-for-this/|url-status=live}}}}) was a 2016 multiplayer first-person shooter video game by Blizzard Entertainment. The game was first released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in May 2016 and Nintendo Switch in October 2019, with cross-platform play supported across all platforms. Described as a "hero shooter", Overwatch assigned players into two teams of six, with each player selecting from a large roster of characters, known as "heroes", with unique abilities. Teams worked to complete map-specific objectives within a limited period of time. Blizzard added new characters, maps, and game modes post-release, all free of charge, with the only additional cost to players being optional loot boxes to purchase cosmetic items.

Overwatch is Blizzard's fourth major franchise and came about following the 2014 cancellation of a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Titan. A portion of the Titan team were inspired by the success of team-based first-person shooters like Team Fortress 2 and the popularity of multiplayer online battle arena games, creating a hero-based shooter which emphasized teamwork. Some elements of Overwatch borrow concepts from the canceled Titan project. Overwatch was unveiled at the 2014 BlizzCon event and was in a closed beta from late 2015 through early 2016. An open beta before release drew in nearly 10 million players.

Overwatch received universal acclaim from critics, who praised the game for its accessibility, the diverse appeal of its hero characters, its cartoonish art style, and enjoyable gameplay. Blizzard reported over {{USD|1 billion}} in revenue during the first year of its release and had more than 50 million players after three years. During its lifetime, Overwatch was considered to be among the greatest video games of all time, receiving numerous game of the year awards and other accolades. The game was a popular esport, with Blizzard funding and producing the global Overwatch League. On October 3, 2022, the Overwatch servers were shut down in preparation for the beta release of its sequel, Overwatch 2, the next day.

Gameplay

File:Overwatch screenshot.png

Overwatch was an online team-based game generally played as a first-person shooter. The game featured several different game modes, principally designed around squad-based combat with two opposing teams of six players each. Players selected one of over two dozen pre-made hero characters from one of three class types: Damage heroes that deal most of the damage to attack or defend control points, Tank heroes that can absorb a large amount of damage, and Support heroes that provide healing or other buffs for their teammates.{{efn|The game originally had four character classes prior to a June 2018 update, which combined the "offense" and "defense" classes into a single "damage" class.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-update-makes-for-friendlier-post-matches/1100-6460040/ | title = Overwatch Update Makes For Friendlier Post-Matches | first = Steve | last = Watts | date = June 26, 2018 | access-date = June 26, 2018 | work = GameSpot | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180627062239/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-update-makes-for-friendlier-post-matches/1100-6460040/ | archive-date = June 27, 2018 | url-status = live }}}} Each hero had a unique skill kit, defining their intrinsic attributes like health points and running speed, their primary attacks, several active and passive skills, and an ultimate ability that can only be used after it has been charged through dealing damage to enemies and healing allies. Players could change their hero during the course of a match, as a goal of Overwatch{{'s}} design was to encourage dynamic team compositions that adapt to the situation. The game's genre has been described by some journalists as a "hero shooter", due to its design around specific heroes and classes.{{cite web |last1=Wood |first1=Austin |title=What the strange evolution of the hero shooter tells us about the genre's future |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/what-the-strange-evolution-of-the-hero-shooter-tells-us-about-the-genres-future/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=July 11, 2018 |date=October 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141210/https://www.pcgamer.com/what-the-strange-evolution-of-the-hero-shooter-tells-us-about-the-genres-future/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Wawro |first1=Alex |title=Hero Shooters: Charting the (re)birth of a genre |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/271933/Hero_Shooters_Charting_the_rebirth_of_a_genre.php |website=Gamasutra |date=May 6, 2016 |access-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815033520/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/271933/Hero_Shooters_Charting_the_rebirth_of_a_genre.php |archive-date=August 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}

The game featured game modes for casual play, competitive ranked play, and for supporting esports competitions including Blizzard's Overwatch League. These modes were generally centered around sequentially securing control of points on the map, or escorting a payload between points on the map, with one team attacking while the other defends. Other modes set aside for casual matches include solo and team deathmatch, capture-the-flag, and unique modes run during various seasonal events. More recent updates had enabled users to craft their own game modes with a limited set of scripting tools. Regardless of winning or losing a match, players gained experience towards a player level, and on gaining a new level, received loot boxes that contain cosmetic items that they can use to customize the appearance of the hero characters but otherwise does not affect gameplay. Loot boxes could also be purchased through microtransactions.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2014/11/07/blizzard-blizzcon/18659307/ |title=Blizzard unveils team-based shooter 'Overwatch' |last=Molina |first=Brett |work=USA Today |date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=November 7, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109213510/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2014/11/07/blizzard-blizzcon/18659307/ |archive-date=November 9, 2014 }}

Plot

The backstory to Overwatch is described through animated shorts and other information distributed by Blizzard in promoting the game.{{cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-20-everything-you-need-to-know-about-overwatchs-story |title=Yes, Overwatch has a story. Here's everything you need to know |work=Eurogamer |date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=June 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613004105/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-20-everything-you-need-to-know-about-overwatchs-story |archive-date=June 13, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline |title=The Definitive Overwatch Timeline |first=Jeff |last=Ramos |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=June 22, 2016 |work=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621114349/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline |archive-date=June 21, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.glixel.com/news/the-ever-expanding-lore-of-overwatch-explained-w477358 |title=The Ever-Expanding Lore of 'Overwatch' Explained |first=Alex |last=Kane |date=April 18, 2017 |access-date=April 18, 2017 |work=Glixel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419101107/http://www.glixel.com/news/the-ever-expanding-lore-of-overwatch-explained-w477358 |archive-date=April 19, 2017 }}

Overwatch is set sixty years into the future of a fictionalized Earth, thirty years after the resolution of what is known as the "Omnic Crisis."{{cite web|last=Chu|first=Michael|url=https://us.battle.net/forums/en/overwatch/topic/20748565707#post-6|title=Hey Dev Team, can we get an Overwatch Timeline|publisher=Overwatch Forums|date=August 17, 2016|access-date=November 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227142631/https://us.battle.net/forums/en/overwatch/topic/20748565707#post-6|archive-date=December 27, 2019|url-status=dead}} Before the Omnic Crisis, humanity had been in a golden age of prosperity and technology development. Humans developed robots with artificial intelligence called "Omnics", which were put to use to achieve economic equality, and began to be treated as people in their own right. The Omnic Crisis began when the worldwide automated "omnium" facilities that produced them started producing a series of lethal, hostile robots that attacked humankind. After individual nations' efforts failed to ward off the Omnics, the United Nations quickly formed Overwatch, an international task force designed to combat this threat and restore order.{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/07/overwatch-story-synopsis-ow-2-timeline-2 | title = Overwatch: The Story So Far | first = Matthew | last = Adler | date = November 7, 2019 | access-date = November 7, 2019 | work = IGN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191107060532/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/07/overwatch-story-synopsis-ow-2-timeline-2 | archive-date = November 7, 2019 | url-status = live }}

Two veteran soldiers from the Soldier Enhancement Program were put in charge of Overwatch: Gabriel Reyes and Jack Morrison. Though Overwatch successfully quelled the robotic uprising and brought many talented individuals to the forefront, a rift developed between Reyes and Morrison due to Reyes being the official leader of the group despite everyone viewing the more popular Morrison as their true leader. Eventually, Morrison was made the leader of Overwatch while Reyes was given charge of Blackwatch, Overwatch's covert operations division, fighting terrorist organizations like Talon, a group that appears to be trying to start a second Omnic Crisis, and Null Sector, a group of Omnics that revolted against the society that persecuted Omnics following the first Crisis. Overwatch continued to maintain peace across the world for several decades in what came to be called the "Overwatch Generation" as the team gained more members, but the rift between Morrison and Reyes intensified. One night, Blackwatch was dispatched to arrest a notorious mobster with ties to Talon. After infiltrating the compound, Reyes chose to execute the mobster rather than let him buy his way out of prison. This action caused Blackwatch and their less heroic actions to be exposed to the public. Several allegations of wrongdoing and failures were leveled at Overwatch, leading to a public outcry against the organization and in-fighting between its members, prompting the UN to investigate the situation. During this, an explosion destroyed Overwatch's headquarters in Switzerland, purportedly killing Morrison and Reyes among others. The UN passed the Petras Act, which dismantled Overwatch and forbade any Overwatch-type activity.

Overwatch is set six years after the Petras Act; without Overwatch, corporations have started to take over, fighting and terrorism have broken out in parts of the globe, and there are signs of a second Omnic Crisis occurring in Russia. The intelligent gorilla Winston, a former member of Overwatch, decides to begin reforming Overwatch to protect the peace once again despite the Petras Act, with the team members recruiting old friends and gaining new allies in their fight.{{cite web |last=Shaw |first=Olympia |url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/20130523 |title=Overwatch is Back: Uncertainty and Hope After UN Confirms Vigilante Activity |work=PlayOverwatch |date=May 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718003509/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/20130523 |archive-date=July 18, 2016 }} It is revealed that Reyes and Morrison were not killed in the explosion resulting from their battle: Morrison became a masked vigilante known as "Soldier: 76", who is trying to uncover the reasons why Overwatch was shut down. Reyes joined Talon, leading to him being experimented on by Moira{{cite web | url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/3/16604950/overwatch-moira-backstory-origin-story-lore | title=Overwatch's Moira backstory fills a gap in the lore | website=Polygon | date=November 3, 2017 | access-date=February 6, 2023 | archive-date=November 4, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104032028/https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/3/16604950/overwatch-moira-backstory-origin-story-lore | url-status=live }} who then became "Reaper", a terrorist with a Death-like appearance.

Development

File:Jeff Kaplan at 2019 OWL Grand Finals.jpg]]

Overwatch was developed by Blizzard Team 4 and published by Blizzard Entertainment.{{cite web|title=Graduate shares Journey from Battle.Net to Overwatch at Blizzard Entertainment|url=https://www.digipen.edu/showcase/news/ryan-chew-team-overwatch|date=June 22, 2016|website=DigiPen|access-date=December 21, 2023}}{{cite web|title=Overwatch For Nintendo Switch Is Feasible, But StarCraft 2 Isn't|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-for-nintendo-switch-is-feasible-but-star/1100-6461195/|first=Tamoor|last=Hussain|date=August 20, 2018|website=GameSpot|access-date=December 21, 2023|archive-date=December 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221200656/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-for-nintendo-switch-is-feasible-but-star/1100-6461195/|url-status=live}} The game came about in the aftermath of Blizzard's decision to cancel the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Titan in 2013, a project that had been in development for about seven years. While most others assigned to the project were transferred to other departments within Blizzard, a small team of about 40 people, led by director Jeff Kaplan, were tasked to come up with a new concept for a game in a few months. After some brainstorming, they came onto the idea of a hero team-based shooter, building upon the success of games like Team Fortress 2 and multiplayer online battle arenas. They started with assets developed for Titan to demonstrate the proof-of-concept and were greenlit to build out the full game, the first new intellectual property that Blizzard had developed since StarCraft.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-14-blizzards-jeff-kaplan-traces-line-from-project-titan-to-overwatch |title=Blizzard's Jeff Kaplan traces line from Project Titan to Overwatch |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |date=March 14, 2017 |access-date=March 14, 2017 |work=Eurogamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315001401/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-14-blizzards-jeff-kaplan-traces-line-from-project-titan-to-overwatch |archive-date=March 15, 2017 }}{{cite web |title=Overwatch includes pieces of Blizzard's canceled MMO Titan |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7175677/overwatch-titan-maps |website=Polygon |first=Dave |last=Tach |access-date=November 7, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108003547/http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7175677/overwatch-titan-maps |archive-date=November 8, 2014 |date=November 7, 2014 }}

The intra-company experience of Titan{{'s}} cancellation served to help drive the narrative and setting. They created an optimistic vision of the near-future, some decades following the Omnic Crisis and the formation and collapse of the peacekeeping Overwatch group. This allowed them to create a diverse cast of characters, including non-human ones, and colorful settings from around the globe.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/292245/How_Overwatchs_bleak_beginnings_turned_into_positivity_and_inclusiveness_.php |title=How Overwatch's bleak beginnings turned into positivity and inclusiveness |first=Kris |last=Graft |date=February 22, 2017 |access-date=February 22, 2017 |work=Gamasutra |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223211459/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/292245/How_Overwatchs_bleak_beginnings_turned_into_positivity_and_inclusiveness_.php |archive-date=February 23, 2017 }} The Overwatch team continues to support the game through free updates, the introduction of new characters, maps, game modes, cosmetic items, seasonal events, and external media to support the game's narrative, as well as continuously tuning how the individual heroes play by monitoring meta-game statistics and user feedback.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-12-07-overwatchs-post-release-heroes-and-maps-will-be-free |title=Overwatch's post-release heroes and maps will be free |first=Jeffery |last=Matulef |work=Eurogamer |date=December 7, 2015 |access-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208211850/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-12-07-overwatchs-post-release-heroes-and-maps-will-be-free |archive-date=December 8, 2015 }} New characters and maps were added regularly to the game since launch, expanding the original hero roster from 21 in May 2016 to 32 by April 2020. Since April 2020 however, no heroes have been released, as the development team is focused on creating Overwatch 2.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Dalton |date=2022-06-16 |title=Overwatch 2 Will Have 3 New Heroes at Launch, New Heroes Coming Every Other Season |url=https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-new-heroes-seasons-roadmap/ |access-date=2022-06-20 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620165315/https://gamerant.com/overwatch-2-new-heroes-seasons-roadmap/ |url-status=live }}

Overwatch{{'s}} development had been led by Kaplan through April 2021, after which he departed Blizzard. Kaplan's duties were taken over by Aaron Keller following his departure.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/22394111/overwatch-jeff-kaplan-quits-blizzard-aaron-keller | title = Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan leaves Blizzard | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = April 20, 2021 | accessdate = April 20, 2021 | work = Polygon | archive-date = April 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210420174742/https://www.polygon.com/22394111/overwatch-jeff-kaplan-quits-blizzard-aaron-keller | url-status = live }}

Release and marketing

= Announcement and beta =

Overwatch was formally announced at the BlizzCon event on November 7, 2014; the game was playable during the event to all attendees, with fourteen characters available to select from.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ZoranCunningham/20160606/274247/How_Blizzard_built_the_Overwatch_hype_train_and_rode_it_to_success.php |title=How Blizzard built the Overwatch hype train and rode it to success |first=Zoran |last=Cunningham |date=June 7, 2016 |access-date=June 7, 2016 |work=Gamasutra |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607105308/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ZoranCunningham/20160606/274247/How_Blizzard_built_the_Overwatch_hype_train_and_rode_it_to_success.php |archive-date=June 7, 2016 }} During this event, Blizzard released a cinematic trailer and an extended gameplay video for the game.{{cite magazine |last=Starkey |first=Daniel |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/05/overwatch-the-rare-positive-shooter/ |title=How Overwatch Became a Rarity: The Troll-Free Online Shooter |magazine=Wired |date=May 30, 2016 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608211421/http://www.wired.com/2016/05/overwatch-the-rare-positive-shooter |archive-date=June 8, 2016 }}{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqnKB22pOC0 |title=Overwatch Cinematic Trailer |publisher=YouTube |work=PlayOverwatch |date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609072339/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqnKB22pOC0 |archive-date=June 9, 2016 }} A month after the BlizzCon event, in December 2014, Blizzard published character introduction videos to its YouTube channel and followed up on this May 2015 by posting weekly videos of game footage and character highlights.

