PSA: You Might Be in the Overwatch Beta Right Now
The beta test weekend for Blizzard's new game, Overwatch, is now live, and you might have access.
Earlier this week, Blizzard announced that it would add "a lot more players" in the Americas and Europe to the beta for this weekend. Based on that vague statement, it was unclear just how many people would actually get in. With the beta weekend now underway, there are a few ways of seeing if you can take part.
Blizzard says it sent emails to everyone who's been allowed in for this weekend. But with the threat of such an email being a phishing scam (who hasn't gotten a fake "your WoW account has been suspended" email or three?), there's a better way to check. Just open up the Battle.net launcher (or download it, as this is how the game is installed) and check the Overwatch tab to see if you're got an Install button. If you do, you're in. You can also check the Game Accounts section of the Battle.net website to see if your account has been flagged.
The beta test weekend began today, November 20, at 9 AM PST and runs until Monday, November 23, at 9 AM. Players have access to all 21 characters in the game and a handful of maps. Blizzard describes this as a stress test, meaning there could be network issues that pop up.
Your participation in this beta weekend won't have any impact on being allowed into future beta weekend events (or the closed beta proper). Any progress you make won't transfer to the full game, which is due out next spring.
The minimum and recommended specs for the Overwatch beta follow below.
Minimum specs (targeting 30fps):
OS: Windows Vista/7/ 8/10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 865
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 460, ATI Radeon HD 4850, or Intel HD Graphics 4400
Memory: 768 MB VRAM, 4 GB System RAM
Storage: 7200 RPM with 5 GB available HD space
Recommended (targeting 60fps on Medium settings):
Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Phenom II X3 2.8 GHz
Video: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 or ATI Radeon HD 7950
Memory: 2 GB VRAM, 6 GB System RAM
