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Tracer Overwatch (Source - Google)
Cosmetic items are a staple for any live service game. They allow the company to keep providing regular updates and content in the game. However, the last few years have seen a surge in unnecessary cosmetic items across many different games.
Overwatch 2 failed to impress the majority since its launch with excessive monetization, and other issues. However, since the game is a popular esports title, many have often let it slide. Blizzard has once again added a new set of cosmetics to the game.
However, this time, players didn’t seem very pleased as one of the new cosmetics came as a premium spray bundle costing 500 Overwatch coins or $4.99. The bundle contains six sprays for Sombra, Widowmaker, Doomfist, Mercy, Brigitte, and Symmetra from Mirrorwatch, the new game mode.
Players respond to the move by Blizzard
The players were quick to slam Blizzard on this decision, as sprays are one of the last used items and are often a free reward for completing missions. Many insisted that they would not spend premium currency on something they believe should be unlockable.
are we seriously charging premium currency for a spray pack lol pic.twitter.com/Jmyvvlahkq
— Niandra! (@Niandra_) May 7, 2024
“Oh my god, here I was wondering they were gonna make us do a challenge to get them… absolute joke,” one of the users said while another claimed, “They 100% were supposed to be event rewards, but they thought they could make money by selling them instead.”
These types of cosmetics are often the testing waters for a company, as they observe how much they can push monetization in any live service game before receiving backlash. The sad part is, that even after the company receives backlash, they will often choose to do it again if it is profitable.
Activision Blizzard was also recently found Guilty in a patent infringement case and was slapped with a $23.4 million fine as they were held accountable for infringing on Acceleration Bay’s patents. Surely Blizzard isn’t planning to make the money back through these sprays.