Despite canning a PvE mode<\/span>, Overwatch 2<\/em> is still going ahead with some story-based missions, and after showing them off earlier this week<\/span> we now have some details on how they\u2019re going to work and, more importantly I guess, how much they\u2019re going to cost.<\/p>\n

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The Yakuza Devs Should Cast These Celebs In Their Next Hostess Club Minigame<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
And they\u2019re going to cost a minimum of $15 (or $40 for a bigger download). Look, I know video game development is expensive, and this is a free-to-play game so money has to be made somewhere, but hrmm. Overwatch <\/em>fans, drawn in large part to the series for its story, lore and characters, have put up with many missteps over Overwatch 2<\/em>, but charging $15 for three story missions is certainly asking a lot, and the backlash\u2014taking place mostly over social media, since Reddit is a bust<\/span>\u2014has been swift<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n
Like, look at the terms of this announcement<\/span>, presented in Blizzard\u2019s own words so you can see how it\u2019s messaged:<\/p>\n
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In Overwatch 2: Invasion, you and your friends can take on three action-packed missions that take place in Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, and Gothenburg\u2014massive maps with complex objectives, and an in-depth storyline that will guide you along the way. You\u2019ll fight against the intensified forces of Null Sector, who will continue to attack until you\u2019ve completely dismantled them. Stay alert for challenging enemies that haven\u2019t been encountered before, such as the powerful Artillery and the deadly Stalkers.<\/p>\n
You can get started on your mission to save the world with the Overwatch 2: Invasion Bundle for $15 USD. This bundle includes:<\/p>\n
– Permanent access to the Overwatch 2: Invasion Story Missions<\/p>\n
– 1,000 Overwatch Coins (equal to the Premium Battle Pass, $10 USD value)<\/p>\n
– A brand-new Sojourn Legendary skin ($19 USD value)<\/p>\n
– Permanent access to Sojourn as a playable hero for new players: unlocked upon completing Story Mission challenges.<\/p>\n
The Overwatch 2: Invasion bundle is intended to give new and veteran players alike the opportunity to explore this brand-new story arc while giving them additional coins to unlock the Premium Battle Pass or to buy cosmetic content for their favorite Hero. <\/p>\n
\u00a0You can also upgrade to the Overwatch 2: Ultimate Invasion Bundle for $40 USD, you will have access to all the above, as well as:<\/p>\n
– The Null Sector Premium Battle Pass with 20 Battle Pass skips ($30 USD value)<\/p>\n
– An additional 1,000 Overwatch Coins, for a total of 2,000 Overwatch Coins ($20 USD value)<\/p>\n
– Two additional Legendary skins for Cassidy and Kiriko ($38 USD value).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
I\u2019m sure someone at Blizzard and Activision can and will defend this, pointing to earnings and metrics and forecasts and business strategies, but what are we even doing here when a video game has to be packaged and spelled out like this? <\/p>\n<\/div>\n