Blizzard’s Overwatch Open Beta Thunders Onto PC, PS4 And Xbox One

Blizzard fans will be able to get their Overwatch fix TODAY! The Overwatch open beta will be available May 5^th through May 9^th on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Players who pre-purchased or pre-ordered by April 29^th had access to the open beta as of May 3^rd. 

Players will have access to Overwatch's full roster of heroes, maps, and launch-day features—including Custom Games, Loot Boxes, and Weekly Brawls. Up to twelve players can be supported on a 6v6 format. There are twenty-one available characters including a genetically-engineered gorilla named Winston. Competitive play will not be available until launch.

There are four different games modes and twelve different game maps. These game modes are:

• Assault: Hanamura, Temple of Anubis, and Volskaya Industries
• Escort: Dorado, Route 66, and Watchpoint: Gibraltar
• Assault/Escort Hybrid: Hollywood, King's Row, and Numbani
• Control: Ilios, Lijiang Tower, and Nepal

Players will also have access to different play modes. These include:

• Quick Play: Jump into a game against other players of similar skill.
• Player vs. AI: Hone your skills against a team of AI-controlled heroes.
• Custom Game: Customize the rules and play a game with your friends or AI.
• Weekly Brawl: Change things up with brawls featuring different rules sets and restrictions.

Since this is a multiplayer game, players will need Xbox Live Gold during beta and launch. PlayStation Plus is not required during beta, but will be needed for launch. All progression including skins, rewards, levels, and stats gained during the open beta or early access will be reset at launch. Cross-platform play will not be available during the open beta or at launch. Everyone can stream gameplay and there are no non-disclosure agreements. Players are welcome to run tournaments, however, there won't be tournament licenses for large-scale events with prize pools over $10,000.

Overwatch is set in a near-future Earth after the resolution of the “Omnic Crisis”. Omnic artificial intelligence threatened to end humanity but was saved by an international task force referred to as “Overwatch”. Overwatch continued to maintain peace, but were increasingly accused of corruption. One day the Overwatch headquarters were destroyed and the task force was consequently disbanded. Conflict has once again risen and both old and new heroes are called upon to restore peace.

Overwatch will officially launch on May 24^th.