Blizzard Entertainment has launched a surprise weekend update for Overwatch, offering players new rewards that include double experience points (XP) and free loot boxes. This move follows last week’s significant update, which introduced five new heroes and a major overhaul of the user interface, marking a revitalization of player interest in the game. As a consequence, Overwatch has seen a dramatic increase in its player base, skyrocketing to over 110,000 daily players, up from just over 40,000.

The new rewards are a part of Blizzard's effort to engage players further and enhance their gaming experience. By logging in this weekend, players can receive various cosmetic items that will enrich their in-game collection and facilitate their progress in the Battle Pass system. The inclusion of free items and events like double XP typically aims to boost player activity and retention, especially during periods of significant updates.

Blizzard's focus on community engagement with such surprise updates exemplifies their strategy to keep the player base engaged and to counter criticisms the game might have faced in the past. By fostering a positive gaming environment through giveaways and substantial content updates, Blizzard aims to solidify Overwatch’s position in the competitive gaming market and encourage both returning and new players to immerse themselves in the Overwatch universe.