Blizzard did not confirm the game’s microtransaction structure until right before its launch.
Overwatch has launched, and we hope you are all having a blast playing it. However, those of you who played the game during the beta may have noticed something new has been added: microtransactions. Yes, Blizzard has waited until the very last minute to pull the curtain on the game’s microtransaction model, and now that it has launched we have all the details.
Overwatch‘s microtransactions will take the form of its in-game “loot boxes” – boxes that are earned every time you “level up” and contain a variety of cosmetic goodies such as skins and sprays. As well as earning a single box every level for free, you can purchase additional boxes at the following price points:
- 2 boxes – $1.99
- 5 boxes – $4.99
- 11 boxes – $9.99
- 24 boxes – $19.99
- 50 boxes – $39.99
While it is certainly very sneaky that Blizzard didn’t say anything about microtransactions right up until the game’s launch, they are restricted to purely cosmetic offerings – there is no “pay-to-win” here.
If you’re worried about this eventually bleeding over to maps and heroes, Blizzard has stated that all post-launch heroes and maps will be free of charge.
