The reputation of Overwatch 2 is steadily declining, and the community is slowly becoming fed up with the skin prices.
In-game purchases and microtransactions have always faced critical feedback in the gaming world. While this type of monetization was mostly encountered and frequently criticized in mobile games, it's becoming increasingly common in PC and console titles as well. Especially in free-to-play or online multiplayer games, developers often rely on the sale of cosmetics to recoup the costs incurred for the longevity of the games.
However, some studios overdo this practice, at least from the community's perspective.
Community In Agreement: Overwatch 2 Skin Prices Are Excessively High
On Reddit, a disappointed player shared their thoughts on the pricing policy of Overwatch 2.
The successor to the popular team shooter Overwatch has been free since release and features a revamped monetization model. The famous loot boxes have been removed and a Battle Pass as well as purchasable cosmetics have been added.
It feels scummy to see skins are priced the way they are because I'm NOT supposed to buy them. by u/gistoffski in Overwatch
The user feels that they are not among the target audience for the purchasable skins, many of which cost $20 or even more. In their opinion, the skins are only for players who can afford them without a second thought.
In the comments, there is a lot of agreement, discussing many examples for Blizzards pricing policy:
- u/jambangantahi writes: "Blizzard only think battlepass as a way to make profit while it's supposed to be a way to keep people playing the game frequently too.."
- u/Bekkichan writes: "Yeah I honestly hate it because part of what I loved with overwatch 1 was trying to collect all skins. Even when there was some released you had to buy I could normally get up 10$ every once in a while for a skin. 20$ I just can't do though. I don't even feel right getting a 20$ skin occasionally"
- u/ArdaKirk writes: "No matter how good a skin is, it just doesnt make sense to spend that much if its not a character you even play much, where in Ow1 i got basically all skins i liked no matter if i played them or not"
- u/manofwaromega writes: "They're literally charging $20 for a recolor of a $10 skin. You can't make this shit up."
Also, on other social media platforms, you can frequently see the dissatisfaction of the community.
For example, in September 2023, one could purchase a Junkrat skin for around $12. However, the skin itself differed only slightly from the hero's default skin.
skin so bad, that it should be free.they just put hats on characters and call it legendary/epic
— AyQoN (@ayqon_01) September 14, 2023
When Season 7 brought a major Diablo collaboration for the fans, many Overwatch players decided to put their wallets away. The Lilith skin for Moira, which had been prominently advertised for the season, was only available in a bundle for $40.
I really was looking forward to this season. Then I log on and see the new featured Moira/Lilith skin behind a $39.99 paywall. That left a nasty taste in mouth. I'm tempted to say screw this whole season and go start Baldur's Gate 3 and I've been playing this game since alpha.
— FRoZeNShAdY (@MarcApruzzese) October 11, 2023
It's a fine line that video game companies walk when they decide to generate additional revenue through in-game content sales. On one hand, long-lasting titles that are played by many gamers for thousands of hours need to be somehow sustained.
In many communities, this approach is actually well-received. For example, if players are passionate about a particular character, they are often willing to spend extra money on cosmetics. However, this goodwill should, on the other hand, not be overexploited, or soon nobody will be buying anything anymore.