Overwatch 2 is, for the most part, dropping the monetization model currently present in the original game. This previously announced change from loot boxes to a battle pass left fans unsure of what would happen to their existing loot boxes. After all, some players have thousands of loot boxes saved up on their accounts. Blizzard has confirmed that all unopened loot boxes will be “automatically opened” in Overwatch 2.
Blizzard recently ran a Reddit AMA to allow players to ask Overwatch developers questions about the sequel. Eight different developers took part, including lead narrative designer Gavin Jurgens, senior hero designer Josh Noh, and game director Aaron Keller.
In this AMA, Reddit user 11boat asked, “What will happen to loot boxes and the current currencies once Overwatch 2 goes live?” Blizzard’s commercial leader Jon Spector responded, “We are not transitioning loot boxes into Overwatch 2, and ahead of launch, any unopened loot boxes will be automatically opened.” Spector went on to explain that all contents in the loot boxes will be added to your account. He also said to expect a “more detailed explanation” closer to launch.
This is great news. Previously, many assumed that those with stored loot boxes would have to manually open them all. The alternative looked to be just letting them go and losing out on all of those credits and cosmetics. But that won’t be necessary thanks to this decision.
(Source: Reddit)
Legacy currency
Some Overwatch players might find this news exciting, as it means their credits will transfer over. However, that isn’t entirely true. Later on in the AMA, Spector mentioned that some things in Overwatch 2 will not be purchasable with Overwatch 1 credits. In other words, credits from the original Overwatch will be treated as a legacy currency. Players who want to purchase new cosmetics or purchase the battle pass will require Overwatch 2‘s new virtual currency.
