Yes, Overwatch 1 is no longer playable
No. As of October 2nd, 2022, Blizzard Entertainment officially shutdown all Overwatch 1 servers to make room for its sequel, Overwatch 2. This means the original Overwatch is completely inaccessible and can no longer be played.
When Overwatch 2 launched on October 4th, 2022, it fully replaced the first game. Blizzard transferred player progress, unlocks and purchases from Overwatch 1 to 2, but opted to take the original‘s servers offline rather than keep both games running simultaneously.
Why Overwatch 2 Had to Completely Replace Overwatch 1
This decision came as a shock to some fans initially. However, Blizzard has provided clarity behind their reasons for shuttering Overwatch 1:
- Avoid dividing the player base: Keeping two separate active Overwatch titles could split the community across games.
- Reduce upkeep costs: Maintaining live servers and support staff for two games is more resource intensive.
- Encourage transition to F2P model: The shift to a free-to-play structure widens accessibility for new players.
- Focus development efforts: Putting full weight behind Overwatch 2 allows more new content and features.
Allowing players to choose between two Overwatch games could have caused matchmaking issues. And from a business perspective, shifting all operations onto a single title with a friendlier revenue model proved strategic.
Overwatch 2 producer Jared Neuss stated: "We really want to build on this game for the next 10 years rather than having two parallel Overwatch games going."
So for longtime fans, bidding farewell to the original serves to foster growth for the franchise long-term.
How Overwatch 1 Compares to Overwatch 2
Despite taking place in the same universe with familiar faces, Overwatch 2 brings some key differences:
| Aspect | Overwatch 1 | Overwatch 2 |
| Business Model | Paid Game ($40-$60) | Free-to-Play |
| Team Format | 6v6 | 5v5 |
| New Heroes (at launch) | — | Sojourn, Junker Queen & Kiriko + Seasonal Model for Future Heroes & Maps |
| Engine | Overwatch 1 Engine | Upgraded Proprietary Engine |
The switch from 6 players to 5 was controversial, changing team strategy. But it helped enhance pacing and coordination.
Critically, Overwatch 2 provides players new free content through seasonal Battle Pass drops. Live service ensures meta shakes up more consistently to keep gameplay feeling fresh.
Player Reactions Over Shutting Down Overwatch 1
In Overwatch forums and communities, player reactions ran the gamut regarding the loss of the original game:
- Anger and frustration not being able to revisit the first title.
- Disappointment over 6v6 matches no longer being available.
- Acceptance that it allows better support for Overwatch 2 long-term.
- Excitement to move onto a game more polished and updated.
I relate to feeling wistful no longer having access to Overwatch 1 – the title holds nostalgia for me as the first FPS I truly dove into. The switch to 5v5 changes the pace and flow familiar to veterans.
However, witnessing the growth in interest thanks to F2P access excites me. As a games creator myself, I respect difficult decisions made to bolster the title‘s future. And the buzz around Overwatch League has strengthened thanks to 2‘s successful launch.
Overwatch 2‘s Record Player Count Proves Worthy Successor
While saying farewell to the precursor feels bittersweet for some, Overwatch 2 has objectively drawn greater interest since its debut:
- Over 25 million players within two weeks of launch.
- Peak daily user count nearly triple that of Overwatch 1.
- Strong viewership on Twitch and YouTube during first season.
Remarkably, Overwatch 2 player count peaked:
| Game | All-Time Peak Players |
|---|---|
| Overwatch 1 | 1.5 million |
| Overwatch 2 | 4.3 million |
These milestones exhibit that while the original holds nostalgia, the redesigned successor attracts gamers old and new alike. The development team‘s ambitious vision brought to life Overwatch‘s next era.
The Fun Isn‘t Over – It‘s Just Getting Started
Losing the servers keeping the original game running stings for some of us. Overwatch 1 represents many players‘ introduction to the wonderful world of Blizzard‘s creative heroes.
However, passing the torch to Overwatch 2 rings in an exciting phase. One that brings free access, content updates and support for years to come. Prioritizing this new phase gives resources to enrich gameplay and sustain engagement over the long haul.
What memories do you cherish most from your time playing Overwatch 1? And what draws you into trying out or returning for Overwatch 2? Whatever your thoughts, the Overwatch team undoubtedly appreciates fans who‘ve stuck around for the ride this long.
And for newcomers just joining, welcome – the fun is only just getting started!
