Overwatch is ditching loot boxes soon

After popularizing loot boxes years ago with Overwatch, Blizzard is removing the controversial monetization system.

Loot boxes weren’t all that common until Overwatch came along in 2016, and after endless controversies surrounding the monetization system — everyone is tired of that mess. Thankfully, we won’t be hearing about it much longer.

On Tuesday, Blizzard announced that paid loot boxes will be taken out of Overwatch entirely on Aug. 30, 2022. That’s right – sales are ending! The Anniversary Remix: Vol 3 event, which runs from now until that date, will be the last time the company is selling loot boxes. So there are only three weeks left for you to shell out cash for unique skins. It’s heartbreaking, I know.

Of course, this is happening in preparation for Overwatch 2. Since the sequel is going free-to-play and adopting a seasonal model, there’s little room for loot boxes that cost real money. When Overwatch 2 launches in early access on Oct. 4, 2022, every loot box in a player’s inventory will automatically open and drop rewards. You’ll still be able to earn loot boxes throughout September by playing the game, but that’s it.

It’s the end of an era, for sure. However, nobody will miss not getting legendary skins during seasonal events. An old wound, for sure — one that literally everyone that plays Overwatch has.

Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.

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