Blizzard's hit first-person multiplayer shooter has a surprise for future fans of the franchise for the Thanksgiving holiday. But the game studio best known for classic video games such as "Starcraft" and "Diablo 3" has more in mind than simply letting free-trial players get a taste of what "Overwatch" can give.
In a blogpost on the official "Overwatch" webpage, Blizzard announced that interested gamers can download "Overwatch" for free starting Nov. 20. The "Overwatch" free trial will be available to PC, Playstation 4, and Xbox One gamers until the trial's end on Nov. 26.
In addition, Blizzard promises that the "Overwatch" free trial will not be a blunted experience for anyone trying out the game during the trial period. Free trial players can expect to have access to all 29 "Overwatch" heroes - including the game's latest anti-heroine Ashe - as well as 19 available maps. "Overwatch" fans-to-be can also expect play a varied amount of game modes on the available maps, some of which include Quick Play, Custom Games, and Arcade options.
During the "Overwatch" free trial period, players can expect to gain progress by leveling up, acquiring loot boxes, and unlocking different customization options. Blizzard's promise of a full gameplay experience is more appealing with the note that "Overwatch" free trial players get to keep all the progress they earn during the free trial period if they decide to take the plunge and purchase the full game after the event.
In addition to the game progress, players who have Twitch accounts can also gain free "Overwatch" in-game items by linking their "Overwatch" accounts to their Twitch accounts. The players will have to watch at least two hours of "Overwatch" streamt to receive event exclusive cosmetic items.
Players worried about "Overwatch's" download size for a game they might only play for a week at most can already start pre-loading the game for the Playstation 4 and Xbox One as of today. Console players wishing to participate in the "Overwatch" free trial will need an active subscription to Playstation Plus and Xbox Live Gold to be able to fully play the game.
Blizzard's decision to provide a week-long "Overwatch" free trial experience for potential players comes at a time when significant meta-defining changes to the game may be happening. According to PC Gamer, breakout "Overwatch" character Brigitte may be seeing a significant nerf after her sky-rocketing performance ever since her introduction earlier this year. Any gamers interested in getting into "Overwatch" after the free trial period may have to keep in mind the upcoming meta-game changes in the near future.
