It’s now official: after the release of Overwatch 2, the first part will become unavailable to gamers. The sequel will completely “kill” the original game – Blizzard itself warns about this on the combatant’s website.
Here’s what the Overwatch 2 page says On Battle.net:
Overwatch will be replaced by Overwatch 2 after the launch of Overwatch 2. All Overwatch items will either be replaced by Overwatch 2 equivalents or become unavailable. Overwatch in-game items from Overwatch Legendary Edition can be used in Overwatch 2.
Thus, gamers who won’t enjoy the sequel will lose the opportunity to play the first part. On the other hand, Blizzard’s decision is also understandable: the game, though positioned as a sequel, but by its essence is more of a major update for the original. And keep different servers for different versions and split the already modest audience shooter – a move not very sensible.