The Overwatch 2 community has been inundated with negativity lately due to various disappointments with the game. Among these are Roadhog's current state and the prices of items in the in-game store. Fans had hoped that the promised PvE content would make up for these issues, but Blizzard recently confirmed that it would not be as originally promised. This news has upset many fans, particularly as it was shared after years of waiting.
However, there is a silver lining in this update - the PvE story content is still set to be released, though the endlessly replayable Hero mode and deep talent trees have been scrapped. For many fans, the story content is the main draw of Overwatch 2, and they will be happy to know that the cutscenes and campaign missions will still be part of the game. To rebuild the franchise's reputation, Blizzard should consider releasing this remaining PvE content for free.
Option 1: Making Overwatch 2’s Story Missions Free
Fans had assumed that Overwatch 2's co-op PvE content would come with a price tag, given the amount of content promised. With a proper campaign mode and a deep side mode, it seemed like a fair request. However, Blizzard has since announced that the campaign will be released in pieces over time, rather than all at once. While the developer could charge for each batch of missions, this could result in negative press. Offering the PvE content for free could attract new players who may not be interested in PvP but want to try out the PvE mode. This could lead to increased revenue from the sale of skins and battle passes.
Option 2: Tying Overwatch 2’s Story Missions to the Battle Pass
One potential solution to the issue of Overwatch 2's PvE content being withheld for a fee is to tie each batch of missions to the battle pass of the corresponding season. By offering early access to the full lineup of missions for those who purchase the premium battle pass, Blizzard could add value to its existing system without requiring fans to pay additional fees. Once a season is over, the PvE content could become free-to-play for all. This approach may appease fans who are frustrated with the current state of PvE content in Overwatch 2.
Making the story missions of Overwatch 2 completely free or available exclusively for battle pass owners would certainly be a positive move on Blizzard's part to appease the disappointed community. While some players may require more than this to return to the game, such as the revival of Hero mode and talent trees, it is understandable. Nevertheless, for those who continue to support the game and its PvE story missions, such a gesture from Blizzard would undoubtedly make a significant impression. Overwatch 2 is currently available on multiple platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.