Overwatch 2 crossover events: Shameless cash grabs or harmless fun?

Since Overwatch 2 launched in 2022, changing Overwatch 1 totally, the sport has been beneath scrutiny for the implementation of monetisation strategies. Overwatch 1 needed to be bought, however all cosmetics may very well be earned in-game. Gamers might select to purchase loot packing containers to get a greater probability at acquiring these skins, however they had been nonetheless earnable.

Quick ahead to Overwatch 2, and the construction of the sport has modified. It’s free to play, however cosmetics are pricey, particularly new skins for the heroes. Blizzard has stored pores and skin choices fascinating by collaborating with different huge franchises to create crossover occasions whereby sure Overwatch heroes obtain new outfits and different cosmetics associated to the partnered franchise. 

Whereas it’s enjoyable to see these franchises come collectively, there may be undeniably a powerful discourse surrounding the price of these collaboration occasions. The large query is, are these crossover occasions a shameless money seize on Blizzard’s half, or are they easy, innocent enjoyable? Let’s dive into the subject in additional element. 

Crossovers in Overwatch 2 are limited-time occasions whereby the Overwatch franchise collaborates with different popular culture franchises. These franchises have principally been anime-related, however as of Could 2025, different collabs have included Okay-pop and different video video games. 

Crossover occasions contain challenges whereby gamers can unlock free rewards, however the collabs principally revolve round cosmetics, particularly skins. The extra detailed cosmetics, such because the skins, should be paid for individually utilizing Overwatch cash. Gamers can change real-life cash for Overwatch cash to buy skins throughout crossover occasions. 

On the time of writing (Could 2025), there have been 12 crossover occasions in Overwatch 2. They’re as follows:

Crossovers in Overwatch 2 exist to maintain gamers engaged whereas increasing the Overwatch model, however they’re additionally a big means for Blizzard to monetise the sport. Overwatch 2 is free to play, and in-game purchases are the principle income. 

The cosmetics launched as a part of crossover occasions are restricted in time, which creates a “FOMO” or “Worry of Lacking Out” impact. Gamers usually tend to buy cosmetics after they know that they may miss out in the event that they don’t get them in time, which successfully attracts in gamers and purchases. 

These crossover occasions have obtained each constructive and adverse responses from the Overwatch 2 group. Let’s have a better have a look at a few of these professionals and cons. 

So, are these occasions real or have they been created merely for monetisation? The reply isn’t set in stone, but it surely’s straightforward to see each side of the argument. 

Many gamers within the Overwatch 2 group have thought of the sequel a money seize because it first launched, not to mention earlier than the monetisation makes an attempt elevated tenfold with the crossover occasions. This has led to many gamers changing into disillusioned. 

A remark from Redditor oldtekk on a post about in-game monetisation on the Overwatch 2 Reddit displays this sense properly: “Overwatch monetisation has actually ruined the sport for me. There’s no pleasure round occasions anymore.”

The group can also be conscious of how ridiculously overpriced the skins are, particularly for crossover occasions. A Reddit post highlighting the price of the Road Fighter collab skins notes that buying all eight of the Street Fighter x Overwatch 2 skins is simply barely cheaper than buying nearly each Road Fighter sport, which is especially eye-opening. 

Discourse within the feedback is combined, with many arguing that Blizzard is clearly going to cost some huge cash for cosmetics when Overwatch 2 is free-to-play. One other argument is that gamers don’t have to purchase something they don’t need to. Within the thread, Redditor doomleika is pragmatic concerning the state of affairs within the aforementioned Road Fighter collab thread: “That’s how pores and skin enterprise works. Overpriced property.”

Nevertheless, some gamers are nonetheless actively towards this stage of pricing. In the identical thread, Reddit person ATVLover states: “I actually miss the times of while you purchased a sport, you could possibly unlock every little thing by really enjoying. It’s actually unlucky that that is the brand new norm and folks simply settle for it that you must spend $100s to get all of the cosmetics.”

One other remark by Rarrlow additionally expresses the disillusionment in the direction of the blasé perspective that some present in the direction of the crossover beauty prices: “Unbelievable that some individuals will nonetheless defend these costs.”

Over on X, discourse is about the identical, with some defending the costs and others vehemently opposing them. One particularly interesting post comes from @POLARITY_Q, which takes a submit from Reddit to indicate simply how related Soldier 76’s default pores and skin is to his Guile Road Fighter pores and skin. The resemblance is uncanny, and it’s irritating to suppose that the Guile outfit is a full-price Legendary collab pores and skin when it’s so much like a free default pores and skin. 

All in all, there may be an excessive amount of comprehensible irritation with the worth of cosmetics throughout crossover occasions in Overwatch 2. There is no such thing as a doubt that the collabs are designed with enjoyable in thoughts, however the monetisation component is tough to disregard. 

As a result of Overwatch 2 being a free-to-play sport, the skins that come about from crossover occasions are clearly an try by Blizzard to monetise the enjoyable nature of collaborations as a lot as doable. Though there will be loads of cool options concerned, and gamers aren’t compelled to make any purchases, it’s arduous to disregard the blatant cash-grab nature of the crossover occasions, particularly in newer instances.