The action of Overwatch. takes place in a technologically advanced, highly stylized future earth. In a time of global crisis, an international task force of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities known as Overwatch. had come together to restore peace to a war-torn world. After many years, the group’s influence waned, and it was eventually disbanded. Overwatch. might be gone now . . . but the world still needs heroes.

With an emphasis on accessibility and pure fun, Overwatch. brings Blizzard’s signature easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay to the FPS genre. Harnessing the power of their hero of choice, players will join forces in teams of six and battle each other across a range of futuristic global locations, from the hologram-lit streets of London to a bazaar in the shadows of a high-tech Egyptian pyramid. Every battlefield is iconic and built to highlight each character’s unique abilities, and fights can shift from streets to rooftops to open skies within the span of a breath.

While each hero represents a formidable force on their own, players can amplify their potential by assembling into a well-balanced team and creatively combining powers. No matter which hero or playstyle they prefer, players will be able to team up and accomplish the incredible in Overwatch.

Earlier today an advertisement campaign on IGN.com leaked Overwatch's release date which is now being confirmed by Blizzard.

As a newly added bonus, if you pre-purchase or preorder Overwatch for any platform at the official website, you’ll also get early access to the Open Beta for you and a friend from May 3–4. After that, everyone will have a chance to play free during an all-access Open Beta period from May 5–9.

PC, PS4, and Xbox One players alike will be able to try their hand at all 21 heroes and experience the intense action of Overwatch for themselves, including all of our launch-day heroes and maps.

To get a two-day head start in the Open Beta for you and a friend on May 3–4, simply pre-purchase or preorder any edition of Overwatch by April 29 through one of the methods below.

Battle.net Shop:

Pre-purchase the digital version of Overwatch or Overwatch: Origins Edition for PC via the Battle.net Shop. We'll send two early-access keys (PC) to your Battle.net email address—one for you and one for a friend—before the Open Beta begins.

If you've already pre-purchased digitally through Battle.net, you're good to go. We'll send you two keys before the Open Beta early-access period gets started.

Retail Stores:

Pre-purchase or preorder any version of Overwatch at a participating retailer, and your retailer will give you two Open Beta early-access keys for your specific platform before the early access period begins—one key for you, and one for a friend. Distribution varies by retailer, so check with them for additional details.

To find a participating retailer in North America, visit the official website. If you don't see your favorite store listed, check with them to find out if they're taking part in this promo.

If you previously pre-ordered or pre-purchased Overwatch at a participating retailer, contact your store to find out how to receive your early-access keys.

PlayStation Store & Xbox Store – Coming Soon:

Preorder the PS4 version or pre-purchase the Xbox One version of Overwatch: Origins Edition digitally through the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store (once available), and you'll automatically be flagged for early access to the Open Beta on your console.

Before the Open Beta early-access period begins, you’ll also receive one additional early-access key (valid only for the same platform).

And don't forget: In addition to receiving early access to the Open Beta, when you pre-purchase or preorder any version of Overwatch, you'll also get the Noire Widowmaker skin at launch!