A closed beta period for Overwatch across all three platforms began on October 27, 2015.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-overwatch-characters-revealed-beta-starts-this/1100-6425737/ |title=New Overwatch Characters Revealed, Beta Starts This Fall |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |work=GameSpot |date=March 6, 2015 |access-date=March 7, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307050314/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-overwatch-characters-revealed-beta-starts-this/1100-6425737/ |archive-date=March 7, 2015 }} The closed beta was put on "extended break" in December and brought back in February 2016.{{cite web |last1=Pereira |first1=Chris |title=Overwatch Beta Going Offline Until January |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-beta-going-offline-until-january/1100-6432773/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=December 4, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204134907/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-beta-going-offline-until-january/1100-6432773/ |archive-date=December 4, 2015 }} Following the March 2016 release announcement, Blizzard announced an open beta period from May 5 to 9 for any registered user of the Battle.net client.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-release-date-xbox-oneps4pc-open-beta-ann/1100-6435430/ |title=Overwatch Release Date, Xbox One/PS4/PC Open Beta Announced |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |work=GameSpot |date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=March 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309112121/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-release-date-xbox-oneps4pc-open-beta-ann/1100-6435430/ |archive-date=March 9, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/05/04/overwatch-beta-start-times/ |title=Overwatch beta: when it starts and how to get on it |date=May 4, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=VG247 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602214548/http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/04/overwatch-beta-start-times/ |archive-date=June 2, 2016 }} The open beta proved popular with Blizzard reporting over 9.7 million players participating,{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/05/13/overwatch-open-beta-pulls-in-over-9-million-players/ |title='Overwatch' open beta pulls in over 9 million players |first=Brittany |last=Vincent |date=May 13, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=Engadget |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604231648/http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/13/overwatch-open-beta-pulls-in-over-9-million-players/ |archive-date=June 4, 2016 }} and as a way of showing thanks, extended the open beta period by one extra day.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/05/09/overwatch-open-beta-extended/ |title=Overwatch open beta extended by 24 hours – get in there |work=VG247 |date=May 9, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |first=Brenna |last=Hillier |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528225007/http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/09/overwatch-open-beta-extended/ |archive-date=May 28, 2016 }}

= Release =

In the week before release, Blizzard arranged to have three giant-sized boxes (approximately {{convert|15|ft|m}} tall) of various Overwatch heroes, as if being sold as packaged action figures, put on display across the globe at Hollywood, Paris, and Busan, South Korea.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-20-giant-overwatch-action-figures-appear-around-the-world |title=Giant Overwatch action figures appear around the world |first=Jeffrey |last=Matulef |date=May 20, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=Eurogamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531201717/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-20-giant-overwatch-action-figures-appear-around-the-world |archive-date=May 31, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/21/giant-overwatch-action-figures-unveiled-across-the-world |title=Giant Overwatch Action Figures Unveiled Across the World |first=Joshua |last=Yehl |date=May 20, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601002658/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/21/giant-overwatch-action-figures-unveiled-across-the-world |archive-date=June 1, 2016 }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/05/21/gigantic-overwatch-action-figures-appear-across-the-world.aspx |title=Giant Overwatch Action Figures Appear Across The World |first=Elise |last=Favis |date=May 21, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |magazine=Game Informer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524030924/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/05/21/gigantic-overwatch-action-figures-appear-across-the-world.aspx |archive-date=May 24, 2016 }} The displays were created by Alliance Studios, led by Steve Wang, who has collaborated with Blizzard before on past projects, and Eddie Yang.{{cite web |url=http://www.slashgear.com/blizzard-sets-up-giant-overwatch-action-figures-across-the-globe-21440997/ |title=Blizzard sets up giant Overwatch action figures across the globe |first=Adam |last=Westlake |date=May 21, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=Slashgear |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524044101/http://www.slashgear.com/blizzard-sets-up-giant-overwatch-action-figures-across-the-globe-21440997/ |archive-date=May 24, 2016 }} After planning the design of the sculptures in January 2016, teams across the world, including Droga5, Scicon, Stratasys and Egads, raced to print, finish and assemble the works in time for the game's release.{{cite web |url=http://www.mold3d.com/blog/2016/5/25/assembling-the-giants |title=Assembling The Giants: Part 1 |first=Aiman |last=Akhtar |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=Mold3D |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528160823/http://www.mold3d.com/blog/2016/5/25/assembling-the-giants |archive-date=May 28, 2016 }} Propelled by Overwatch, Blizzard had over 50% of the American advertisement share among gaming industry brands from May 16 to June 15, 2016.{{cite web |last=Cappetta |first=Jon |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/25/overwatch-rules-the-airwaves-as-wwe-and-kirby-fight-for-your-eyeballs-in-may/ |title=Overwatch rules the airwaves as WWE and Kirby fight for your eyeballs |work=VentureBeat |date=June 25, 2016 |access-date=June 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708192000/http://venturebeat.com/2016/06/25/overwatch-rules-the-airwaves-as-wwe-and-kirby-fight-for-your-eyeballs-in-may/ |archive-date=July 8, 2016 }}

Overwatch was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on May 24, 2016. Blizzard allowed retailers to sell physical copies of the game a day before to help players prepare for the servers' launch.{{cite web |last=Pereira |first=Chris |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-heads-to-retail-a-day-early-but-only-so-/1100-6439857/ |title=Overwatch Heads to Retail a Day Early, But Only So You Can Get Ready for Launch Day |work=GameSpot |date=May 16, 2016 |access-date=June 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612012443/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-heads-to-retail-a-day-early-but-only-so-/1100-6439857/ |archive-date=June 12, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Barrett |first=Ben |url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-release-times |title=Overwatch comes out at 16:00 PDT, 00:00 BST – here's all the info |work=PCGamesN |date=May 17, 2016 |access-date=June 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610185252/http://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-release-times |archive-date=June 10, 2016 }}

Two special editions of Overwatch were released alongside the base game. The Origins Edition, available both as a downloadable and retail product, includes the base game and five additional character skins, as well as other bonus items for other Blizzard games via Battle.net.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/06/overwatch-origins-edition-release-date-set-for-spring-2016 |title=BlizzCon 2015: Overwatch: Origins Edition Release Date Set for Spring 2016 |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |work=IGN |date=November 5, 2015 |access-date=November 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106011217/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/06/overwatch-origins-edition-release-date-set-for-spring-2016 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 }} The Collectors Edition, only available as retail, includes the Origins Edition content as well as a statue of Soldier: 76, one of the playable characters, along with the game's soundtrack on CD and a source book.{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/6/9684246/overwatch-collectors-edition |title=Overwatch won't be free-to-play, special editions coming in 2016 |first=Colin |last=Campbell |date=November 6, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527112641/http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/6/9684246/overwatch-collectors-edition |archive-date=May 27, 2016 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/release/8642761-Various-Overwatch-Collectors-Edition-Soundtrack | title=Various - Overwatch Collector's Edition Soundtrack | website=Discogs | date=May 25, 2016 }}

= Post-release =

In honor of its first anniversary in 2017, Blizzard released a digital Game of the Year edition of Overwatch. It includes all content from the Origins Edition, in addition to ten free loot boxes.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15649560/overwatch-one-year-anniversary-new-event-game-of-the-year-edition |title=Overwatch celebrates its one year anniversary with a new event and a Game of the Year edition |first=Chaim |last=Gartenberg |date=May 17, 2017 |access-date=May 17, 2017 |work=The Verge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824202328/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15649560/overwatch-one-year-anniversary-new-event-game-of-the-year-edition |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=live }} Blizzard had expressed interest in supporting cross-platform play between console systems in the future, though initially had no plans for Windows-supported cross-play due to the precision advantage of keyboard-mouse controls over controller-based ones.{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-on-consoles-is-smooth-but-most-will-prefer-pc-350398.phtml |title=Overwatch on consoles is smooth, but most will prefer PC |work=Destructoid |date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512231214/http://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-on-consoles-is-smooth-but-most-will-prefer-pc-350398.phtml |archive-date=May 12, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/blizzard-muses-on-the-possibility-of-overwatch-cross-play-on-consoles-366247.phtml |title=Blizzard muses on the possibility of Overwatch cross-play on consoles |first=Chris |last=Carter |date=June 6, 2016 |access-date=June 6, 2016 |work=Destructoid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805073323/https://www.destructoid.com/blizzard-muses-on-the-possibility-of-overwatch-cross-play-on-consoles-366247.phtml |archive-date=August 5, 2016 }} However, in June 2021, Blizzard brought cross-platform play to Overwatch across all supported platforms, with a beta test launched at the start of the month before full release by the end of June. To deal with the control differences, the game's competitive mode would still remain segregated between console players and computer players, but all other game modes would allow for cross-play on any combination of platforms, after users register their account via Battle.net.{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2021/06/09/overwatch-is-adding-crossplay-support-for-all-platforms/ | title = Overwatch is adding crossplay support for all platforms | first = Mike | last = Minotti | date = June 9, 2021 | accessdate = June 9, 2021 | work = Venture Beat | archive-date = June 9, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210609173905/https://venturebeat.com/2021/06/09/overwatch-is-adding-crossplay-support-for-all-platforms/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-kicks-off-cross-play-launch-with-ashes-deadlock-challenge/1100-6493156/ | title = Overwatch Kicks Off Cross-Play Launch With Ashe's Deadlock Challenge | first = Cameron | last = Koch | date = June 22, 2021 | accessdate = June 22, 2021 | work = GameSpot | archive-date = June 22, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210622180414/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-kicks-off-cross-play-launch-with-ashes-deadlock-challenge/1100-6493156/ | url-status = live }}

The game was announced for Nintendo Switch during the September 2019 Nintendo Direct, the Switch had the Overwatch: Legendary Edition and was released in North America and Europe on October 15, 2019, and in Japan on November 29, 2019. The Switch version, developed by Iron Galaxy, includes support for the console's gyroscopic controls for some actions, such as controlling Junkrat's Rip-tire, and maneuvering Wrecking Ball in his spherical form.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2019/09/04/overwatch-nintendo-switch-confirmed-release-date/ | title = Nintendo announces Overwatch is officially coming to Switch | first = Sharif | last = Saed | date = September 4, 2019 | access-date = September 4, 2019 | work = VG247 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190904222146/https://www.vg247.com/2019/09/04/overwatch-nintendo-switch-confirmed-release-date/ | archive-date = September 4, 2019 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-09-04-nintendo-has-officially-announced-overwatch-is-coming-to-switch-next-month | title = Nintendo has officially announced Overwatch is coming to Switch next month | first = Imogen | last = Beckhelling | date = September 4, 2019 | access-date = September 4, 2019 | work = Eurogamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190904225546/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-09-04-nintendo-has-officially-announced-overwatch-is-coming-to-switch-next-month | archive-date = September 4, 2019 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/overwatch-for-switch-will-run-at-30fps-developed-by-iron-galaxy/ | title = Overwatch for Switch will run at 30fps, developed by Iron Galaxy | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = September 5, 2019 | access-date = September 5, 2019 | work = Video Games Chronicle | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190905142648/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/overwatch-for-switch-will-run-at-30fps-developed-by-iron-galaxy/ | archive-date = September 5, 2019 | url-status = live }} The version is equivalent to the existing version of the game on other platforms, including all heroes, maps, and game modes, although Switch players will not be able to participate in the game's current Competition season as to give players a chance to adjust to the console's controls before introducing ranked play.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-dev-talks-origins-of-switch-version-tech/1100-6470226/ | title = Overwatch Dev Talks Origins Of Switch Version, Technical Challenges, Cross-Play, And More | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = October 1, 2019 | access-date = October 1, 2019 | work = GameSpot | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191002014439/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-dev-talks-origins-of-switch-version-tech/1100-6470226/ | archive-date = October 2, 2019 | url-status = live }} The version has a game case for retailers in North America and Europe but does not include a physical Game Card, featuring a download code instead.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/09/overwatch_coming_to_nintendo_switch_in_october_physical_version_is_a_code_in_a_box |title=Overwatch Coming To Nintendo Switch In October, Physical Version Is A Code In A Box |last=McFerran |first=Damien |website=Nintendo Life |date=September 5, 2019 |access-date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909000122/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/09/overwatch_coming_to_nintendo_switch_in_october_physical_version_is_a_code_in_a_box |archive-date=September 9, 2019 |url-status=live }}

The Xbox One version of the game received an optimization patch in March 2021, adding new performance settings when played using backwards compatibility on Xbox Series X/S, allowing the game to run at up to 120 frames per second on supported monitors.{{cite web |last1=Makuch |first1=Eddie |title=Overwatch Update Boosts The Game To 120FPS On Xbox, But PS5 Gets No Update |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-update-boosts-the-game-to-120fps-on-xbox-but-ps5-gets-no-update/1100-6488625/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=8 October 2022 |date=10 March 2021 |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008062945/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-update-boosts-the-game-to-120fps-on-xbox-but-ps5-gets-no-update/1100-6488625/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Nash |first1=Josh |title=Overwatch Retail Patch Notes – March 9, 2021 |url=https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/overwatch/t/overwatch-retail-patch-notes-%E2%80%93-march-9-2021/593440 |website=Overwatch Forums |access-date=8 October 2022 |language=en |date=9 March 2021 |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008062945/https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/overwatch/t/overwatch-retail-patch-notes-%E2%80%93-march-9-2021/593440 |url-status=live }}

