After releasing the successful multiplayer game Overwatch in 2016, Blizzard Entertainment is now formally preparing to end it. Fans were aware of this move’s impending arrival because Blizzard previously announced that the original game would be shutting down to make room for Overwatch 2. Fans are reflecting on the first game as it approaches its last hours even though the sequel won’t be released until later this week.
On October 3rd at noon, Blizzard will officially shut down the Overwatch servers. This action was taken in advance of the release of Overwatch 2 so that Blizzard could get the new game ready for its October 4 release. Although this means that fans won’t be able to play Overwatch in any capacity for a short period of time, Blizzard has encouraged those on social media to share their favorite moments from the game’s history. Right on cue, numerous Overwatch players have been doing just that and have been showing off their own highlights as a way to bridge the gap until Overwatch 2 drops.
We’re celebrating our transition to the next chapter with #SeeYouOnTheOtherSide! Use the hashtag to share your favorite memories from Overwatch 1 and get hyped for what the future holds! 🎉
Gameplay highlights, your favorite cinematic, a funny story – we wanna see it all 👀
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) October 2, 2022
Given that many people have previously paid money for Overwatch, it may seem strange that Blizzard is discontinuing the game. However, it’s important to note that Overwatch 2 will be free to play, so Blizzard isn’t counting on players to purchase a new edition of the game. Additionally, people who purchased Overwatch will receive a number of bonuses upon opening Overwatch 2. Not to mention, Overwatch 2 will also be getting the skins from the first game. Even if this sequel might feature a few mechanical, structural, and cosmetic improvements, it will essentially just be an updated version of the game Overwatch, which has been available for years.
As previously announced, Overwatch 2 will be released later this week on October 4 and will initially be regarded as “early access.” The sequel will be playable on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms, just like the first game.
Do you find it upsetting that Overwatch has come to the end of its useful life? And when Overwatch 2 releases in just a few days, will you be playing it? Please share your thoughts in the comments section or by contacting me at @MooreMan12 on Twitter.
Please take note that the Overwatch servers would be shutting down on October 2nd in an earlier version of this post. Sorry about the date confusion, it was a misunderstanding.
