Blizzard Entertainment is really banking a lot on the potential success of a multiplayer first-person shooter known as Overwatch. In addition to the players being characters with many abilities for combat, the game also has a very complicated futuristic backstory designed to draw in new players. This is everything known about Overwatch with its release date, pre-order information, beta test dates, midnight release parties, and its Origins and Special Collector's Editions.
The game was first unveiled at BlizzCon 2014, and in the two years, the company has had a lot of time to make the game something special. The game will be out at the end of next month, but those who want to get in on it early can get in on some pre-order extras.
For example, Gotta Be Mobile reports that Gamestop is giving anyone that places an Overwatch pre-order at one of its stores will receive a free Winston Mini Figure while supplies last. Winston is an intelligent ape who was the subject of Overwatch's first video preview a few weeks ago. His figure is available for Gamestop shoppers online and in store, but only if they are going to get a physical copy of the game.
A Gamestop pre-order can also insure that the buyer will get an Overwatch poster. Those that are at the store will get that poster at the moment of their pre-order reservation, but online shoppers have to print their order confirmation and take it to the store to get the poster.
Anyone who pre-orders Overwatch with a digital or physical copy will have access to the Overwatch Open Beta. This Open Beta will kick off on May 3rd, a few weeks before the game's release. For anyone else, then you need to wait until May 5th, ad this will last until May 9th.
After that, Overwatch has a release date of May 24th. It is possible that you could go to a Midnight Release party on the day before and get it then, but there isn't really any confirmation from Gamestop or Best Buy if that is going on.
If you want to get in on Overwatch early, the game is available for pre-purchase on the Overwatch site, with the Basic Edition with pre-purchase bonuses like a Noire Skin for Widowmaker and early access to the Overwatch Open Beta, 21 heroes, and some Iconic environments like King's Row in London, the Temple of Anubis, and more for $39.99. The Overwatch Origins Edition comes with the same but includes some in-game goodies as well as 5 Origin Skins including Overgrown Bastion, Security Chief Pharah, Strike-Commander Morrison, Blackwatch Reyes, and Slipstream Tracer. This is priced at $59.99.
