Highlights
- Overwatch 2's new esports program, OWCS, may lead to changes in the in-game Overwatch League shop and cosmetics.
- The fate of OWL tokens is uncertain with the end of OWL. They may be removed from the game, but there is a chance that OWCS will continue to use them for viewer incentives and rewards.
- A mass re-release of OWL skins before vaulting them permanently would allow players to obtain the cosmetics they want before the new esports program takes over.
When news of Overwatch 2's shuttered pro scene came to light in November 2023, dedicated viewers of the esport were surprised and disappointed. Fortunately, despite confirming the Overwatch League's demise, Blizzard was able to simultaneously assure fans that a "revitalized" program was in the works. After months of uncertainty, an exciting new esports program was finally unveiled, dubbed the Overwatch Championships Series (OWCS).
Though details of Overwatch 2's new esports program have been plentiful, there is still one vital question that has yet to be answered. While players received a comprehensive overview of what this new era will look like, Team 4 has yet to reveal what will happen to the in-game Overwatch League shop and cosmetics. With OWCS emerging as the replacement for OWL, players may miss out on vaulted skins.
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Overwatch 2's New Esports Program Makes OWL Shop Ineffective
Rebranding Could Directly Affect Cosmetics
At this point, there has been no official confirmation from Blizzard about whether the OWCS will affect any of the existing OWL cosmetics and skins. However, since Overwatch's new esports program is set to debut by March 2024, it seems likely that adjustments to the OWL shop will be launched soon. Considering that the OWL category has become home to several iconic team colors and memories over the years, the idea of the tab suddenly vanishing could result in some bitterness from its longtime followers.
OWL Tokens May Be Lost To Time
OWL ending not only suggests that fans could lose the ability to obtain skins representing their beloved city-based teams, but also raises questions about the fate of OWL tokens. Tokens are one of the four main currencies in Overwatch 2, but they may be removed from the game come March due to their association with OWL. However, there's also a good chance that OWCS will opt to continue using tokens since Blizzard has already verified that viewership incentives and in-game rewards will be granted for watching Overwatch Esports this year.
Fans Hope OWL Cosmetics Will Be Unvaulted Before OWCS Takes Over
Regardless of the status of OWL tokens, the fate of OWL cosmetics still hangs in the balance. Some have wondered if they will vanish entirely or simply be removed from the reward pool. It's hard to imagine that Blizzard will pull already purchased skins from the game entirely, seeing as they serve as memorabilia from a nostalgic era. Even the most controversial Overwatch skins have never been fully removed from the game. Instead, fans were given the option to keep the skins or receive a full refund.
At this point, there has been no official confirmation from Blizzard about whether the OWCS will affect any of the existing OWL cosmetics and skins.
Amidst the widespread speculation, the uncertainties regarding the store should be addressed by Team 4 in the near future. With Overwatch 2's newfound partnership with FACEIT about to take center stage, Blizzard ought to do a mass re-release of OWL skins before vaulting them permanently. This would at the very least allow players to obtain the MVP, Championship, and Contenders cosmetics they want before the new esports program fully takes over.
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 is Blizzard's free-to-play team-based first-person shooter. The title features some new heroes like Junker Queen and Sojourn, as well as returning favorites.