Reception

{{Video game reviews

| MC = wikidata

| Destruct = 10/10{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=May 24, 2016 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-overwatch-362250.phtml |title=Review: Overwatch |website=Destructoid |access-date=May 24, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524185513/https://www.destructoid.com/review-overwatch-362250.phtml |archive-date=May 24, 2016 }}

| EGM = 9/10{{cite magazine |last=Buchholtz |first=Matt |date=June 2, 2016 |url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/overwatch-review/ |title=Overwatch review |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |access-date=June 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604064656/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/overwatch-review/ |archive-date=June 4, 2016 }}

| GI = 10/10{{cite magazine |last=Tack |first=Daniel |date=May 24, 2016 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/overwatch/b/pc/archive/2016/05/24/an-epic-evolution.aspx |title=An Epic Evolution – Overwatch – PC |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=May 24, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526090234/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/overwatch/b/pc/archive/2016/05/24/an-epic-evolution.aspx |archive-date=May 26, 2016 }}

| GameRev = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Leack |first=Jonathan |date=May 25, 2016 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/overwatch |title=Overwatch Review |publisher=Game Revolution |access-date=May 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526120850/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/overwatch |archive-date=May 26, 2016 }}

| GSpot = 9/10{{cite web |last=Mahardy |first=Mike |date=May 25, 2016 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/overwatch-review/1900-6416439/ |title=Overwatch Review |website=GameSpot |access-date=May 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528150926/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/overwatch-review/1900-6416439/ |archive-date=May 28, 2016 }}

| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Lucas |date=May 27, 2016 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-review/ |title=Overwatch Review |publisher=GamesRadar |access-date=May 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522180324/http://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-review/ |archive-date=May 22, 2016 }}

| IGN = 9.4/10{{cite web |last=Ingenito |first=Vince |date=May 24, 2016 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/28/overwatch-review |title=Overwatch Review |website=IGN |access-date=May 24, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525123711/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/24/overwatch-review |archive-date=May 25, 2016 }}

| PCGUS = 88/100{{cite magazine |last=Savage |first=Phil |date=May 28, 2016 |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-review/ |title=Overwatch review |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=May 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529110512/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-review/ |archive-date=May 29, 2016 }}

| Poly = 8/10{{cite web |last=Frushtick |first=Russ |date=May 27, 2016 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/27/11797672/overwatch-review |title=Overwatch review |website=Polygon |access-date=May 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527181439/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/27/11797672/overwatch-review |archive-date=May 27, 2016 }}

| VG = 9/10{{cite web |last=Bell |first=Alice |date=May 27, 2016 |url=http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/overwatch_review.html |title=Overwatch Review |work=VideoGamer.com |access-date=May 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529212503/http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/overwatch_review.html |archive-date=May 29, 2016 }}

| rev1 = PlayStation LifeStyle

| rev1Score = 10/10{{cite web |last=Meli |first=Jowi |date=May 24, 2016 |url=http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/05/24/overwatch-review-heroes-never-die-ps4/#/slide/1 |title=Overwatch Review – Heroes Never Die (PS4) |publisher=PlayStation LifeStyle |access-date=May 24, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525121444/http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2016/05/24/overwatch-review-heroes-never-die-ps4/ |archive-date=May 25, 2016 }}

| rev2 = The Escapist

| rev2Score = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite magazine |last=Bogos |first=Steven |date=May 24, 2016 |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/17056-Overwatch-Review-Blizzard.2 |title=Overwatch Review – Your Watch Has Begun |magazine=The Escapist |access-date=May 24, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602025706/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/17056-Overwatch-Review-Blizzard.2 |archive-date=June 2, 2016 }}

| rev3 = The Guardian

| rev3Score = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite news |last=Hern |first=Alex |date=May 27, 2016 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/27/overwatch-review-blizzard |title=Overwatch review: Fast, fun and a joy throughout |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=May 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528162908/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/27/overwatch-review-blizzard |archive-date=May 28, 2016 }}

}}

Before its release, Overwatch experienced a period of pre-launch attention not typically expected; Game Revolution noted that {{nowrap|"[Overwatch{{'s}}]}} reputation has quickly permeated through cyberspace, attracting attention from people who may not traditionally put down $40 to $60 each time a new first-person shooter releases."{{cite web |last=Leack |first=Jonathan |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/manifesto/overwatch-is-a-bigger-deal-than-you-thought-36793 |title=Overwatch Is A Bigger Deal Than You Thought |publisher=Game Revolution |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527054158/http://www.gamerevolution.com/manifesto/overwatch-is-a-bigger-deal-than-you-thought-36793 |archive-date=May 27, 2016 }} The game's open beta, which attracted 9.7 million players, was very heavily covered by the media.{{cite web |last=Kerr |first=Chris |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/273408/Dont_stop_the_presses_A_glance_at_Overwatchs_ballooning_media_coverage.php |title=Don't stop the presses: A glance at Overwatch's ballooning media coverage |website=Gamasutra |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525161500/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/273408/Dont_stop_the_presses_A_glance_at_Overwatchs_ballooning_media_coverage.php |archive-date=May 25, 2016 }}

Overwatch received "universal acclaim" upon release, according to review aggregator Metacritic. IGN's Vince Ingenito praised the game's characters and maps, writing "Overwatch takes just about every possible opportunity to make its cast and locales seem like people and places rather than puppets and scenery." Ingenito added that the game has a "strong online experience that gets you into games quickly and reliably." The Verge{{'s}} Andrew Webster praised Overwatch and previous titles Titanfall and Splatoon as "friendly online shooters" that have room for both new and casual players who may not desire to master the game but can still compete fairly with others, and for expert players that can utilize the various heroes to adapt to the dynamic tactics of the game.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/31/11821148/overwatch-blizzard-multiplayer-first-person-shooter |title=Overwatch and the new wave of friendly online shooters |first=Andrew |last=Webster |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |work=The Verge |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531191844/http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/31/11821148/overwatch-blizzard-multiplayer-first-person-shooter |archive-date=May 31, 2016 }} Webster went on to cite the atmosphere of Overwatch as a reason for the game's approachability, writing, "The first thing that makes Overwatch{{'s}} world appealing and approachable is, well, its world. This isn't the dour brown-and-grey shooter you might be used to. Instead, it's bright and colorful, with a cast of characters that's eclectic and diverse." Caty McCarthy of Kill Screen echoed similar thoughts, writing "When playing Overwatch, the player is absorbed by its radiating positivity. It's a world filled with lively color and energetic, playful competition, much like Nintendo's creative kid-friendly ink-shooter Splatoon."{{cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Caty |url=https://killscreen.com/articles/overwatch-pleasure-transmedia-narratives/ |title=Overwatch and the pleasure of transmedia narratives |work=Kill Screen |date=June 13, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810141743/https://killscreen.com/articles/overwatch-pleasure-transmedia-narratives/ |archive-date=August 10, 2016 }} Mike Minotti of VentureBeat commending the team-based gameplay, the game's diverse character roster, and colorful settings, as well as the unlockable cosmetics earned through level progression and the smooth server connection.{{cite web |last=Minotti |first=Mike |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/31/overwatch-is-the-best-team-shooter-ever-made/ |title=Overwatch is the best team shooter ever made |work=VentureBeat |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609120557/http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/31/overwatch-is-the-best-team-shooter-ever-made/ |archive-date=June 9, 2016 }} Referencing its similarities to Team Fortress 2, Minotti confirmed that "[Overwatch has] distinct classes, the team- and objective-based combat, and a bright, cartoon-like art style," and that "Overwatch certainly takes plenty of inspiration from Valve online shooter series," but opines that "[Overwatch is] just better." Daniel Tack of The News & Observer positively received the game, expressing that "no matter what happens – win or lose – you're going to have fun," adding that "the game's strength lies in its simplicity and polish."{{cite web |last=Tack |first=Daniel |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/news/technology/article83693077.html |title=Game Picks: Win or lose, 'Overwatch' stays fresh and fun |work=The News & Observer |date=June 16, 2016 |access-date=June 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810080647/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/technology/article83693077.html |archive-date=August 10, 2016 }} Tack went on to praise the game's characters, writing "Unforgettable characters are the lifeblood and driving force of Overwatch." The Denver Post{{'s}} Hugh Johnson lauded the game for its emphasis on characters, rather than focusing on traditional first-person shooter tropes, such as weapon load-outs and incremental level upgrades.{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Hugh |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/09/overwatch-breathes-life-into-stale-genre-review/ |title=Overwatch breathes life into stale genre (review) |work=The Denver Post |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615214456/http://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/09/overwatch-breathes-life-into-stale-genre-review/ |archive-date=June 15, 2016 }} Johnson went on to insist that the characters are balanced writing, "The big question with class-based shooters like these is whether or not the characters are balanced," expressing that "some characters are naturally better, but no character is so overpowered that their mere presence spells doom for their opponents." In June 2016, Vulture{{'s}} Joshua Rivera listed Overwatch as one of the "best video games of 2016 (so far)," writing, "It's hard to separate Overwatch the game from Overwatch the phenomenon—and why bother, both are fascinating."{{cite web |last=Rivera |first=Joshua |url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/06/best-video-games-of-2016-so-far.html |title=The Best Video Games of 2016 (So Far) |work=Vulture |date=June 28, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702135311/http://www.vulture.com/2016/06/best-video-games-of-2016-so-far.html |archive-date=July 2, 2016 }}

The online magazine Inverse, while expressing an overall positive reception for the game, pointed out the balance of McCree (know known as Cassidy), teams composed of only one character, issues with matchmaking, and the Play of the Game as problems that should be fixed by the game's development team.{{cite web |last=Bashore |first=Nicholas |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/16774-overwatch-is-great-but-here-s-what-they-must-fix |title='Overwatch' Is Great, But Here's What They Must Fix |publisher=Inverse |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610141433/https://www.inverse.com/article/16774-overwatch-is-great-but-here-s-what-they-must-fix |archive-date=June 10, 2016 }} Gabe Gurwin of Digital Trends, directed criticism at Blizzard, for their decision to exclude the story from the game, which left players "with a great game, a great story, and no way to reconcile the two."{{cite web |last=Gurwin |first=Gabe |url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/narrative-disparity-overwatch/#:FXrQahChpIPoaA |title=Why did Blizzard craft an engrossing story for Overwatch, then toss it away? |work=Digital Trends |date=June 4, 2016 |access-date=June 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615024153/http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/narrative-disparity-overwatch/ |archive-date=June 15, 2016 }}

Shortly after the game's competitive play mode was released, Kotaku{{'s}} Nathan Grayson stated that "Overwatch{{'s}} competitive mode [is not] all that bad, for how new and unpolished it is," but opined that "high-stakes competition and toxicity tend to go hand-in-hand, and Overwatch{{'s}} competitive mode already has an ugly toxic stain." Grayson concluded his piece with "Overwatch is, most of the time, a feel-good team game. Introducing high-stakes competition with a muddled message about the importance of individual skill drags the game into confused, oftentimes negative territory. If Blizzard wants this thing to work, they're gonna have to figure out a competitive framework that's true to Overwatch{{'s}} spirit, rather than just the spirit of competition."{{cite web |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |url=http://kotaku.com/overwatchs-competitive-mode-is-at-odds-with-the-rest-of-1782990226 |title=Overwatch{{'s}} Competitive Mode Is At Odds With The Rest Of The Game |work=Kotaku |date=July 1, 2016 |access-date=July 3, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703011719/http://kotaku.com/overwatchs-competitive-mode-is-at-odds-with-the-rest-of-1782990226 |archive-date=July 3, 2016 }} Kaplan acknowledged that with the introduction of competitive mode that the whole of the Overwatch community has become more toxic, and they are continually adapting elements behind the scenes to help deal with aggressive players more responsibly, while trying to promote more enjoyable matches.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/how-blizzard-is-trying-to-fix-overwatchs-toxicity-probl-1783749976 |title=How Blizzard Is Trying To Fix Overwatch's Toxicity Problem |first=Nathan |last=Grayson |date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |work=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715222239/http://kotaku.com/how-blizzard-is-trying-to-fix-overwatchs-toxicity-probl-1783749976 |archive-date=July 15, 2016 }}

