Overwatch will stop selling loot boxes by the end of August

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Consider this a sign that the Overwatch 2 transition period has begun

Overwatch 1
(Image credit: Blizzard)

You won't be able to buy Overwatch loot boxes anymore by the end of this month, bringing to a close the shooter's lengthy and controversial microtransaction practice. In a blog post announcing the Anniversary Remix Vol. 3 event, Blizzard quietly revealed that loot boxes "would no longer be available for sale" at the end of the event on August 30. 

You can still earn the regular, free loot boxes after the event comes to a close, however, and all loot boxes will automatically open before the launch of Overwatch 2 to ensure you get everything you've earned (or bought). Since Overwatch 2 will replace Overwatch 1 this October, Blizzard clearly wants to ensure you don't miss out on any skins or other cosmetics before the switch. 

Plus, Overwatch 2 won't have any loot boxes at all since it's adopting a seasonal battle pass model and abolishing the controversial practice altogether. Many countries have taken regulatory action against loot boxes, considering them to be a form of gambling that is especially sinister since it's marketed toward a younger generation. Since you don't know what you're getting when you shell out cash for a loot box, you are quite literally gambling away your money. And even though the UK recently refused to impose a ban on loot boxes, the Department for Digital Culture, Media, and Sport did say that it's up to gaming companies to "do more to make sure children can not make in-game purchases...without their parents' consent."

A third Overwatch 2 beta is a must to ensure the sequel's success - but we aren't getting one. 

Alyssa Mercante
Alyssa Mercante
Former Features Writer

Alyssa Mercante used to be a features writer at GamesRadar+ and is now a freelance writer and editor. Prior to entering the industry, she got her Masters's degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University with a dissertation focusing on contemporary indie games. She spends most of her time playing competitive shooters and in-depth RPGs and was recently on a PAX Panel about the best bars in video games. In her spare time Alyssa rescues cats, practices her Italian, and plays soccer.