Overwatch release date revealed, Blizzard's team shooter arrives May 24

Update: Well, that didn't take long. Blizzard has confirmed the May 24 release date, and clarified the early access pre-order incentive. An open beta for Overwatch will take place on May 5 - 9, and those who pre-order the game will get a two-day head start on said beta for themselves and a friend. Pre-order customers will also receive a special skin for the character Widowmaker.

Original story: It's been more than 15 years since Warcraft/StarCraft/Diablo developer Blizzard has released a new IP into the world, but it looks like fans won't have to wait much longer. According to an ad on gaming site IGN (spotted by Reddit), Overwatch is set to debut on PS4, Xbox One, and PC on May 24, with those who pre-order the game getting access to a beta period commencing on May 3.

A competitive team-based FPS with more than 20 characters to play as, Overwatch is Blizzard's first game that isn't about orcs, aliens, and/or demons in more than a decade. It was first revealed to the world as part of BlizzCon 2014, courtesy of this stylish trailer:

Now, this release date isn't officially official, but considering that Overwatch was previously said to have a spring release window and is currently in its second phase of beta testing - and having played it, I can tell you it certainly feels near completion - this fits. Don't be surprised if we get an official announcement (and trailer, please?) from Blizzard in the next few days.

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Sam Prell

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.