=Sales=

A week from its launch, Blizzard reported over seven million Overwatch players with a total accumulated playtime of 119 million hours;{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/02/overwatch-has-7m-players-whove-logged-over-119m-hours-already/ |title=Overwatch has 7M players who've already logged over 119M hours |first=Stephany |last=Nunneley |date=June 2, 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2016 |work=VG247 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604114032/http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/02/overwatch-has-7m-players-whove-logged-over-119m-hours-already/ |archive-date=June 4, 2016 }} Blizzard reported more than 10 million players by mid-June{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-reaches-10-million-players/1100-6440880/ |title=Overwatch Reaches 10 Million Players |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=June 14, 2016 |access-date=June 14, 2016 |work=GameSpot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617074357/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-reaches-10-million-players/1100-6440880/ |archive-date=June 17, 2016 }} and has reported continued increases in the player base, with 60 million players as of April 2021 whilst possibly counting temporary free accounts.{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-gained-10-million-players-last-year-despite-no-new-heroes-or-modes/ | title = Overwatch gained 10 million players last year despite no new heroes or modes | first = Morgan | last = Park | date = April 30, 2021 | accessdate = April 30, 2021 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = April 30, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210430192104/https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-gained-10-million-players-last-year-despite-no-new-heroes-or-modes/ | url-status = live }} The NPD Group, a video game industry tracking firm, reported that Overwatch was the third best-selling retail video game (nb. discounting digital sales through Battle.net) in the US in May 2016 on the month of its release, and was the top-selling game in June 2016;{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/06/09/uncharted-4-leads-strong-month-of-software-sales-in-may-npd.aspx |title=Uncharted 4 Leads Strong Month Of Software Sales In May NPD |first=Matt |last=Miller |magazine=Game Informer |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611042849/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/06/09/uncharted-4-leads-strong-month-of-software-sales-in-may-npd.aspx |archive-date=June 11, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-07-21-overwatch-tops-us-sales-during-june-slump |title=Overwatch tops US sales during June slump |first=James |last=Brighton |date=July 21, 2016 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |work=GamesIndustry.biz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722121002/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-07-21-overwatch-tops-us-sales-during-june-slump |archive-date=July 22, 2016 }} the NPD Group later reported it was the 7th highest selling game by revenue (excluding Battle.net sales) in the United States for all of 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-01-19-call-of-duty-infinite-warfare-battlefield-1-lead-2016-us-game-sales-npd |title=Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Battlefield 1 lead 2016 US game sales – NPD |first=James |last=Brightman |date=January 19, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017 |work=GamesIndustry.biz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125154845/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-01-19-call-of-duty-infinite-warfare-battlefield-1-lead-2016-us-game-sales-npd |archive-date=January 25, 2017 }} With digital sales, Overwatch was the fastest-selling game during its release month.{{cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/09/overwatch-was-the-fastest-selling-games-of-may-beating-doom-and-uncharted-4/ |title=Overwatch was the fastest selling games of May, beating Doom and Uncharted 4 |work=VentureBeat |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610221800/http://venturebeat.com/2016/06/09/overwatch-was-the-fastest-selling-games-of-may-beating-doom-and-uncharted-4/ |archive-date=June 10, 2016 }} SuperData Research estimated that Overwatch brought in more than $269 million in revenues from digital sales worldwide in May,{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/23/overwatch-earned-269m-in-digital-revenues-across-pc-and-console-superdata/ |title=Overwatch earned $269M in digital revenues across PC and console – SuperData |first=Stephany |last=Nunneley |date=June 23, 2016 |access-date=June 23, 2016 |work=VG247 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625135406/http://www.vg247.com/2016/06/23/overwatch-earned-269m-in-digital-revenues-across-pc-and-console-superdata/ |archive-date=June 25, 2016 }} and over $565 million in sales on personal computers along by the end of 2016, making it the highest-grossing paid game for personal computers that year.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/12/22/overwatch-brought-in-more-money-than-any-other-paid-pc-game-in-2016/ |title=Overwatch brought in more money than any other paid PC game in 2016 |first=Sharif |last=Saed |date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=December 22, 2016 |work=VG247 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223132212/https://www.vg247.com/2016/12/22/overwatch-brought-in-more-money-than-any-other-paid-pc-game-in-2016/ |archive-date=December 23, 2016 }}

In Activision-Blizzard's quarterly earnings report for Q1 2017, the company reported that Overwatch revenues had exceeded one billion dollars, the eighth such property owned by the company to do so.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/297480/Activision_Blizzard_sees_record_Q1_earnings__80_of_which_came_from_digital_sales_.php |title=Activision Blizzard sees record Q1 earnings – 80% of which came from digital sales |first=Alex |last=Wawro |date=May 4, 2017 |access-date=May 4, 2017 |work=Gamasutra |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407134126/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/297480/Activision_Blizzard_sees_record_Q1_earnings__80_of_which_came_from_digital_sales_.php |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |url-status=live }} In June 2016, Gametrics, a South Korean internet cafe survey website, reported that Overwatch overtook League of Legends as the most popular game played across 4,000 of South Korea's PC bangs at the time.{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/27/12039938/overwatch-most-popular-game-pc-bang-stats |title=Report: Overwatch overtakes League of Legends as Korean net cafes' most popular game |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=June 27, 2016 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |work=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627171842/http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/27/12039938/overwatch-most-popular-game-pc-bang-stats |archive-date=June 27, 2016 }} In 2018, Overwatch raised over $12.7 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which they generated from selling a special pink-colored Mercy skin where all proceeds went towards it.{{cite web |last1=Holt |first1=Kris |title='Overwatch' skin raised more than $10 million for breast cancer research |url=https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/09/overwatch-mercy-charity-skin-breast-cancer-research-foundation/ |website=Engadget |date=July 9, 2018 |access-date=July 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034331/https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/09/overwatch-mercy-charity-skin-breast-cancer-research-foundation/ |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |url-status=live }} By July 2019, total in-game spending in Overwatch exceeded one billion dollars as estimated by SuperData, the sixth Activision-Blizzard product line to reach this metric.{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/overwatch-in-game-spending-tops-1-billion/ | title = Overwatch in-game spending 'tops $1 billion' | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = July 23, 2019 | access-date = July 23, 2019 | work = Video Games Chronicle | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190723165709/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/overwatch-in-game-spending-tops-1-billion/ | archive-date = July 23, 2019 | url-status = live }}

=Controversies=

While the developers were aiming to avoid sexualization of the characters, there was some criticism of the female characters of the game during its development. In February 2015, Anita Sarkeesian commented on the lack of diversity in the female heroes' body types from the game's first twelve revealed characters,{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/how-anita-sarkeesian-wants-video-games-to-change-1688231729 |title=How Anita Sarkeesian Wants Video Games To Change |first=Stephan |last=Totilo |date=February 26, 2015 |access-date=June 2, 2016 |work=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612095723/http://kotaku.com/how-anita-sarkeesian-wants-video-games-to-change-1688231729 |archive-date=June 12, 2016 }} while Nathan Grayson of Kotaku remarked that "Overwatch{{'s}} women are mostly super slim and clad in cat suits."{{cite web |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |title=With Overwatch, Blizzard Is Trying To Do Women Characters Better |url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-admits-to-over-sexualizing-women-trying-to-do-1656383872 |work=Kotaku |date=November 8, 2014 |access-date=November 16, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111011321/http://kotaku.com/blizzard-admits-to-over-sexualizing-women-trying-to-do-1656383872 |archive-date=November 11, 2014 }} In March 2015, the development team revealed a new character, Zarya, who is a female Russian bodybuilder with a muscular body, and pledged commitment to diversity.{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/articles/publishing/blizzard-hopes-new-overwatch-character-will-help-address-female-diversity-c |title=Blizzard hopes new Overwatch character will help address female diversity criticisms |first=Ben |last=Parfitt |date=March 9, 2015 |access-date=November 16, 2017 |work=MCV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610080518/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/blizzard-hopes-new-overwatch-character-will-help-address-female-diversity-criticisms/0146344 |archive-date=June 10, 2016 }}

Following promotional images featuring the female character Tracer in March 2016, a thread on Blizzard's official forums drew attention to one of Tracer's victory poses, which was criticized by a user as out of character and oversexualized. Kaplan apologized for the pose, stating "The last thing we want to do is make someone feel uncomfortable, under-appreciated or misrepresented," and confirmed that Blizzard planned to replace the pose. Kaplan's response drew mixed reactions from the gaming community, with many claiming Blizzard had forgone its creative control over the game and censored its content to placate one offended user, while others praised Blizzard's willingness to listen to the community and adhere to standards for portraying a character according to their personality. Kaplan later stated that the team was already unsure of the pose and was thinking of changing it.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-removing-overwatch-butt-pose-after-fan-complai-1767613551 |title=Blizzard Removing Overwatch Butt Pose After Fan Complaint [UPDATE] |first=Nathan |last=Grayson |work=Kotaku |date=March 30, 2016 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329220234/http://kotaku.com/blizzard-removing-overwatch-butt-pose-after-fan-complai-1767613551 |archive-date=March 29, 2016 }} The following week, a replacement pose was released, although it was noted to be similar to the original pose.{{cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/6/11376814/overwatch-tracer-pose-butt-replacement |title=Here's Overwatch's replacement for the victory pose that caused such a fuss |work=Polygon |date=April 6, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524151012/http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/6/11376814/overwatch-tracer-pose-butt-replacement |archive-date=May 24, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Matt |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/04/06/overwatchs-tracer-butt-pose-replaced/ |title=Overwatch's Tracer butt pose replaced with cheesecake pin-up stance |work=VG247 |date=April 6, 2016 |access-date=April 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406160624/http://www.vg247.com/2016/04/06/overwatchs-tracer-butt-pose-replaced/ |archive-date=April 6, 2016 }} The replacement pose was alleged to be influenced by Billy DeVorss cheesecake pin-up art. The pose was replaced during the game's beta period.

Following the game's release, some of the alternative outfits for characters had come under criticism for using cultural stereotypes, such as a Native American headdress option for the character of Pharah, who seemed to be primarily of Egyptian origin. Kaplan noted that they had considered if these outfits were appropriate, and believed they were respecting the cultures of the characters they had created and would make necessary changes if they felt there were valid concerns. Kaplan commented that many players have responded positively to these outfits and feel they fit in appropriately with the idealized version of Earth.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/overwatchs-director-on-competitive-controversies-and-1783869335 |title=Overwatch's Director On Competitive Mode, Controversies, And The Future |first=Nathan |last=Grayson |date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |work=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719134430/http://kotaku.com/overwatchs-director-on-competitive-controversies-and-1783869335 |archive-date=July 19, 2016 }} Later game developments showed that Pharah was set out as a half-Egyptian/half-Native American character, making such outfits appropriate in hindsight.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-might-have-clarified-pharahs-controversial-bac-1795377772 |title=Blizzard May Have Clarified Pharah's Controversial Background In Overwatch |first=Cecilia |last=D'Anastasio |date=May 19, 2017 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |work=Kotaku |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402222641/https://kotaku.com/blizzard-might-have-clarified-pharahs-controversial-bac-1795377772 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In July 2016, the President of the Universal Society of Hinduism (Rajan Zed) urged Blizzard to remove two of Symmetra's hero cosmetic items from the game since they could be seen as inappropriate and not accurate towards the beliefs and practices of Hinduism. In Hinduism, devotees put their destinies in the hands of their gods and goddesses; this is a stark contrast to how he believes they are portrayed within the game.{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/hindu-leader-wants-blizzard-to-drop-symmetras-devi-skin-1783782164|title=Hindu Leader Wants Blizzard To Drop Symmetra's Devi Skin From Overwatch|last=Fahey|first=Mike|work=Kotaku|access-date=December 4, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813075608/https://kotaku.com/hindu-leader-wants-blizzard-to-drop-symmetras-devi-skin-1783782164|archive-date=August 13, 2018|url-status=live}} Zed has in the past commented on other video game depictions of Hindu-inspired gods, such as in the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game Smite.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hindu-leader-requests-removal-of-dieties-from-smite-hi-rez-declines/|title=Hindu leader requests removal of deities from Smite, Hi-Rez declines|last=Hafer|first=T.J.|date=June 27, 2012|work=pcgamer|access-date=December 4, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206102231/https://www.pcgamer.com/hindu-leader-requests-removal-of-dieties-from-smite-hi-rez-declines/|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/5921638/hindu-leader-says-controlling-goddess-in-online-game-is-denigration|title=Hindu Leader Says Controlling Goddess in Online Game Is "Denigration"|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|work=Kotaku|access-date=December 4, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001917/https://kotaku.com/5921638/hindu-leader-says-controlling-goddess-in-online-game-is-denigration|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}}

In Overwatch{{'s}} Asia servers, there were problems with numerous players using cheats tied to the growing number of younger players using PC bangs in South Korea that allowed them to play Overwatch on an inexpensive hourly rate rather than purchasing the game. As these players do not need permanent accounts, they can use disposable Battle.net accounts and employ game hacks without repercussions, and if that account is banned, they can quickly make another and continue playing. Blizzard continues to block these accounts at a rate of thousands per day, but have not been able to find a more permanent solution.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/why-overwatch-hacking-is-such-a-big-problem-in-korea-1791920223 |title=Why Overwatch Hacking Is Such A Big Problem In Korea |first=Cecila |last=D'antansio |work=Kotaku |date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202224027/http://kotaku.com/why-overwatch-hacking-is-such-a-big-problem-in-korea-1791920223 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 }} Subsequently, Blizzard announced that players from South Korea would be required to log into a Battle.net account to play the game from February 2017 onward, which requires a difficult-to-spoof resident registration number among other unique information, which Blizzard believes would help to alleviate the problem.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/how-blizzard-is-combating-south-koreas-overwatch-hackin-1792336428 |title=How Blizzard Is Combating Korea's Overwatch Hacking Problem |first=Brian |last=Ashcroft |date=February 14, 2017 |access-date=February 14, 2017 |work=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214232010/http://kotaku.com/how-blizzard-is-combating-south-koreas-overwatch-hackin-1792336428 |archive-date=February 14, 2017 }}

As to maintain a fair competitive field on consoles, Blizzard has spoken out against the use of input converters that would allow console players to use keyboard/mouse controllers, believing this gives an advantage to players that can afford the converter.{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/3/14502282/overwatch-mouse-and-keyboard-ps4-xbox |title=Blizzard doesn't want Overwatch console players using mouse-keyboard setups |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=February 3, 2017 |access-date=February 3, 2017 |work=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204002259/http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/3/14502282/overwatch-mouse-and-keyboard-ps4-xbox |archive-date=February 4, 2017 }} Some players have criticized the ability to use these converters, as players with them often populate the top of the competitive ranking ladders. Though Blizzard has appealed to Sony and Microsoft to either prevent such converters, or to detect when such converters are used as to be able to segregate players into servers based on this, disabled players have spoken out against such action, as many need to use such converters to play the game on consoles lacking the ability to use a normal controller.{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-the-fight-against-alternative-input-and-the-folks-caught-in-the-middle |title=Overwatch's Fight Against Alternative Input and The Folks Caught in The Middle |first=Mike |last=Williams |date=February 7, 2017 |access-date=February 7, 2017 |work=US Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208122430/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-the-fight-against-alternative-input-and-the-folks-caught-in-the-middle |archive-date=February 8, 2017 }}

