‘Overwatch’ Launch And Open Beta Dates Announced For PS4, Xbox One, And PC
Fans of Blizzard Entertainment have eagerly been keeping their eyes on Overwatch either to attempt to get in the closed beta or to find out the game’s release date. The hero shooter’s launch date was finally revealed Monday following an accidental leak. Additionally, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC owners can expect to partake in a wider open beta scheduled three weeks beta before launch.
A full site advertisement spotted on IGN by Reddit user Deadpoolthegreat revealed that Overwatch is eyeing a May 24, 2016, release date. The advertisement has since been removed, but the internet being such that it is, images of the advertisement were captured and shared.
This was followed hours later with an official press release from Blizzard Entertainment confirming the May 24 launch. Additionally, details for an open beta for the game were posted to the game’s website, and it is being promoted as an “all-access period” taking place from May 5 through May 9 on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Those who desire to spend more time with Overwatch prior to release can pre-order the game from Battle.net or participating retailers to start playing the beta two days earlier on May 3. This includes the digital editions sold on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store.
The Overwatch open beta will include all 21 heroes included with the game at launch. Additionally, all eight maps that will be released with the game will be available to play as well. Progress from the beta will not carry over to the full launch of the game. Players should also not expect any cross-play support between platforms at all either during the beta or post-launch.
“Overwatch is a team shooter for everyone, with deep, cooperative gameplay, fast and fun competitive action, and a diverse range of larger-than-life heroes,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We think PC and console players everywhere will have a great time in the game, and we’re excited to give everyone a chance to try Overwatch out for themselves ahead of its May 24 launch.”
Overwatch will be available in multiple editions for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The consoles and PC receive the Origins Edition for $59.99. This comes with hero skins for five characters based on their background stories — Blackwatch Reyes (Reaper), Strike-Commander Morrison (Soldier: 76), Overgrown Bastion, Security Chief Pharah, and Slipstream Tracer. Additional goodies are also included such as a Baby Winston pet for World of Warcraft, an Overwatch card for Hearthstone, player portraits for StarCraft II, Mercy’s Wings for Diable III, and playable Tracer for Heroes of the Storm.
Meanwhile, a $39.99 digital-only edition is available for the PC, and all three platforms have the $129.99 Limited Collector’s Edition as an option. This comes with all of the contents from the Origins Edition plus the soundtrack from the game, an art book, and a 12.8-inch Soldier 76 statue.
As previously covered by the Inquisitr, Overwatch will also support free content updates with new maps and heroes after launch. Game Director Jeff Kaplan stated the team kicked around ideas and eventually decided the best way to add them was to patch them into the game for free instead of as paid DLC.
Details on future heroes added after release have still not been shared. However, there are Easter Eggs that can be found in maps for some of the new additions being considered.
The current closed PC beta for Overwatch will end prior to the May 3 start date of the open beta. Blizzard will announce the exact timing later.
[Image via Overwatch]
