Considering it was born from the failure of an MMO, I think even Blizzard is a little fascinated by just how well the world has taken to Overwatch. In November of last year the developer celebrated 20 million registered players, and it’s taken less than two months to increase that figure by a quarter. Yesterday, Blizzard welcomed the 25th million player into their class-based shooter world, celebrating their success with a post on social media.
Overwatch’s previous 20 million record set a new bar for the developer, with it being the fastest growing game the studio has put out to date. It doesn’t necessarily translate to the number of copies the game has sold (which must be close, if not even more given some players choose to purchase multiple copies), but any game with this number of registered players is clearly doing something very right.
The world needs heroes, and over 25 MILLION have answered the call!
The fight for the future isn’t over yet, though… Are you with us? pic.twitter.com/aVoON7QwMB
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) 26 January 2017
A lot of that has to do with the support Blizzard has fed into the game, which start and stop with the many free events that have made their way into the game over the past year. Right now Blizzard is hosting the Year of the Rooster, which adds new seasonal loot boxes to the game along with a brand new Capture the Flag mode. A few weeks ago there was the Christmas Event, and a few weeks prior Blizzard included another new game mode with their Halloween special. That sort of post-launch support comes few and far between, but it’s working in Blizzard’s favour.
It also helps that the game is constantly being tweaked to help shift the meta, that goes hand in hand with a polished, well-rounded package that still captivates players despite having only two (now three!) game modes. Overwatch will likely continue to soar through 2017, and Blizzard already have plans to address characters like Bastion in the near future. No matter which way you cut it, Blizzard have that Midas touch.
Last Updated: January 27, 2017
Ricardo Harvey
January 27, 2017 at 13:18
It really helps that they ran some great specials on it over the last 2 months.
Admiral Chief
January 27, 2017 at 13:24
Junkrat is mah boyyyyyyyyyyy
Dresden
January 27, 2017 at 14:17
Luccio commin’ at ya!
Gavin Mannion
January 27, 2017 at 14:21
my daughter is so disappointed in me that I use Junkrat… Junkrat is awesome
Admiral Chief
January 30, 2017 at 08:04
Almost every match that I play him, I get play of the game.
Also, that schneaky trap/mine at the front of a spawn is always a lol
Deceased
February 2, 2017 at 00:04
Your daughter is right – you should be ashamed 🙁
Geoffrey Tim
January 27, 2017 at 13:29
This headline tho <3
Ottokie
January 27, 2017 at 13:30
Everyone is still playing free for all in the hallways!
Gavin Mannion
January 27, 2017 at 14:20
GET ON THE GOD DAMN PAYLOAD
Dresden
January 27, 2017 at 14:24
“Ok I’m on my… ooooh look a low health Tracer!”
Proceeds to chase for a few minutes and dies eventually…
Dutch Matrix
January 27, 2017 at 13:48
Question: If I start playing Overwatch this weekend, what are the odds of me actually being any good? Or will I end up getting shot in the face. A lot?
PurplePariah
January 27, 2017 at 13:51
Well with the next patch you won’t get teabagged at least.
Gavin Mannion
January 27, 2017 at 14:22
nah their ranking system is great.. you will play placement matches and be ranked where you belong…
Dutch Matrix
January 27, 2017 at 14:29
Oh Good! Maybe I’ll get it this weekend!
Dresden
January 27, 2017 at 14:38
https://youtu.be/bfbRXGePhfU
Sageville
January 30, 2017 at 10:19
Zenyatta4Lyf
Deceased
February 2, 2017 at 00:02
Can we vote this title of the week or something?