After a year from its release, journalists observed that the player community was becoming more toxic, disrupting the enjoyment of playing the game. It was believed this came from the nature of the game that requires teamwork, and when teammates see players unwilling to switch to different heroes to balance the team or otherwise play for individual gains, this would cause the teammates to become angry and lash out at the player, become griefers and throw the match, or other harmful behavior that would spread over time, particularly in the game's competitive mode. Players are able to report malicious users with in-game tools, and Blizzard can ban players for egregious actions, but they do not attempt to segregate out bad actors from the larger pool (a method used by other developers in multiplayer games), instead keeping an inclusive community for all non-banned players, which is believed to contribute to the growing toxicity. Kaplan said in a September 2017 update that Blizzard was very well aware of the problem, and have worked to improve their in-game player behavior reporting tools to help combat the toxicity, but because they have had to put greater effort into this, they are distracted from developing new features and content for the game. Kaplan urged the community to consider how they can improve individually and as a whole to help combat the situations.{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2017/09/14/blizzard-overwatch-toxicity-developer-update/ | title = 'Overwatch' player toxicity is delaying game updates | first = Matt | last = Brian | date = September 14, 2017 | access-date = December 14, 2017 | work = Engadget | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171215001116/https://www.engadget.com/2017/09/14/blizzard-overwatch-toxicity-developer-update/ | archive-date = December 15, 2017 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/09/blizzard-toxic-overwatch-players-are-hurting-the-games-development/ | title = Blizzard: Toxic Overwatch players are hurting the game's development | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = September 14, 2017 | access-date = December 14, 2017 | work = Ars Technica | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000105/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/09/blizzard-toxic-overwatch-players-are-hurting-the-games-development/ | archive-date = December 15, 2017 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/blizzards-failure-to-curb-toxicity-undermines-overwatchs-inclusive-message/ | title = Blizzard's failure to curb toxicity undermines Overwatch's inclusive message | first = Jay | last = Castello | date = October 26, 2017 | access-date = December 14, 2017 | work = PC Gamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171215001204/http://www.pcgamer.com/blizzards-failure-to-curb-toxicity-undermines-overwatchs-inclusive-message/ | archive-date = December 15, 2017 | url-status = live }}

In November 2017, the Belgian Gaming Commission announced that it was investigating Overwatch alongside Star Wars Battlefront II to determine whether loot boxes constituted unlicensed gambling.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/star-wars-battlefront-2/battlefront-2-loot-box-gambling-belgium-gaming-commission|title=The Dutch Gaming Authority is investigating whether online loot boxes constitute gambling|last=Bailey|first=Dustin|date=November 15, 2017|work=PCGamesN|access-date=November 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116175631/https://www.pcgamesn.com/star-wars-battlefront-2/battlefront-2-loot-box-gambling-belgium-gaming-commission|archive-date=November 16, 2017|url-status=live}} Many Asian and European countries view loot boxes as a form of gambling and have since decided to make them illegal for companies to sell directly to their consumers in their games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-17-15-european-gambling-regulators-unite-to-tackle-loot-box-threat|title=15 European gambling regulators unite to tackle loot box threat|last=Kent|first=Emma|date=September 17, 2018|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917153028/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-17-15-european-gambling-regulators-unite-to-tackle-loot-box-threat|archive-date=September 17, 2018|url-status=live}} Blizzard has chosen to work with these regions to follow their gambling laws while staying true to their microtransaction focused business model. Within China, Blizzard has allowed their players to purchase in-game currency and receive loot boxes as a "gift."{{Cite news|url=https://blizzardwatch.com/2017/06/06/new-way-buy-overwatch-loot-boxes-china/|title=Overwatch China changes loot box purchases to dodge gambling laws {{!}} Blizzard Watch|last=Ziebart|first=Alex|date=June 6, 2017|work=Blizzard Watch|access-date=December 4, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205182013/https://blizzardwatch.com/2017/06/06/new-way-buy-overwatch-loot-boxes-china/|archive-date=February 5, 2019|url-status=live}} In addition to this loot box change, China has required Blizzard to publicly disclose the exact odds of winning each tier of item within said loot box.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/2/15517962/china-new-law-dota-league-of-legends-odds-loot-box-random|title=China's new law forces Dota, League of Legends, and other games to reveal odds of scoring good loot|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=May 2, 2017|work=The Verge|access-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204040145/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/2/15517962/china-new-law-dota-league-of-legends-odds-loot-box-random|archive-date=December 4, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://ow.blizzard.cn/article/news/486|title=关于《守望先锋》补给抽取概率公告|date=March 23, 2017|website=ow.blizzard.cn|access-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206002114/http://ow.blizzard.cn/article/news/486|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}} While initially loot boxes were not seen as gambling within the United States; the US Federal Trade Commission decided in 2018 to investigate the legality of the projected soon to be 50 billion dollar industry of microtransactions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-ftc-agrees-to-investigate-loot-boxes/|title=The FTC agrees to investigate loot boxes|last=Brown|first=Fraser|date=November 28, 2018|work=pcgamer|access-date=December 4, 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203233944/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-ftc-agrees-to-investigate-loot-boxes/|archive-date=December 3, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business/loot-boxes-and-skin-gambling-to-earn-35bn-in-revenue-by-2022|title=Loot boxes and skin gambling to earn £35bn in revenue by 2022|last=Wallace|first=Chris|date=April 19, 2018|work=MCV|access-date=December 4, 2018|language=en-us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206111749/https://www.mcvuk.com/business/loot-boxes-and-skin-gambling-to-earn-35bn-in-revenue-by-2022|archive-date=December 6, 2018|url-status=live}}

=Awards=

Overwatch won numerous awards in 2016, including being named Game of the Year at The Game Awards, D.I.C.E. Awards, and Game Developers Choice Awards, as well as several awards and nominations highlighting its game direction and as a leading multiplayer game. Several publications, including IGN,{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2016-awards |title=Best of 2016 Awards Wiki Guide |website=IGN |date=May 23, 2011 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106140604/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2016-awards |archive-date=January 6, 2017 }} GameSpot,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-pc-games-of-2016/1100-6446196/ |title=The Best PC Games of 2016 |website=GameSpot |access-date=January 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130194140/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-pc-games-of-2016/1100-6446196/ |archive-date=January 30, 2017 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-xbox-one-games-of-2016/1100-6446236/ |title=The Best Xbox One Games of 2016 |website=GameSpot |access-date=January 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204154757/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-xbox-one-games-of-2016/1100-6446236/ |archive-date=February 4, 2017 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-ps4-games-of-2016/1100-6446235/ |title=The Best PS4 Games of 2016 |website=GameSpot |access-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829010710/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-ps4-games-of-2016/1100-6446235/ |archive-date=August 29, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2016-countdown-1/1100-6446389/ |title=Game of the Year 2016 Countdown: #1 |website=GameSpot |access-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404172212/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2016-countdown-1/1100-6446389/ |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |url-status=live }} Game Revolution,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/best-games-of-2016#/slide/11 |title=Best Games of 2016 |publisher=Game Revolution |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108002738/http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/best-games-of-2016 |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |date=December 27, 2016 }} EGMNow,{{cite magazine |url=http://www.egmnow.com/lists/egms-best-of-2016-part-five-05-01/ |title=EGM's Best of 2016: Part Five: #05 ~ #01 |magazine=EGMNow |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108005316/http://www.egmnow.com/lists/egms-best-of-2016-part-five-05-01/ |archive-date=January 8, 2017 }} GamesTM,{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/gamesTM/photos/a.330076440339698.97143.120371394643538/1580981928582470/?type=3&theater |title=We've chosen our 2016 GOTY and it's #Overwatch. Congrats to Blizzard and all the Overwatch team |publisher=Facebook |work=GamesTM |date=December 15, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130194211/https://www.facebook.com/gamesTM/photos/a.330076440339698.97143.120371394643538/1580981928582470/?type=3&theater |archive-date=January 30, 2017 }} The Escapist,{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/17359-The-Escapist-Game-of-the-Year-2016#&gid=gallery_6734&pid=1 |title=The Escapist's 2016 Game of the Year |work=The Escapist |date=January 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105051757/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/17359-The-Escapist-Game-of-the-Year-2016 |archive-date=January 5, 2017 }} Game Informer{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/04/game-informer-best-of-2016-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=5 |title=Game Informer Best of 2016 Awards (Page 5) |first=Jeff |last=Marchiafava |magazine=Game Informer |date=January 4, 2017 |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315134012/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/04/game-informer-best-of-2016-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=5 |archive-date=March 15, 2018 |url-status=live }} and Eurogamer,{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2016 |title=Eurogamer's game of the year 2016 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=January 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101143403/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-12-31-eurogamers-game-of-the-year-2016 |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |date=December 31, 2016 }} named Overwatch the best game of 2016, receiving 102 "game of the year" awards across critics and reader polls.{{cite web |url=https://gotypicks.blogspot.com/2016/09/2016-game-of-year.html |title=Game of the Year picks blog: 2016 Game of the Year |work=Game of the Year picks blog |access-date=March 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306040152/https://gotypicks.blogspot.com/2016/09/2016-game-of-year.html |archive-date=March 6, 2017 }}

Giant Bomb gave it the awards for "Best Debut" and "Best Multiplayer",{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2016-game-of-the-year-awards-day-one/1100-5521/ |title=Giant Bomb's 2016 Game of the Year Awards: Day One |date=December 26, 2016 |publisher=Giant Bomb |access-date=December 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130194147/http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2016-game-of-the-year-awards-day-one/1100-5521/ |archive-date=January 30, 2017 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2016-game-of-the-year-awards-day-four/1100-5524/ |title=Giant Bomb's 2016 Game of the Year Awards: Day Four |date=December 29, 2016 |publisher=Giant Bomb |access-date=December 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130194149/http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2016-game-of-the-year-awards-day-four/1100-5524/ |archive-date=January 30, 2017 }} and put it in third place for "Game of the Year".{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2016-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5525/ |title=Giant Bomb's 2016 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five |date=December 30, 2016 |publisher=Giant Bomb |access-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404171545/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2016-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5525/ |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |url-status=live }} Polygon and Slant Magazine also put the game in third place for "Game of the Year",{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/5/14130580/overwatch-games-of-the-year-2016 |title=Polygon's 2016 Games of the Year #3: Overwatch |website=Polygon |access-date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106092916/http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/5/14130580/overwatch-games-of-the-year-2016 |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |date=January 5, 2017 }}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-video-games-of-2016/P5 |title=The 25 Best Video Games of 2016 |magazine=Slant Magazine |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222075015/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-video-games-of-2016/P5 |archive-date=December 22, 2016 }} while PC Gamer gave it the award for "Best Multiplayer".{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/game-of-the-year-awards-2016/ |title=Game of the Year Awards 2016 |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107100404/http://www.pcgamer.com/game-of-the-year-awards-2016/ |archive-date=January 7, 2017 }} Besides "Game of the Year", The Escapist gave it the awards for "Best Shooter and Multiplayer".{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/17351-Escapist-Awards-Best-of-2016.2#&gid=gallery_6720&pid=1 |title=Welcome to The Escapist Awards 2016 |work=The Escapist |date=December 31, 2016 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108003314/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/17351-Escapist-Awards-Best-of-2016.2 |archive-date=January 8, 2017 }} Game Informer gave it the awards for "Best Competitive Multiplayer" and "Best Shooter".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/04/game-informer-best-of-2016-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |title=Game Informer Best of 2016 Awards (Page 2) |first=Jeff |last=Marchiafava |magazine=Game Informer |date=January 4, 2017 |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133940/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/04/game-informer-best-of-2016-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |archive-date=March 15, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/04/game-informer-best-of-2016-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=4 |title=Game Informer Best of 2016 Awards (Page 4) |first=Jeff |last=Marchiafava |magazine=Game Informer |date=January 4, 2017 |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023025/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/04/game-informer-best-of-2016-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=4 |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |url-status=live }} At IGN's Best of 2016 Awards, the game won the awards for "Best Shooter", "Best eSports Game", "Best Multiplayer", and "PC Game of the Year". In IGN's Best of 2017 Awards, the game won the People's Choice Award for "Best Spectator Game",{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Spectator_Game |title=Best of 2017 Awards Wiki Guide – Best Spectator Game |date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=January 9, 2018 |work=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109062745/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Spectator_Game |archive-date=January 9, 2018 |url-status=live }} while Game Informer gave it the award for "Best Shooter as Service" in their 2017 Shooter of the Year Awards.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/06/2017-shooter-of-the-year-awards.aspx |title=The 2017 Shooter Of The Year Awards |first=Matt |last=Bertz |date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=January 9, 2018 |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107063938/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/06/2017-shooter-of-the-year-awards.aspx |archive-date=January 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}

In the years since its release, Overwatch has continued to be nominated and awarded for its strength as an esports game, as well as the ongoing content added to the title.

