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Loot boxes and ownership: can you win what you already have?

Loot Box Controversy | Gamers Question Skin Ownership in Overwatch 2

By

Kaori Yamada

Apr 16, 2025, 05:39 AM

2 minutes of duration

A visual representation of gaming loot boxes with various item skins, emphasizing the concept of ownership and redundancy in virtual rewards
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A brewing storm has emerged among Overwatch 2 players concerning the acquisition of skins via loot boxes while using the game pass. With the recent uptake of temporary skins, a heated debate has sparkedโ€”can players receive items they technically already possess?

The Dilemma

In the vibrant community of Overwatch 2, avid gamers are grappling with mixed messages about loot box mechanics. Many players are temporarily enjoying skins from previous seasons through a game pass, leading them to wonder if duplicates can show up in loot boxes. The concern centers around whether these transient skins, viewed as "owned" due to their loan status, can realistically be gained again from loot boxes.

Interestingly, some players assert that the game can indeed provide duplicates, indicated by a green check mark, while others assert that duplicates are off the table now. This clash of opinions highlights a disconnect in player experiences, resulting in confusion and frustration. "You canโ€™t get game pass skins in the loot boxes because the game thinks you own them," one frustrated player noted.

Community Voices

Sentiment within the community seems divided. Several players exhibit positivity towards the potential of getting additional skins, reveling in the possibilities of loot boxes. However, many are frustrated, feeling robbed of opportunities for customization due to the apparent restrictions. With such mixed sentiments,

the discussion of duplicate items from loot boxes remains a hot topic.

"They said you could not get skins that were already in your hero gallery," a regular signature on the subreddit underscores the discontent.

In addition, there's a noticeable backlash towards the communication from Blizzard regarding these mechanics. People feel that clarity is desperately needed, as numerous sources are conflicting about what players can expect, especially when trying to unlock their favorite charactersโ€™ skins.

Key Highlights

  • โœฆ Players express confusion over loot box policies and game pass interactions.

  • โœ”๏ธ Some claim duplicates appear with a green check mark while others disagree.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Majority sentiment leans towards frustration about ownership communication.

Curiously, many community members are engaging with official resources like patch notes and bug report forums to navigate these complex issues themselves. This proactive approach reflects the passionately invested player base aiming for clear rules regarding skin ownership in Overwatch 2โ€”a sentiment that is likely to persist as more players join the fray.

Further Reading

For those looking to dive deeper into the ongoing loot box debate, consider checking out:

This issue doesn't seem to be dying down anytime soon. As long as the debate continues, players will likely remain vigilant in chasing transparency regarding what their in-game ownership truly means.