ωThe 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.

As players compete in matches—win or lose—they’ll level up and earn Loot Boxes, each containing a combination of four items players can use to customize their heroes, including in-game credits and cosmetic goodies including skins, sprays, voice lines, and new animations. Among these items are legendary skins that dramatically alter heroes’ appearances, such as the post-apocalyptic Scavenger D.Va, or Lone Wolf Hanzo, which fills Overwatch’s expert bowman with the spirit of the wild.

The Overwatch team is excited to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of Overwatch with our latest seasonal event – Overwatch Anniversary, a Free-Weekend and the release of Overwatch: Game of the Year Edition!

The upcoming Anniversary Event begins on Tuesday May 23rd, 2017. To celebrate, the Overwatch team has created a “Year in Review” trailer.

In addition to Overwatch Anniversary, we will be holding another free-weekend from May 26th-29th. For this free weekend, we're making Overwatch's full roster of heroes and maps available for play in a variety of modes, including Quick Play, Custom Games, and the latest Weekly Brawl. Players will also have the ability to level up, earn Loot Boxes, and unlock a variety of different customization options. If players decide to purchase a copy of Overwatch after the free-weekend they will get to keep any progress made during the weekend.

On Tuesday May 23rd we will be releasing the digital version of Overwatch: Game of the Year Edition for PC, Xbox One and PS4. The Game of the Year Edition will include a variety of in-game goodies for Blizzard games:

• Overwatch - 10 Bonus Loot Boxes: Enjoy 10 bonus Loot Boxes which each contain random items that can be used to customize the appearance of your heroes and personalize them. Loot Boxes may include Skins, Emotes, Victory Poses, Voice Lines, Sprays, and Highlight Intros, as well as Credits you can use to acquire many different customization options.
• Overwatch - Hero Skins: Pay homage to the original Overwatch strike force by wearing the vintage Blackwatch Reyes or Strike-Commander Morrison skins. Explore other heroes’ origins with Overgrown Bastion, Security Chief Pharah, and even Slipstream Tracer!
• Heroes of the Storm - Tracer Hero: Jump into the Nexus with Tracer and surprise your enemies in the blink of an eye.
• World of Warcraft - Baby Winston Pet: Adorably cuddly and highly intellectual, the Baby Winston pet will be at your side as you fight your way through Azeroth.
• Diablo III - Mercy's Wings: Slay demonic forces throughout the High Heavens and Burning Hells as you don Mercy’s wings. All of Sanctuary will know of your allegiance to Overwatch!
• StarCraft II In-game Portraits and a Hearthstone Card Back!: With portraits of Tracer, Reaper, Pharah, Winston, Bastion, and Soldier: 76, you’re sure to become a champion of the Koprulu Sector. You can also battle it out in Hearthstone with an Overwatch-themed card back fit for a hero!