class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
Year	Award	Category	Result	Ref.
rowspan="15" style="text-align:center;" \| 2016 \| rowspan="8" \| Golden Joystick Awards \| Best Original Game \| {{won}} \| rowspan="8" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-scoops-5-awards-firewatch-wins-best-indie-game-here-are-all-the-golden-joystick-2016-winners/ \|title=Overwatch scoops five awards, Firewatch wins Best Indie Game: Here are all the Golden Joystick 2016 winners \|first=Connor \|last=Sheridan \|date=November 18, 2016 \|website=GamesRadar \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326055857/http://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-scoops-5-awards-firewatch-wins-best-indie-game-here-are-all-the-golden-joystick-2016-winners/ \|archive-date=March 26, 2017 }}{{cite web \|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/golden-joystick-awards/news/a807943/golden-joystick-awards-2016-voting-now-open-to-the-public/ \|title=Golden Joystick Awards 2016 voting now open to the public \|first=Sam \|last=Loveridge \|date=September 15, 2016 \|website=Digital Spy \|access-date=October 29, 2016 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030093227/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/golden-joystick-awards/news/a807943/golden-joystick-awards-2016-voting-now-open-to-the-public/ \|archive-date=October 30, 2016 }}
Best Visual Design \| {{nom}}
Best Audio \| {{nom}}
Best Multiplayer Game \| {{won}}
Best Gaming Moment (Play of the Game) \| {{won}}
Game of the Year \| {{nom}}
PC Game of the Year \| {{won}}
Competitive Game of the Year \| {{won}}
rowspan="6" \| The Game Awards 2016 \| Game of the Year \| {{won}} \| rowspan="6" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/all-the-2016-game-awards-nominees/1100-6445481/ \|title=All the 2016 Game Awards Nominees \|first=Eddie \|last=Makuch \|date=November 16, 2016 \|access-date=November 16, 2016 \|work=GameSpot \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118191246/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/all-the-2016-game-awards-nominees/1100-6445481/ \|archive-date=January 18, 2017 }}{{cite web \|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/12/1/13784410/the-game-awards-winners \|title=The Game Awards: Here's the full winners list \|first=Chelsea \|last=Stark \|date=December 1, 2016 \|access-date=December 1, 2016 \|work=Polygon \|publisher=Vox Media \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202161343/http://www.polygon.com/2016/12/1/13784410/the-game-awards-winners \|archive-date=December 2, 2016 }}
Best Game Direction \| {{won}}
Best Art Direction \| {{nom}}
Best Action Game \| {{nom}}
Best Multiplayer \| {{won}}
ESports Game of the Year \| {{won}}
rowspan="1"\| Hollywood Music in Media Awards \| Best Original Score – Video Game \| {{won}} \| style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.hmmawards.com/HMMA.Winners.2016.pdf \|title=The 7th Annual Music in Media Awards Announces Winners in Film, TV, & Video Games \|date=November 18, 2016 \|access-date=April 16, 2018 \|work=Hollywood Music in Media Awards \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417191816/https://www.hmmawards.com/HMMA.Winners.2016.pdf \|archive-date=April 17, 2018 \|url-status=live }}
rowspan="31" style="text-align:center;" \| 2017 \| rowspan="6" \| 20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards \| Game of the Year \| {{won}} \| rowspan="6" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-wins-dice-game-of-the-year-full-nominees/1100-6448157/ \|title=Overwatch Wins DICE Game of the Year, Full Nominees List \|first1=Eddie \|last1=Makuch \|first2=Jason \|last2=Imms \|date=February 23, 2017 \|access-date=February 23, 2017 \|work=GameSpot \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017145349/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-wins-dice-game-of-the-year-all-winners-r/1100-6448157/ \|archive-date=October 17, 2019 \|url-status=live }}
Action Game of the Year \| {{won}}
Outstanding Achievement in Animation \| {{nom}}
Outstanding Achievement in Game Design \| {{won}}
Outstanding Achievement in Online Gameplay \| {{won}}
Outstanding Technical Achievement \| {{nom}}
rowspan="9" \| 2017 SXSW Gaming Awards \| Video Game of the Year \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="9" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/all-the-2017-sxsw-game-award-nominees/1100-6447245/ \|title=All The 2017 SXSW Game Award Nominees \|first=Eddie \|last=Makuch \|date=January 25, 2017 \|access-date=March 5, 2017 \|work=GameSpot \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416223543/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/all-the-2017-sxsw-game-award-nominees/1100-6447245/ \|archive-date=April 16, 2017 }}{{cite web \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/uncharted-4-wins-game-of-the-year-at-sxsw-awards/1100-6448819/ \|title=Uncharted 4 Wins Game Of The Year At SXSW Awards \|first=Eddie \|last=Makuch \|date=March 19, 2017 \|access-date=March 19, 2017 \|work=GameSpot \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829042743/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/uncharted-4-wins-game-of-the-year-at-sxsw-awards/1100-6448819/ \|archive-date=August 29, 2018 \|url-status=live }}
ESports Game of the Year \| {{won}}
Trending Game of the Year \| {{won}}
Excellence in Design \| {{nom}}
Most Promising New Intellectual Property \| {{won}}
Most Memorable Character (Tracer) \| {{nom}}
Excellence in Multiplayer \| {{won}}
Excellence in Art \| {{nom}}
Excellence in Animation \| {{nom}}
rowspan="5" \| Game Developers Choice Awards \| Game of the Year \| {{won}} \| rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/288633/Inside_Overwatch__Firewatch_lead_GDC_2017_Choice_Awards_nominees.php \|title=Inside, Overwatch & Firewatch lead GDC 2017 Choice Awards nominees \|work=Gamasutra \|date=January 4, 2017 \|access-date=January 4, 2017 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105044144/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/288633/Inside_Overwatch__Firewatch_lead_GDC_2017_Choice_Awards_nominees.php \|archive-date=January 5, 2017 }}{{cite web \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-the-game-developers-choice-awards-right-here/1100-6448326/ \|title=Watch The Game Developers Choice Awards Right Here Tonight \|first1=Eddie \|last1=Makuch \|first2=Jason \|last2=Imms \|date=March 1, 2017 \|access-date=March 1, 2017 \|work=GameSpot \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301225401/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-the-game-developers-choice-awards-right-here/1100-6448326/ \|archive-date=March 1, 2017 }}
Best Audio \| {{nom}}
Best Design \| {{won}}
Best Technology \| {{nom}}
Best Visual Art \| {{nom}}
rowspan="5" \| 13th British Academy Games Awards \| Best Game \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/mar/09/bafta-games-awards-2017-inside-and-uncharted-4-lead-the-way \|title=Bafta games awards 2017: Inside and Uncharted 4 lead the way \|first=Jordan Erica \|last=wbber \|date=March 9, 2017 \|access-date=March 9, 2017 \|work=The Guardian \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309170753/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/mar/09/bafta-games-awards-2017-inside-and-uncharted-4-lead-the-way \|archive-date=March 9, 2017 }}{{cite web \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39516396 \|title=Uncharted 4 wins best game at Bafta awards \|date=April 6, 2017 \|access-date=April 6, 2017 \|work=BBC \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406194229/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39516396 \|archive-date=April 6, 2017 }}
Game Design \| {{nom}}
Multiplayer \| {{won}}
Original Property \| {{nom}}
AMD Esports Audience Award \| {{nom}}
rowspan="1" \| ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards \| 2016 Video Game Score of the Year \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.ascap.com/screenawards17 \|title=2017 Screen Music Awards \|access-date=April 16, 2018 \|work=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209072811/https://www.ascap.com/screenawards17 \|archive-date=December 9, 2019 \|url-status=live }}
rowspan="1" \| 2017 Teen Choice Awards \| Choice Video Game \| {{won}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/teen-choice-awards-2017-tcas-fox-winners-list-riverdale-fifth-harmony-1202526197/ \|title=Teen Choice Awards 2017: 'Riverdale,' Fifth Harmony Shut Out Competition \|first1=Rebecca \|last1=Rubin \|first2=JD \|last2=Knapp \|date=August 13, 2017 \|access-date=March 25, 2018 \|work=Variety \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816144937/http://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/teen-choice-awards-2017-tcas-fox-winners-list-riverdale-fifth-harmony-1202526197/ \|archive-date=August 16, 2017 \|url-status=live }}
rowspan="2" \|Golden Joystick Awards \| eSports Game of the Year \| {{won}} \| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \|{{cite web \|url=https://www.bestinslot.co/golden-joystick-awards-2017-nominees/ \|title=Golden Joystick Awards 2017 Nominees \|last=Gaito \|first=Eri \|date=November 13, 2017 \|access-date=January 9, 2018 \|work=Best in Slot \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110003232/https://www.bestinslot.co/golden-joystick-awards-2017-nominees/ \|archive-date=January 10, 2018 \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-scores-big-at-the-35th-golden-joystick-awards-presented-with-omen-by-hp/ \|title=The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild scores big at the 35th Golden Joystick Awards presented with OMEN by HP \|last=Weber \|first=Rachel \|date=November 17, 2017 \|access-date=January 9, 2018 \|work=GamesRadar+ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117181142/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-scores-big-at-the-35th-golden-joystick-awards-presented-with-omen-by-hp/ \|archive-date=November 17, 2017 \|url-status=live }}
Still Playing \| {{nom}}
rowspan="2" \| The Game Awards 2017 \| Best Ongoing Game \| {{won}} \| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/12/08/all-the-news-trailers-and-winners-from-the-game-awards-2017 \|title=All the News, Trailers, and Winners from The Game Awards 2017 \|first=Alex \|last=Osborn \|date=December 7, 2017 \|access-date=December 7, 2017 \|work=IGN \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208154310/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/12/08/all-the-news-trailers-and-winners-from-the-game-awards-2017 \|archive-date=December 8, 2017 \|url-status=live }}
Best eSports Game \| {{won}}
rowspan="8" style="text-align:center;" \|2018 \| rowspan="1" \|14th British Academy Games Awards \| Evolving Game \| {{won}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web\|url=http://www.bafta.org/games/awards/games-awards-2018#evolving-game---overwatch\|title=British Academy Games Awards Nominations in 2018: Evolving Game - Overwatch\|publisher=British Academy of Film and Television Arts\|date=April 12, 2018\|access-date=April 12, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413043318/http://www.bafta.org/games/awards/games-awards-2018#evolving-game---overwatch\|archive-date=April 13, 2018\|url-status=live}}
rowspan="2" \| 2018 Webby Awards \| Best Game Design \| {{won}} \| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web\|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2018/\|title=2018 Winners\|publisher=The Webby Awards\|date=April 24, 2018\|access-date=June 25, 2018\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625070331/https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/\|archive-date=June 25, 2018\|url-status=live}}
Best Multiplayer/Competitive Game \| {{won}}
rowspan="1" \| 2018 Teen Choice Awards \| Choice Video Game \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/943773/teen-choice-awards-2018-avengers-infinity-war-black-panther-and-riverdale-among-top-nominees \|title=Teen Choice Awards 2018: Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther and Riverdale Among Top Nominees \|first=Jess \|last=Cohen \|date=June 22, 2018 \|access-date=June 25, 2018 \|work=E! \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613220922/https://www.eonline.com/news/943773/teen-choice-awards-2018-avengers-infinity-war-black-panther-and-riverdale-among-top-nominees \|archive-date=June 13, 2018 \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|url=https://deadline.com/2018/08/teen-choice-awards-winners-list-riverdale-avengers-infinity-war-black-panther-marvel-disney-cw-pixar-fox-1202444357/ \|title=Teen Choice Awards: 'Riverdale', 'Infinity War', 'Black Panther' Among Top Honorees – Full Winners List \|first=Dino-Ray \|last=Ramos \|date=August 12, 2018 \|access-date=August 13, 2018 \|work=Deadline Hollywood \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813061149/https://deadline.com/2018/08/teen-choice-awards-winners-list-riverdale-avengers-infinity-war-black-panther-marvel-disney-cw-pixar-fox-1202444357/ \|archive-date=August 13, 2018 \|url-status=live }}
rowspan="2" \| Golden Joystick Awards \| Still Playing Award \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite news \|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joysticks-2018-nominees-announced-voting-open-now/ \|title=Golden Joysticks 2018 nominees announced, voting open now \|first=Tom \|last=Hoggins \|date=September 24, 2018 \|access-date=October 7, 2018 \|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181008021037/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joysticks-2018-nominees-announced-voting-open-now/ \|archive-date=October 8, 2018 \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2018-winners/ \|title=Golden Joystick Awards 2018 winners: God of War wins big but Fortnite gets Victory Royale \|first=Connor \|last=Sheridan \|date=November 16, 2018 \|access-date=November 16, 2018 \|work=GamesRadar+ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116215904/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2018-winners/ \|archive-date=November 16, 2018 \|url-status=live }}
eSports Game of the Year \| {{won}}
rowspan="2" \| The Game Awards 2018 \| Best Ongoing Game \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/13/18092186/game-awards-2018-nominees-show-date-start-time \|title=The Game Awards 2018 nominees led by God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2 \|first=Michael \|last=McWhertor \|date=November 13, 2018 \|access-date=November 15, 2018 \|work=Polygon \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118173632/https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/13/18092186/game-awards-2018-nominees-show-date-start-time \|archive-date=November 18, 2018 \|url-status=live }}{{cite web \|url=https://www.polygon.com/game-awards-tga/2018/12/6/18130000/the-game-awards-winners-2018 \|title=The Game Awards 2018: Here are all the winners \|first=Christopher \|last=Grant \|date=December 6, 2018 \|access-date=December 7, 2018 \|work=Polygon \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118173632/https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/13/18092186/game-awards-2018-nominees-show-date-start-time \|archive-date=November 18, 2018 \|url-status=live }}
Best eSports Game \| {{won}}
rowspan="6" style="text-align:center;" \|2019 \| rowspan="1" \| 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards \| Most Evolved Game \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \|{{cite web \|url=https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2019/2019-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ \|title=Here Are Your 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards Finalists! \|first=Logan \|last=Trent \|date=February 11, 2019 \|access-date=February 15, 2019 \|work=South by Southwest \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215051341/https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2019/2019-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/ \|archive-date=February 15, 2019 \|url-status=live }}
rowspan="1" \| 15th British Academy Games Awards \| Evolving Game \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=http://www.bafta.org/games/awards/bafta-games-awards-nominations-winners-2019#evolving-game---2019 \|title=BAFTA Games Awards nominations 2019 \|date=March 14, 2019 \|access-date=March 14, 2019 \|work=British Academy of Film and Television Arts \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029172316/http://www.bafta.org/games/awards/bafta-games-awards-nominations-winners-2019#evolving-game---2019 \|archive-date=October 29, 2019 \|url-status=live }}
rowspan="1" \| 2019 Webby Awards \| Best Multiplayer/Competitive Game (People's Voice) \| {{won}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/23/18511329/2019-webby-awards-all-the-winners \|title=Here are all the winners of the 2019 Webby Awards \|first=Shannon \|last=Liao \|date=April 23, 2019 \|access-date=April 25, 2019 \|work=The Verge \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423233428/https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/23/18511329/2019-webby-awards-all-the-winners/ \|archive-date=April 23, 2019 \|url-status=live }}
rowspan="1" \| Golden Joystick Awards \| eSports Game of the Year \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/09/days_gone_rides_off_with_three_nominations_in_this_years_golden_joystick_awards \|title=Days Gone Rides Off with Three Nominations in This Year's Golden Joystick Awards \|first=Stephen \|last=Tailby \|date=September 20, 2019 \|access-date=September 21, 2019 \|work=Push Square \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920222955/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/09/days_gone_rides_off_with_three_nominations_in_this_years_golden_joystick_awards \|archive-date=September 20, 2019 \|url-status=live }}
rowspan="2" \| The Game Awards 2019 \| Best Esports Game \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-nominees-full-list/1100-6471564/ \|title=The Game Awards 2019 Nominees Full List \|first=Jeremy \|last=Winslow \|date=November 19, 2019 \|access-date=November 20, 2019 \|work=GameSpot \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123042344/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-nominees-full-list/1100-6471564/ \|archive-date=November 23, 2019 \|url-status=live }}
Best Esports Event (2019 Overwatch League Grand Finals) \| {{nom}}
rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| 2020 \| rowspan="1" \| GLAAD Media Awards \| Outstanding Video Game \| {{nom}} \| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-01-08-glaad-reveals-nominees-for-outstanding-video-game-at-31st-annual-media-awards \|title=GLAAD reveals nominees for Outstanding Video Game at 31st annual Media Awards \|first=Rebekah \|last=Valentin \|date=January 8, 2020 \|access-date=January 9, 2020 \|work=GamesIndustry.biz \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129021503/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-01-08-glaad-reveals-nominees-for-outstanding-video-game-at-31st-annual-media-awards \|archive-date=January 29, 2020 \|url-status=live }}

class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"

