Being immersed in a gaming community for years can sometimes make you lose sight of how it appears to newcomers. This week, Blizzard announced the reintroduction of loot boxes to Overwatch 2 in Season 15 after eliminating mystery cosmetic packs at the launch of the sequel in 2022. My first thought was, “Ah, so those who wanted their return finally got what they wished for,” and then I moved on to other matters.

I momentarily overlooked that if someone hasn’t followed Overwatch 2 over the past few years, the decision to reintroduce loot boxes could be puzzling, especially when Blizzard seems to celebrate this change as a cause for enthusiasm. This sentiment is deeply rooted in nostalgia for the original Overwatch and frustration with the monetization strategies in Overwatch 2. The comeback of loot boxes doesn’t signify the dismantling of expensive transactions entirely; rather, it provides players with a chance to potentially acquire desired skins for free.

What Made Players Want Loot Boxes Back in Overwatch 2?

Upon the launch of Overwatch 2, there was a complete overhaul of the system for unlocking and purchasing cosmetics. Blizzard introduced an in-game shop with rotating weekly offers that could be bought with both in-game currency and real money. In contrast, the original Overwatch allowed players to unlock a loot box with each level gained, providing a random chance of obtaining the skin they desired. Although gamers had no control over loot box contents, everything from skins to victory poses could be earned without spending a dime. For those unwilling to wait, buying loot boxes with real money was an option, creating a gambling-like experience.

By the time the original Overwatch transitioned to its sequel, I had collected numerous cosmetics, rendering the free loot boxes I received mostly redundant, as they mostly contained duplicates. While I may have invested small amounts for specific items, it paled in comparison to the costs incurred while purchasing new skins in the Overwatch 2 store.

This situation is why many fans have been advocating for the return of loot boxes. They introduce a gambling mechanism that encourages spending real money in hopes of obtaining coveted skins, but previously, players could still earn them for free. A committed player could unlock all desired items without paying, but in Overwatch 2, the Mercy or Kiriko skin you wish for is behind a paywall and likely comes at a steep price.

It’s understandable that some players long for a time when Overwatch didn’t require such a significant financial commitment, especially with reports of the grind associated with it. This critical view of Overwatch 2’s pricey store indicates that some players perceive gambling as a more favorable option. However, examining loot boxes solely through the lens of Overwatch doesn’t convey the complete scenario, which may leave those outside the community puzzled by the enthusiasm.

Are Loot Boxes in Overwatch 2 Exploitative or a New Form of Progression?

Loot boxes have consistently stirred debate when it comes to microtransactions in gaming. Many gacha games utilize them in a manner considered exploitative, demanding a substantial monetary or time commitment with only a chance of receiving desired rewards. Mystery packs have even found their way into lawsuits and proposed legislation as concerned parents and lawmakers label them as predatory. Given this background, it may seem strange from an outsider’s perspective to witness Blizzard promote their return while robustly invested fans are enthusiastically welcoming them back. Nonetheless, it appears Blizzard is taking a different approach this time around, aiming for a less exploitative model.

In a recent interview with Ultimately, what Blizzard has indicated resembles less the gambling mechanisms we usually associate with loot boxes and instead appears to serve as a free progression system reminiscent of the earlier Overwatch. As long as there isn’t a paid option, I don’t see any downside to offering players the chance to earn cosmetics that have cycled out of the shop for free. Bringing back the iconic glowing loot chests bursting with celebratory flair is a nod to nostalgia consistent with other features like the return of Overwatch Classic modes and the beloved 6v6 matchmaking format. In an alternate scenario, these loot boxes could have been introduced in their previous form, primed to profit from players eager to secure the latest legendary skins.

Loot boxes are set to make their comeback in season 15 on February 18.