While we are still waiting for an official release date for Overwatch 2, a report seems to indicate that Blizzard has decided not to include lootboxes on its next game. Indeed, a tweet from the official German account (source in German) d 'Overwatch includes a recommended age of 12+. This figure is important since German regulations indicate that any presence of gambling must be reserved for an older public, generally of legal age. So this simple tweet would mean that Blizzard has given up on Lootboxes for OW 2?
Plus de lootboxes sur Overwatch 2 ?
So for once, a simple tweet would not be enough to confirm that the lootboxes have disappeared from OW 2. However, this is not the only element that suggests that this system is removed from the FPS. After unveiling new game modes, new maps and changes to the various heroes, Blizzard has still not presented a system for skins and other collectables.
While that doesn't mean lootboxes will be absent from the game, the ever more drastic regulations around this system could force Blizzard's hand. The studio could take advantage of the release of a new game to modify its model upon release and thus avoid the situation experienced by EA with FIFA or Take-Two with NBA 2K in certain countries such as Belgium.
Indeed, these games do not have lootboxes in countries such as Belgium or the Netherlands, while many nations continue to reduce the possibilities of using a random box mechanism (one thinks in particular of China, the United Kingdom Kingdom but also South Korea).
Therefore, with some pressure around the legislation and the possibility of anticipating a ban, the removal of lootboxes seems to be a good idea for Overwatch 2. To see now if Blizzard jumps at the chance or not…
A release date for OW 2?
Currently, it is difficult to predict a release date for Overwatch 2. However, the arrival of the game (even in an early version) in April on the Overwatch League suggests that players will be able to discover OW2 by the late spring 2022.