Year

Award

Legacy

File:New York Comic Con 2016 - Overwatch (30228553755).jpg 2016]]

Overwatch{{'s}} fan base has been noted to be generally kind and supportive; Daniel Starkey of Wired wrote, "where many fresh games struggle with an endless stream of player complaints and developer-prodding, Overwatch{{'s}} community is vivacious and jubilant." A gamer with cerebral palsy publicly praised the game's customizable controls, which let him make his first snipe in a video game.{{cite web |last=Usher |first=William |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Blizzard-Got-Best-Response-They-Did-Something-Heartwarming-An-Overwatch-Fan-With-Cerebral-Palsy-140607.html |title=Blizzard Got The Best Response When They Did Something Heartwarming For An Overwatch Fan With Cerebral Palsy |publisher=Cinema Blend |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609094619/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Blizzard-Got-Best-Response-They-Did-Something-Heartwarming-An-Overwatch-Fan-With-Cerebral-Palsy-140607.html |archive-date=June 9, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-25-overwatch-fan-with-cerebal-palsy-thanks-blizzard-for-custom-controls |title=Overwatch fan with cerebral palsy thanks Blizzard for custom controls |website=Eurogamer |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528145348/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-25-overwatch-fan-with-cerebal-palsy-thanks-blizzard-for-custom-controls |archive-date=May 28, 2016 }} One of Blizzard's artists, Roman Kenney, drew concept art based on one player's daughter's original Overwatch character design.{{cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/23/blizzard-artist-turns-childs-overwatch-fan-art-into-concept-art |title=Blizzard Artist Turns Child's Overwatch Fan Art Into Concept Art |work=IGN |date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620033142/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/23/blizzard-artist-turns-childs-overwatch-fan-art-into-concept-art |archive-date=June 20, 2016 }} Blizzard altered one of the game's maps to include a tribute to an avid Chinese fan of the game who died from injuries while trying to stop a motorcycle theft on the day before the game's public release.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/overwatch-honors-fan-who-passed-away-one-day-before-the-1782977421 |title=Overwatch Honors Fan Who Passed Away One Day Before The Game Came Out |first=Nathan |last=Grayson |date=July 1, 2016 |access-date=July 1, 2016 |work=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701202903/http://kotaku.com/overwatch-honors-fan-who-passed-away-one-day-before-the-1782977421 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 }}

Blizzard has encouraged fans of Overwatch to make artistic content based on the game. To support this, Blizzard released the hero reference kit before release, providing official colors and costume and weapon designs for all 21 heroes present at the game's launch.{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/blizzard-releases-crazily-detailed-overwatch-art-and-cosplay-guide/ |title=Blizzard releases crazily detailed Overwatch art and cosplay guide |work=PC Gamer |date=January 5, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621070040/http://www.pcgamer.com/blizzard-releases-crazily-detailed-overwatch-art-and-cosplay-guide/ |archive-date=June 21, 2016 }} Fans have used these, the game's animated media, and other assets to create a large amount of content, including art,{{cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Connor |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-fan-art-shows-heroes-in-all-their-ultimate-glory/ |title=Overwatch fan art shows heroes in their Ultimate glory |work=GamesRadar |date=May 26, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629155017/http://www.gamesradar.com/overwatch-fan-art-shows-heroes-in-all-their-ultimate-glory/ |archive-date=June 29, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |url=http://kotaku.com/let-the-japanese-overwatch-fan-art-begin-1779104073 |title=Let Overwatch{{'s}} Japanese Fan Art Begin! |work=Kotaku |date=May 27, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618134958/http://kotaku.com/let-the-japanese-overwatch-fan-art-begin-1779104073 |archive-date=June 18, 2016 }} cosplay,{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |url=http://cosplay.kotaku.com/the-best-overwatch-cosplay-1778784763 |title=The Best Overwatch Cosplay |work=Kotaku |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617043411/http://cosplay.kotaku.com/the-best-overwatch-cosplay-1778784763 |archive-date=June 17, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Jusino |first=Teresa |url=http://www.themarysue.com/on-point-tracer-cosplay/#0 |title=Check Out This On-Point Cosplay of Overwatch{{'s}} Tracer |work=The Mary Sue |date=April 14, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620185233/http://www.themarysue.com/on-point-tracer-cosplay/ |archive-date=June 20, 2016 }} and anime opening-style music videos.{{cite web |last=Usher |first=William |url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/1523170/this-is-what-overwatch-would-look-like-as-anime |title=This Is What Overwatch Would Look Like As Anime |work=Cinema Blend |date=June 12, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615153556/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/1523170/this-is-what-overwatch-would-look-like-as-anime |archive-date=June 15, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Minotti |first=Mike |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/25/overwatch-is-so-anime/ |title=Overwatch is so anime |work=VentureBeat |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616160730/http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/25/overwatch-is-so-anime/ |archive-date=June 16, 2016 }} Some Overwatch concepts have created internet memes such as "Gremlin D.Va", which focuses on the character D.Va, portrayed through Western gamer stereotypes.{{cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |url=http://kotaku.com/overwatch-fans-have-turned-dva-into-a-dorito-eating-gre-1780675814 |title=Overwatch Fans Have Turned DVA Into A Dorito-Eating Gremlin |work=Kotaku |date=June 6, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619003049/http://kotaku.com/overwatch-fans-have-turned-dva-into-a-dorito-eating-gre-1780675814 |archive-date=June 19, 2016 }} In some cases, Blizzard has reciprocated these fan creations back into the game, such as an emote for D.Va, based on the Gremlin meme.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/blizzard-on-overwatchs-sombra-roadhogs-hook-and-gay-c-1788782929 |title=Blizzard On Overwatch's Sombra, Roadhog's Hook, And Gay Characters |first=Nathan |last=Grayson |date=November 9, 2016 |access-date=November 17, 2016 |work=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118035701/https://kotaku.com/blizzard-on-overwatchs-sombra-roadhogs-hook-and-gay-c-1788782929 |archive-date=November 18, 2016 }} At the 2017 D.I.C.E. Summit in February 2017, Kaplan said that much of Overwatch{{'s}} narrative is now being borne out of the game's fans, adding "We love it, that it belongs to them...We're just the custodians of the universe." Kaplan recognizes that he himself is seen as an Overwatch character within the fan community, and following similar steps that Hearthstone{{'s}} lead designer Ben Brode has done, has continued to engage with the fan community.{{cite web |url=http://www.glixel.com/news/overwatch-director-jeff-kaplan-is-freaked-out-by-his-fame-w483939 |title='Overwatch' Director Jeff Kaplan is Famous and It Freaks Him Out |first=Luke |last=Winkie |date=May 24, 2017 |access-date=May 24, 2017 |work=Glixel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703163219/http://www.glixel.com/news/overwatch-director-jeff-kaplan-is-freaked-out-by-his-fame-w483939 |archive-date=July 3, 2017 |url-status=live }}

Pornographic fan art of the game is popular, with Pornhub searches of Overwatch characters partaking in sexual activities spiking by 817% shortly after the release of the open beta.{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/07/overwatch-pornhub-searches-jumped-817-during-the-shooters-open-beta/ |work=VentureBeat |title='Overwatch' Pornhub searches jumped 817% during the shooter's open beta |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=May 7, 2016 |access-date=June 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616110219/http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/07/overwatch-pornhub-searches-jumped-817-during-the-shooters-open-beta/ |archive-date=June 16, 2016 }} A large amount of such pornographic fan works are created with Valve's Source Filmmaker tool and make use of the game's assets, which were ripped from the game during its closed beta and consequently spread over the internet.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/inside-the-surprisingly-big-overwatch-porn-scene-1778229605 |work=Kotaku |title=Inside The Surprisingly Big Overwatch Porn Scene |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=June 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613212919/http://kotaku.com/inside-the-surprisingly-big-overwatch-porn-scene-1778229605 |archive-date=June 13, 2016 }} Blizzard made efforts to remove the works.{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/36416420/overwatch-animated-porn-is-being-taken-offline-by-video-game-maker-blizzard |title=Overwatch animated porn is being taken offline by video game maker Blizzard |work=BBC |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=June 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601204946/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/36416420/overwatch-animated-porn-is-being-taken-offline-by-video-game-maker-blizzard |archive-date=June 1, 2016 }} Kaplan stated that while the studio does not want to infringe on anyone's freedom of expression, Blizzard is mindful that many players are not adults and would hope the community would try to keep such imagery away from them.

Franchise

=Related media and merchandise=

{{See also|Overwatch animated media|Overwatch (digital comic series)}}

Blizzard opted to tell the story of Overwatch across various mediums, rather than include a story mode; Chu stated, "One of the things that's really great is we're able to leverage the strengths of these different mediums to tell different parts of the story," citing Soldier: 76's appearances in fake news reports, an animated video narrated from his perspective, as well as the Hero short.{{cite news |last=McKeand |first=Kirk |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/what-to-play/overwatch-characters-and-lore-interview/ |title=Breaking the lore – How Overwatch weaves compelling stories into a multiplayer shooter |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=June 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605164110/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/what-to-play/overwatch-characters-and-lore-interview/ |archive-date=June 5, 2016 }}

In March 2016, Blizzard announced that they would be releasing comics and animated shorts based on Overwatch in 2016. The related media included plans for a since-cancelled graphic novel called Overwatch: First Strike, which would have focused on the story of several in-game characters, including Soldier: 76, Torbjörn, Reaper, and Reinhardt.{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/comics/2016/11/18/13680790/overwatch-graphic-novel-canceled-first-strike-blizzard-entertainment |title=Blizzard cancels Overwatch graphic novel |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=November 18, 2016 |access-date=November 18, 2016 |work=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119181830/http://www.polygon.com/comics/2016/11/18/13680790/overwatch-graphic-novel-canceled-first-strike-blizzard-entertainment |archive-date=November 19, 2016 }}

Blizzard began releasing the series of animated shorts in March 2016; the shorts maintained the style of the game's cinematic trailer, which centered on a battle in which Tracer and Winston fought Reaper and Widowmaker in the Overwatch Museum. A collection of these cinematic sequences played in movie theaters across the United States as part of the game's launch event.{{cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |url=https://www.destructoid.com/hanzo-genji-and-soldier-76-are-up-next-for-overwatch-animated-shorts-360427.phtml |title=Hanzo, Genji, and Soldier: 76 are up next for Overwatch animated shorts |work=Destructoid |date=May 10, 2016 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518013959/http://www.destructoid.com/hanzo-genji-and-soldier-76-are-up-next-for-overwatch-animated-shorts-360427.phtml |archive-date=May 18, 2016 }} The first episode of the animated short series, Recall, was released on March 23. It centers on Winston and Reaper, and features flashbacks to Winston's childhood.{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/21/11278498/overwatch-animated-short-winston-recall |title=Overwatch's first animated short is out now, introduces players to Winston |work=Polygon |date=March 21, 2016 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531224741/http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/21/11278498/overwatch-animated-short-winston-recall |archive-date=May 31, 2016 }}

Blizzard published three digital comic series during Overwatch{{'s}} 2016–2022 run: Overwatch, Tracer - London Calling, and New Blood. These comics were also printed on hard cover through Dark Horse Comics. Further Overwatch literature including an art book, cook book, short stories, and novelizations were also published.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/20/comic-con-2016-dark-horse-and-blizzard-partner-for-new-overwatch-comics |title=Comic-Con 2016: Dark Horse and Blizzard Partner for New Overwatch Comics |first=Jesse |last=Schedeen |date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |work=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721160058/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/20/comic-con-2016-dark-horse-and-blizzard-partner-for-new-overwatch-comics |archive-date=July 21, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Oh |first1=Ashley |title=Blizzard quietly confirms another LGBTQ Overwatch hero |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/7/18172470/overwatch-soldier-76-gay-bisexual |website=Polygon |date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008180902/https://www.polygon.com/2019/1/7/18172470/overwatch-soldier-76-gay-bisexual |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Heller |first1=Emily |title=Upcoming official cookbook imagines Overwatch heroes' favorite meals |url=https://www.polygon.com/deals/2019/6/20/18693257/overwatch-cookbook-pre-order-amazon |website=Polygon |date=June 20, 2019 |access-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008180856/https://www.polygon.com/deals/2019/6/20/18693257/overwatch-cookbook-pre-order-amazon |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Marshall |first1=Cass |title=Overwatch fans are looking for lore in odd places — including cookbooks |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/8/20686261/overwatch-lore-cookbook-merchandise-skins |website=Polygon |date=July 8, 2019 |access-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722152504/https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/8/20686261/overwatch-lore-cookbook-merchandise-skins |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |title=Scholastic publishing Overwatch book starring Numbani hero Efi Oladele |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/5/20899623/overwatch-book-scholastic-hero-of-numbani-may-2020 |website=Polygon |date=October 5, 2019 |access-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008074952/https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/5/20899623/overwatch-book-scholastic-hero-of-numbani-may-2020 |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Overwatch characters and elements have been brought over to the crossover MOBA game Heroes of the Storm.{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|url=https://www.destructoid.com/overwatchs-genji-and-hanamura-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm/|title=Overwatch's Genji and Hanamura are coming to Heroes of the Storm|work=Destructoid|date=April 17, 2017|accessdate=October 6, 2022|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006183741/https://www.destructoid.com/overwatchs-genji-and-hanamura-are-coming-to-heroes-of-the-storm/|url-status=live}}

