Overwatch 2 monetization has been widely criticized for its inflated prices and the inability for players to earn much of the Overwatch Coins premium currency by actually playing the game. Overwatch 2 is free-to-play, and so it has to have some kind of monetization in order to stay afloat, but many would agree that the way it currently handles things is not the right move. In fact, some fans of the game have decided to boycott Overwatch 2 microtransactions until Blizzard addresses the issues.
RELATED: Overwatch 2 Temporarily Disables Mei
It’s unlikely that Overwatch 2 shop changes will come during Season 1, but Season 2 represents a major opportunity for Blizzard to make up for Season 1’s woes. We know that Overwatch 2 Season 2 will see the introduction of a new Tank hero as well as a new map, and so it’s likely lapsed players may pop back in to give the game another chance. If they return and find that Blizzard has listened to fan feedback regarding monetization, it could go a long way in convincing them to stick with Overwatch 2 for the long haul.
Overwatch 2 Needs to Improve Its Battle Pass
One big way that Overwatch 2 Season 2 could appease fans is by improving its Battle Pass. As it stands, many were unimpressed with the Overwatch 2 Season 1 Battle Pass, criticizing the skins as being lackluster beyond the Cyberdemon Genji Mythic Skin and coming away frustrated by the slow progression. Another big point of contention with the Overwatch 2 Season 1 Battle Pass is the lack of currency it gives players, breaking from a standard in the free-to-play market.
Fellow free-to-play games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone give players real value for their Battle Pass by including some tiers that reward free currency. Typically, diligent players can earn enough currency from the Battle Pass that they will have enough to buy the following season’s Battle Pass. This encourages players to actually finish each Battle Pass, which keeps them playing longer. Having some extra Overwatch Coins floating around may also convince players to spend money in the shop when they wouldn’t have otherwise, as they may need to add some funds to add enough to buy whatever it is that catches their eye.
It may also be best if Blizzard abandons the idea of locking new heroes behind the Battle Pass. Locking Support hero Kiriko behind the Overwatch 2 Season 1 Battle Pass resulted in severe backlash, and it’s likely that there will be many upset when the Season 2 hero suffers a similar fate. Other free-to-play games are able to deliver Battle Passes without locking important content behind them, and it would do a lot to repair fan relations if Blizzard made sure the Season 2 Battle Pass was strictly comprised of cosmetic items.
Overwatch 2’s Store Prices Are a Problem
Fixing the Battle Pass would go a long way in improving the Overwatch 2 experience for many fans, but the game’s store needs addressed as well. Right now, Overwatch 2 shop prices are out of control, with skins that were previously available for free in Overwatch 1 selling for $20. There is even an Overwatch 2 charm that costs more in-game than its real-life counterpart, which is egregious, to say the least.
Blizzard should certainly look into slashing shop prices across the board, and beyond that, look into a way to give players the chance to earn skins without spending real money, especially legacy skins that carried over from Overwatch 1. One way this could be accomplished by bringing loot boxes back to Overwatch 2 as a reward for accomplishing certain challenges or even as Battle Pass tiers.
Regardless of how it’s done, it’s clear that Blizzard could make some big changes to Overwatch 2 monetization that would still allow it to rake in a ton of money with the game without upsetting the fanbase. Other free-to-play games accomplish this, and there’s no reason why Overwatch 2 can’t follow suit. Improving the Battle Pass and reducing the store prices would be the primary ways for Blizzard to right the ship in Season 2 and appeal to those who were burned by Season 1. It remains to be seen if lapsed players will be convinced to return with the launch of Overwatch 2 Season 2, but if they do, these changes could convince them to stick around this time.
Overwatch 2 is available in early access for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE: Overwatch 2’s Wrath of the Bride Could Be a Good Indicator of What The Campaign Will Be Like
