Overwatch 1’s servers have been taken offline and the game is officially dead. The originalOverwatchgame launched in 2016, but it is being completely replaced by its sequel, the upcomingOverwatch 2. In preparation for the sequel’s launch, Blizzard has shut down theOverwatch 1servers. When the servers come back online,Overwatch 1will cease to exist andOverwatch 2will be in its place.
Overwatchwas a smash hit for Blizzardwhen the game first launched, earning widespread critical acclaim, Game of the Year awards, and general enthusiasm from the community. It was seen as a knockout success for the company, kickstarting its first new IP in years. Blizzard kept fans playingOverwatchthanks to a steady stream of content, but interest in the game started to wane as the new heroes, maps, and modes slowed down.
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To bring people back toOverwatch, Blizzard decided to makeOverwatch 2, a sequel that is launching in early access on October 4. Instead of splitting the playerbase, Blizzard has decided to make it so theOverwatch 2files will overwrite the original game. This is sad for those who preferOverwatch 1’s 6v6 gameplay, but it’s good news for those that have never had the chance to playOverwatchbefore asOverwatch 2is launching as a free-to-play release.
TheOverwatchservers are down right now, and they will remain down until October 4 at 11am PT. At that point, the servers will start coming back online, though it’s unclear if everyone will be getting access all at once at 11am PT or if it will happen gradually. Previously, Blizzard said that theofficialOverwatch 2launch timewas actually 12pm PT, so fans should keep that in mind.
While fans wait for theOverwatchservers to come back online with the launch ofOverwatch 2, Blizzard suggests that they check out theWatchpoint Pack. The Watchpoint Pack getsOverwatch 2players the Season 1 Battle Pass, two skins, and 2,000 Overwatch Coins, which is enough to purchase the Seasons 2 and 3 Battle Passes as well. A previous bonus of the Watchpoint Pack was access to the game itself, but that is obviously no longer a factor.
Besides moving to a 5v5 setup,Overwatch 2is making changes to Tank heroes, introducing the new Push game mode, and adding three new heroes for players to check out in the form of Sojourn, Junker Queen, andKiriko. Needless to say,Overwatchfans should have plenty of new content to check out in the weeks ahead.
Overwatchwas available for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