Various toy and figurine manufacturers produced merchandise lines featuring Overwatch characters. These manufacturers included Funko, Good Smile Company, Nerf and its parent company Hasbro, as well as The Lego Group.{{efn|Sources citing these manufacturers producing such toy and figurine merchandise lines include:{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-new-funko-pop-figures-coming-in-april-s/1100-6448071/ |title=Overwatch's New Funko Pop Figures Coming In April, See Them All Here |first=Chris |last=Pereira |date=February 21, 2017 |access-date=February 22, 2017 |work=GameSpot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223000047/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatchs-new-funko-pop-figures-coming-in-april-s/1100-6448071/ |archive-date=February 23, 2017 }}{{cite web |last=Ma |first=Tianxiao |url=https://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-s-mei-and-mercy-will-also-become-nendoroids-419699.phtml |title=Overwatch's Mei and Mercy will also become Nendoroids |work=Destructoid |date=February 19, 2017 |access-date=February 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220172846/https://www.destructoid.com/overwatch-s-mei-and-mercy-will-also-become-nendoroids-419699.phtml |archive-date=February 20, 2017 }}{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/16/17361560/nerf-rival-overwatch-guns-launch-date | title = Nerf will bring Overwatch to life with foam-ball guns | first = Owen | last = Good | date = May 16, 2018 | access-date = May 22, 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180521163756/https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/16/17361560/nerf-rival-overwatch-guns-launch-date | archive-date = May 21, 2018 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/6/17657140/nerf-overwatch-guns-foam-shooting-blasters-blizzard | title = Nerf is turning Overwatch guns into foam-shooting blasters | first = Shoshana | last = Wodinsky | date = August 6, 2018 | access-date = August 6, 2018 | work = The Verge | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180806235443/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/6/17657140/nerf-overwatch-guns-foam-shooting-blasters-blizzard | archive-date = August 6, 2018 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-lego-is-coming | title = Overwatch LEGO is Coming | first = Tom | last = Orry | date = May 22, 2018 | access-date = May 22, 2018 | work = USGamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180522163045/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-lego-is-coming | archive-date = May 22, 2018 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2018/10/02/lego-overwatch/ | title = Overwatch, in block form! Blizzard partners with Lego | first = Jeff | last = Grubb | date = October 2, 2018 | access-date = October 2, 2018 | work = Venture Beat | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181002215329/https://venturebeat.com/2018/10/02/lego-overwatch/ | archive-date = October 2, 2018 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/10/lego-overwatch-first-set-revealed-available-now | title = LEGO Overwatch First Set Revealed, Available Now | first = Nick | last = Santangelo | date = October 10, 2018 | access-date = October 10, 2018 | work = IGN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181011013718/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/10/lego-overwatch-first-set-revealed-available-now | archive-date = October 11, 2018 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/16/18227436/overwatch-action-figures-hasbro-preorder-gamestop | title = Overwatch gets nine swell action figures—including a huge Reinhardt—from Hasbro | first = Owen | last = Good | date = February 16, 2019 | access-date = February 16, 2019 | work = Polygon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190216232735/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/16/18227436/overwatch-action-figures-hasbro-preorder-gamestop | archive-date = February 16, 2019 | url-status = live }}}}

=Esports=

Overwatch was not developed with any dedication towards esports, focusing on "building a great competitive game" first and foremost, according to Morhaime, though they recognized that the game had potential as an esports game through internal testing.{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/overwatch-birth-of-a-professional-esports-league-w517207 | title = 'Overwatch': Birth of a Professional Esports League | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = February 28, 2018 | access-date = March 2, 2018 | work = Glixel | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180302164742/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/overwatch-birth-of-a-professional-esports-league-w517207 | archive-date = March 2, 2018 | url-status = live }} Kaplan stated that while esports was not a design goal, they included and planned for features for the game to support the competitive community.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-game-interview-jeff-kaplan/ |title=Blizzard's blueprint: Overwatch as a competitive FPS |first=Evan |last=Lahti |date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=June 10, 2016 |work=PC Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529172322/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-game-interview-jeff-kaplan/ |archive-date=May 29, 2016 }} This included the introduction of the game's competitive mode some months after the game's launch after seeing how players took towards Overwatch; Blizzard saw the ladder-approach they used as a means for skilled players to reach high ranks as to be noticed by esport team organizers. Dan Szymborski writing for ESPN stated that Overwatch was poised as the next big esport for having a sufficiently different look and playstyle from established esports games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Call of Duty, enough variety in maps and characters, and strong support from Blizzard to maintain the game for a long time.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/15422203/why-overwatch-next-big-esport |title=Why Overwatch is the next big esport |first=Dan |last=Szymborski |date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=June 10, 2016 |work=ESPN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611013423/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/15422203/why-overwatch-next-big-esport |archive-date=June 11, 2016 }} Bryant Francis writing for Gamasutra noted the speed and short match times of Overwatch make the game highly favorable for viewership, further supporting the game as an esports title.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/BryantFrancis/20160512/272494/Overwatchs_biggest_contribution_to_esports_growth_speed.php |title=Overwatch's biggest contribution to esports' growth: speed |first=Bryant |last=Francis |date=May 12, 2016 |access-date=June 10, 2016 |work=Gamasutra |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616172222/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/BryantFrancis/20160512/272494/Overwatchs_biggest_contribution_to_esports_growth_speed.php |archive-date=June 16, 2016 }}

Just before the game's release, PC Gamer writer Stefan Dorresteijn contacted professional esports players and hosts for their opinions. Longtime esports host Paul Chaloner stated that "[Overwatch] needs a much better spectator system," going on to elaborate, "Right now, it's incredibly difficult for commentators and viewers to see the skills of the players: who used their ultimates and how did they interact? Who is on cooldown and who has changed hero?"{{cite web |last=Dorresteijn |first=Stefan |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/does-overwatch-have-what-it-takes-to-succeed-as-an-esport/ |title=Does Overwatch have what it takes to succeed as an esport? |work=PC Gamer |date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610024655/http://www.pcgamer.com/does-overwatch-have-what-it-takes-to-succeed-as-an-esport/ |archive-date=June 10, 2016 }} Fellow esports player Seb Barton and Michael Rosen criticized the game's map designs and game modes; Barton remarked that "the game modes are a little hit and miss," adding that "King of the hill [Control] is super exciting and fast-paced but then you have the payload [Escort] maps, which are just a snoozefest for everyone involved." Rosen expressed a need for tweaking to the maps used for the control game mode, as they are "just too prone to the snowball effect. The moment the attacking team captures the first control point they don't just have the momentum but also the last advantage for the second and final capture point."

The first organized, prize-winning competitions for Overwatch started in mid-2016, a few months after launch.{{cite web |last=Saedler |first=Philipp |url=http://www.eslgaming.com/article/esl-host-first-international-overwatch-competition-six-figure-prize-pool-gamescom-2016-2925 |title=ESL to host first international Overwatch® competition with a six-figure prize pool at gamescom 2016 |work=ESL Gaming |date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612165726/http://www.eslgaming.com/article/esl-host-first-international-overwatch-competition-six-figure-prize-pool-gamescom-2016-2925 |archive-date=June 12, 2016 }}{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/esl-announces-first-six-figure-overwatch-tournament/ |title=ESL announces first six-figure Overwatch tournament |work=PC Gamer |date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613015903/http://www.pcgamer.com/esl-announces-first-six-figure-overwatch-tournament/ |archive-date=June 13, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-heads-to-tv-for-a-new-tournament/1100-6442112/ |title=Overwatch Heads to TV for a New Tournament |first=Mat |last=Paget |date=July 22, 2016 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |work=GameSpot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724213546/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-heads-to-tv-for-a-new-tournament/1100-6442112/ |archive-date=July 24, 2016 }} In November 2016, Blizzard hosted their own Overwatch World Cup, allowing users to vote for teams to represent their nation or region, with finals taking place during their BlizzCon event.{{cite web |last=O'Conner |first=James |url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/08/05/the-overwatch-world-cup-will-take-place-during-blizzcon/ |title=The Overwatch World Cup will take place during Blizzcon |work=VG247 |date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806171841/http://www.vg247.com/2016/08/05/the-overwatch-world-cup-will-take-place-during-blizzcon/ |archive-date=August 6, 2016 }} Overwatch grew increasingly in South Korea since it was released. It topped gaming cafes in Korea in terms of player count, surpassing that of League of Legends.{{cite web |last=Plummer |first=Quinten |url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/167336/20160629/overwatch-now-most-popular-game-in-korean-internet-cafes-takes-spot-from-league-of-legends.htm |title=Overwatch' Now Most Popular Game In Korean Internet Cafes, Takes Spot From 'League Of Legends' |work=Tech Times |date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309120335/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/167336/20160629/overwatch-now-most-popular-game-in-korean-internet-cafes-takes-spot-from-league-of-legends.htm |archive-date=March 9, 2018 }}

At the 2016 BlizzCon, Blizzard announced their plans for their Overwatch League, using an organization of permanent teams in league placements similar to more traditional North American professional sports leagues,

{{cite news |title=Blizzard to launch pro sports league for 'Overwatch' |first=Brett |last=Molina |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/11/04/blizzard-launch-pro-sports-league-overwatch/93292006/ |newspaper=USA Today |date=November 5, 2016 |access-date=November 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128231108/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/11/04/blizzard-launch-pro-sports-league-overwatch/93292006/ |archive-date=November 28, 2016 }} rather than the use of promotion and relegation used in a series like League of Legends Championship Series.{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/4/13511762/overwatch-league-is-blizzards-ambitious-new-esports-org-includes-city |title=Overwatch League is Blizzard's ambitious new esports org, includes city-based teams |first=Philip |last=Kollar |date=November 4, 2016 |access-date=November 4, 2016 |work=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105223420/http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/4/13511762/overwatch-league-is-blizzards-ambitious-new-esports-org-includes-city |archive-date=November 5, 2016 }} The OWL would being preseason play in December 2017, with its first season taking place in 2018.{{cite web|last=Alonzo|first=Damian|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/opening-day-of-overwatch-league-lived-up-to-the-hype/|title=Opening day of Overwatch League lived up to the hype|work=PC Gamer|date=January 11, 2018|accessdate=October 8, 2022|archive-date=October 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008194837/https://www.pcgamer.com/opening-day-of-overwatch-league-lived-up-to-the-hype/|url-status=live}}

=Sequel=

Overwatch 2, a standalone sequel, was announced at BlizzCon on November 1, 2019, and was released on October 4, 2022, as a free-to-play game for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S.{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/i-have-no-idea-when-overwatch-2-will-be-out-jeff-kaplan-says/ | title = 'I have no idea' when Overwatch 2 will be out, Jeff Kaplan says | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = November 1, 2019 | access-date = November 1, 2019 | work = PC Gamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191102003340/https://www.pcgamer.com/i-have-no-idea-when-overwatch-2-will-be-out-jeff-kaplan-says/ | archive-date = November 2, 2019 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-is-coming-to-nintendo-switch/1100-6471107/ | title = Overwatch 2 Is Coming To Nintendo Switch | first = Jordan | last = Ramee | date = November 1, 2019 | access-date = November 1, 2019 | work = GameSpot | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191102004142/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-is-coming-to-nintendo-switch/1100-6471107/ | archive-date = November 2, 2019 | url-status = live }}

Originally, it was planned for Overwatch and Overwatch 2 to have a "shared multiplayer environment" between it and the original Overwatch, so that the players in either game could compete together in the existing player versus player (PvP) modes, retaining all unlocked cosmetics and other features,{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/01/blizzard-announces-overwatch-2-at-blizzcon | title = Blizzard Announces Overwatch 2 at BlizzCon | first = Michael | last = Domanico | date = November 1, 2019 | access-date = November 1, 2019 | work = IGN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191101200920/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/01/blizzard-announces-overwatch-2-at-blizzcon | archive-date = November 1, 2019 | url-status = live }} but with the transition to free-to-play, Overwatch{{'}}s servers were shut down on October 3, 2022, in favor of the sequel, and all players were transitioned to Overwatch 2.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/the-last-day-of-overwatch-1-will-be-2nd-october-blizzard-confirms | title = The last day of Overwatch 1 will be 2nd October, Blizzard confirms | first = Robert | last = Purchase | date = September 15, 2022 | accessdate = September 15, 2022 | work = Eurogamer | archive-date = September 27, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220927223306/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-last-day-of-overwatch-1-will-be-2nd-october-blizzard-confirms | url-status = live }}

A significant departure was moving to a five-versus-five PvP mode, with a restriction of only allowing one tank in play on a team as to help improve the perceived speed of gameplay.{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-pvp-will-be-5v5-with-only-one-tank-per-team/ | title = Overwatch 2 PvP will be 5v5 with only one Tank per team | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = May 20, 2021 | accessdate = May 20, 2021 | work = PC Gamer | archive-date = May 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210520201855/https://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-2-pvp-will-be-5v5-with-only-one-tank-per-team/ | url-status = live }} To this end, many heroes had their skill kit reworked, or in some cases, were reclassified into a new hero class.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2021/02/20/overwatch-2-hero-missions-maps-weather-hero-looks/ | title = Overwatch 2 features "hundreds" of Hero Missions, character dialogues, updated hero looks, dynamic maps, more | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = February 20, 2021 | accessdate = February 20, 2021 | work = VG247 | archive-date = February 21, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210221141151/https://www.vg247.com/2021/02/20/overwatch-2-hero-missions-maps-weather-hero-looks/ | url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last=Lowry |first=Brendan |date=2023-04-06 |title=Overwatch 2: All hero changes and character reworks |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/overwatch-2-hero-changes-and-reworks |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Windows Central |language=en |archive-date=June 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612194251/https://www.windowscentral.com/overwatch-2-hero-changes-and-reworks |url-status=live }}

Another change in the transition to free to play was the elimination of loot boxes in favor of a season pass. As part of the transition, Blizzard ended purchases of loot boxes on August 30, 2022 (though players were still able to earn these as drops in-game), and any unopened loot boxes in a player's inventory on Overwatch 2{{'s}} release were automatically opened and contents credited to the player.{{cite web | url=https://www.engadget.com/blizzard-will-stop-selling-overwatch-loot-boxes-august-30th-204201926.html?src=rss | title=Blizzard will stop selling 'Overwatch' loot boxes on August 30th | date=August 9, 2022 | access-date=August 9, 2022 | archive-date=September 28, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928090938/https://www.engadget.com/blizzard-will-stop-selling-overwatch-loot-boxes-august-30th-204201926.html?src=rss | url-status=live }}