Players attempting to log in have been met with error messages and inability to play, as well as connection issues. Earlier today, Blizzard CS (Customer Support) – The Americas released this tweet addressing the situation.
[#OW2] We’re aware that some players are encountering an Unexpected Server Error message when attempting to sign in. This is actively being worked on. Thank you for your patience!
— Blizzard CS – The Americas (@BlizzardCS) October 4, 2022
Source: Blizzard Customer Service – The Americas Twitter Account
Soon after, Mike Ybarra, president of Blizzard, released a follow-up tweet.
Unfortunately we are experiencing a mass DDoS attack on our servers. Teams are working hard to mitigate/manage. This is causing a lot of drop/connection issues. https://t.co/4GwrfHEiBE
— Mike Ybarra (@Qwik) October 4, 2022
Source: Mike Ybarra, President of Blizzard Twitter Account
A DDoS (distributed denial of service) attack is described as “…cybercrime in which the attacker floods a server with internet traffic to prevent users from accessing connected online services and sites.” This in itself is bad news for any game’s launch (or life), but the situation is even worse with Overwatch 2. Amidst the attack, the game is also experiencing general server issues along with fan outcry on the battle pass.
In Overwatch 1, all the heroes were available to play at any time loading in, and new heroes were immediately available when they were released down the road. But with Overwatch 2’s battle pass, two options are present: pay for the pass and get all the heroes unlocked outright, or grind through the lengthy free track.
As Overwatch 1 and 2 put heavy emphasis on synergy and team switching, fans are not pleased about the prospect of needing a certain hero to fill a particular niche, with either their teammate(s) or themselves not having unlocked them.
At the time of this writing, the perpetrators of the attack are unknown.
