Overwatch is an electronic game in which multiple players battle online. It is a first-person shooter game, meaning that a player engages in firefights from the perspective of a character in the game world. Overwatch is known for its colorful and diverse range of characters, called heroes. Its gameplay emphasizes teamwork and coordination. The latest version of the game, Overwatch 2, can be played on personal computers (PC’s) and on video game consoles. When Overwatch 2 was released in 2022, the original version of the game became unavailable to players.
Overwatch players can choose from dozens of heroes. Each hero has a unique background story and special abilities. Heroes are separated into three categories: (1) damage, (2) support, and (3) tank. Damage heroes use their abilities and tools to harm the opposing team. Support heroes heal and protect their teammates and boost their abilities. They may also disable opponents. Tank heroes lead the team into battle and take the most enemy fire.
Overwatch was developed by the company Blizzard Entertainment of Irvine, California. It was first released in 2016. Many similar games at that time were criticized for requiring players to purchase access to certain game features. However, Overwatch offered players access to all maps, characters, and game modes (varieties of gameplay) with the original purchase of the game. The original version of Overwatch allowed players to earn or purchase “loot boxes,” which contained such upgrades as new outfits and voice commands. These upgrades enabled players to customize certain aspects of the game’s appearance, but they did not offer a competitive advantage.
New maps, heroes, and other upgrades are periodically added to Overwatch. The Overwatch Workshop was introduced in 2019, enabling players to customize the heroes and build new game modes. Overwatch 2 incorporated changes meant to attract new players. Unlike the original Overwatch, which players had to purchase, Overwatch 2 is free to play. In addition, Overwatch 2 has no loot boxes. Instead, players may buy in-game currency, which can be used to purchase virtual items.
Overwatch is popular in e-sports (electronic sports) competitions. Teams from around the world compete in the Overwatch League. Blizzard Entertainment hosted the first Overwatch World Cup in 2016 at its annual BlizzCon convention.
