The Overwatch beta is back in business for residents in Europe and North America today – with many changes.

If you haven’t opted in already, you can do so by pre-purchasing the game or you can sign up over on Battle.net. Those who participated in the previous beta will be granted auto-access.

The new closed beta introduces an all-new progression system, two new maps, a new game mode and some balancing updates.

With the Progression System, instead of leveling up individual heroes, players will gain levels per account which will unlock randomized cosmetics.

When a new level is gained, players will be handed a Loot Box containing four items. These items range from new skins, to highlight intros (in video below), new animations, emotes, poses, icons, player victory lines or graffiti tags – shown in the images below.

These random cosmetic drops can be exchanged for in-game currency if you’re not too fond of them. If you don’t get a drop you’ve been wanting, later down the line Blizzard will sell them for real money. A price or when to expect them to be sold remains undetermined.

“We designed Overwatch to be a game that’s exciting and satisfying to play on its own; however, we also know how fun it can be to work toward long-term goals and be rewarded for the time and effort you’ve put into playing,” said Blizzard regarding the new Progression System.

Again, the items are cosmetic only, won’t have a level cap, and are only a way for players to “express” themselves in the game.

The beta update also features Private Game updates, including full A.I. matches. So there’s all that as well.



Posted: Feb 09, 2016 8:29 pm
Related Forum: PC Gaming Forum

Source: http://www.vg247.com/2016/02/09/the-overwatch-beta-goes-back-online-today/