Overwatch 2 is promising significant monetisation changes coming to the game in Season 3, including the reintroducing Hero Credits so players can earn Overwatch 1 skins for free.
It’s no secret that Overwatch 2 has had a rocky launch, with one of the main points being the game’s shift in monetisation. After switching from a one-time purchase to a F2P live service, many fans have spoken out against the high price of skins and cosmetics they could previously earn for free. This is alongside the loss of Loot Boxes, the addition of a Battle Pass and a suite of other changes that did not sit right with a large portion of the community.
Now, after 2 Seasons, Blizzard is making some changes.
In a blog post reflecting on Season 2, Blizzard outlined several things that they learned from the current season, as well as revealed some updates coming in the future. These include some changes to Ramattra’s kit to prevent his Ultimate from being too oppressive, promises that ‘most big events’ post Season 4 will have brand new rewards (with one new Legendary Skin coming for free in one of Season 3’s events) and several alterations to Ranked.
A Lesser Annihilation
The most important change to many players, however, will be the updates to monetisation. Starting in Season 3, players will now be able to earn Overwatch Credits once more (currently known as Legacy Credits in Overwatch 2) to spend on Overwatch 1 Skins and cosmetics: you can earn 1500 for free each Season and 500 through the Premium Battle Pass.
Alongside this are two core changes to the Hero Gallery. The first is that the price of all Overwatch 1 Legendary Skins is dropping to 1500 Credits (or Coins). Meanwhile, the second is that holiday-themed skins such as the Halloween, Summer and Winter Wonderland Skins will be available all year round without having to be in the daily shop. These changes mean that every season, Overwatch 2 players can earn enough Overwatch Credits to purchase an Overwatch 1 skin of their choice, with more Credits to spare should they own the Premium Battle Pass.
“This includes skins from the seasonal event modes, so now you can finally pick up Witch Mercy, Surf ‘N’ Splash Torbjörn, or Snowman Wrecking Ball any time of the year without waiting for the event to roll around!”
Season 2 Retropsective: A Look Back and the Road Forward
Legacy Credits into Overwatch Credits
Blizzard promises that this is just the beginning of their ‘journey to make Overwatch 2 a more rewarding game to play.’ While there are some concerns that players who either already have a lot of Overwatch Credits or those who have most of the Overwatch 1 Skins may feel unrewarded, Blizzard has also mentioned that they are looking at ‘additional ways for players to use Credits in the future.’
While this does not cover every issue players have with how Overwatch 2 is monetised, it is a good first step, especially with further updates coming in future Seasons.
SOURCE: Season 2 Retrospective: A Look Back and the Road Forward
