When gamers open up loot boxes, they usually don't know what they're going to get. Loot boxes typically contain randomized loot, but one real-world version of an Overwatch loot box was made for only one purpose: a marriage proposal.
Overwatch, like many other games, features loot boxes containing randomized gear and cosmetics for players to enjoy. While loot boxes have created some controversy in the past, the real life version was only met with excitement and smiles.
One of the producers of Fallout 3 and Halo 4, Gavin Carter, took to the internet to find someone who could make a perfect replica of the Overwatch loot boxes. He found his solution with Optimistic Geometry, which is renowned for its remarkably accurate prop replicas. Clearly, a great deal of effort went into creating this one, as the loot box even opens on its own, just like in-game.
While in-game Overwatchloot boxes are typically pretty cheap, the same can't be said for the real-life version. Carter ended up spending a whopping $5,200 USD on the prop, which leaves the $1.99 for two boxes in-game in the utter dust. It was seemingly well worth it, though, as the proposal was a success. Carter's then-girlfriend is pictured watching the loot box with curiosity as it unfolds, only to be stunned when an engagement ring appears. Thankfully, she said yes, and now the two can share this piece of memorabilia with fond memories.
It's a far cry better than how many gamers (and government officials) now feel about in-game loot boxes. There's been a great deal of controversy surrounding these in-game transactions, with loot boxes being accused of amounting to gambling. Blizzard has previously stated that it doesn't believe that the loot box controversies apply to Overwatch, since the items can't be resold for real-world cash, but not everyone is convinced.
On the happier side of things, this is far from the first time that someone has utilized their (presumably mutual) love of video games to propose to a significant other. Gamers have previously done things like built custom Mario Maker levels leading to a proposal, while on occasion even game developers have gotten in on the action. Bioware once constructed a Mass Effect level just to help a gamer propose to her girlfriend, which was also a success.
Overwatch is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Source: Kotaku