When it comes to the quality of its cosmetics, not many games can compete with Overwatch 2. While there are a few skins that are marked as a higher rarity than they should be, most Legendaries are terrific, and the customization provided by the new Mythic skins results in some spectacular designs. Unfortunately, despite the quality of the skins and other cosmetic items like emotes and highlight intros, not everyone can afford them.
Blizzard has taken a few steps toward a more fair cosmetic system where players have items to work toward, with the added currency in the battle pass allowing players to get a Legendary outfit of their choosing every season. Events offer more skins than they did at launch, too, another good touch. However, as a free-to-play game, the reality of the situation is that most cosmetics come with a price tag attached, as Overwatch 2 needs a constant source of revenue in order to keep going. This means that not everyone can afford to buy the items they want, so it would make sense for Blizzard to adopt a gifting system.
Item Gifting in Overwatch 2 Suits The Franchise’s Tone
Overwatch 2 has always been about working together and forging relationships that will lead to success, both in its narrative and competitive multiplayer gameplay. As such, a mechanic that allows players to buy things for their friends would be a suitable addition for the hero shooter. If added, players could help their friends get an item they like if money is tight for the month, or a parent that loves playing Overwatch 2 with their kids can get them a flashy outfit for their character of choice.
Aside from just skins and individual cosmetics, battle pass gifting would be a good option to include. When players get their friends to try Overwatch 2, those friends may be unsure about spending $10 on a game that they may not like. Battle pass gifting could be a nice way for veteran players to give that new friend the full experience, letting them gather cosmetics for the hero roster and get an idea of whether they can keep up with Overwatch 2’s battle pass challenges to finish the pass in time. Even surprising a friend who plays regularly with a free pass could be a nice gesture, as no harm can really come from item gifting.
Gifting could extend to Overwatch 2’s highly anticipated PvE mode as well. Currently, fans are unsure if they will need to pay for access to the PvE content and how exactly it will be distributed, as Blizzard has said that it will be using its live service model to drop batches of PvE content regularly. Assuming this content comes in the form of expansions, or a season pass like Destiny 2, allowing players to buy a portion of PvE content for their friends could be good. Overwatch 2 has been all about PvP for years, so some players will be unsure of whether the PvE content appeals to them. For a gamer looking to convince their friend to join them in PvE, buying them a bit of PvE content could be one route to take.
Blizzard could also differentiate itself from the gifting systems in Fortnite and Call of Duty by incentivizing players to get things for their friends. The new credits system could be the perfect solution, as while coins can remain paid currency, players could earn a bit of legacy credits each time they gift a friend an item. With Overwatch 2 credits already given out for free via the battle pass, adding in another way to earn them makes sense. If players get a small bit of currency for sending gifts, then Blizzard may see more people making use of the feature.
Blizzard has had a good run recently when it comes to Overwatch 2 updates, with many fans satisfied when it comes to balance at the moment. The plans for the future are exciting, ranging from map improvements and the removal of map rotation to a hero-based progression system and a new core multiplayer mode. Keeping this good will going would be a smart decision, and adding in a gifting system would be another quality of life feature for fans to appreciate.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.