While the incredibly popular shooter Overwatch continues to perform extremely well for Blizzard Entertainment, the developer isn't content to just sit back and revel in the success. Since Overwatch launched in late May, it has already seen an influx of new content with the first season of its competitive mode having arrived in June, and just recently, the first post-launch character, a support sniper called Ana, being added to the roster. The next major update arrives today and brings the spirit of the Olympics into the world of Overwatch.

Known as the Summer Games, for the next three weeks players will be able to earn special loot boxes that feature over a hundred new cosmetic items which include Olympic inspired sprays, voice lines, poses, highlight intros, emotes, and character skins. Each seasonal loot box is guaranteed to contain at least one new item from the Summer Games collection along with items from the existing selections.

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The update also adds a brand new brawl to Overwatch called Lucioball, which introduces a fast-paced 3v3 Lucio-only soccer twist to the traditional formula. This mode takes place on a new map called Estádio das Rãs, where the field has been decked out with jump pads and speed boosts to help enhance Lucio's abilities. Blizzard has tweaked the character for this mode as well, so now his primary attack is a punch, while his alternative fire emits a blast of sound for launching the ball forward. Additionally, the speed boost effect from his crossfade ability now only affects himself instead of his teammates, and his ultimate ability, Sound Barrier, pulls the ball towards him from anywhere on the field.

There are a few caveats that gamers should be aware of as well during this event. The Summer Games content cannot be purchased with in-game credit players have accrued since launch, as it is only available either through leveling up or purchasing with real money. Once the event ends, Blizzard has promised that the mode and content will be going back into the vault for good. Thankfully, this doesn't appear to be the only event Overwatch will see, as Blizzard has confirmed that more are coming down the road.

Considering that loot box unboxing videos became incredibly popular on sites like YouTube and Twitch, it's fair to assume that the trend will make a comeback with these special Summer Games loot boxes. Still, there are those who are disappointed that the seasonal content cannot be purchased with in-game currency like all other cosmetic items can be. Blizzard has not revealed why this decision was made, though the developer has shown a willingness to listen to player feedback in the past, so perhaps this fact could change down the road.

Are you excited to see seasonal content come to Overwatch? Are you disappointed that the content cannot be purchased with in-game money? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Overwatch is available now on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

Source: Overwatch Blog