‘Overwatch’ Gameplay, Features & Release Date: Beta Test for Blizzard’s Competitive Shooter to Start This Month; Here’s How You Can Register for the Event

Development studio Blizzard Entertainment has scheduled the closed beta event for its upcoming multiplayer shooter "Overwatch" to take place on October 27.

During the event, a select group of gamers will be able to test out some of the game's major features, according to PC Mag.

Blizzard has not yet mentioned when the closed beta will end but said that those who will participate in the event will have access to 18 heroes and seven maps. The studio noted that the upcoming beta test is not a promotional event for the game. Instead, it will be conducted as a traditional beta which will allow the studio to test out the game.

"The closed beta will be composed of a small number of testers who will have regular access to our public beta test," Blizzard said in a blog post. "Our goal for the closed beta is 100% gameplay feedback, and we'll be encouraging participants to discuss and dissect every hero, map, ability and other aspect of the game on our upcoming beta forums."

Those who will participate in the game's closed beta will also have access to various other features such as private lobbies, voice chats and spectator mode. According to Jeff Kaplan, the game's director, these features are part of Blizzard's plan of turning "Overwatch" into an eSport type of game.

"We have a lot more planned for eSports," he said to IGN. "We're building out our eSport plan right now. Right now what we want to communicate to everyone is that it's super important to us. We think the game is going to lend itself well to eSports, both to play, and to watch."

As mentioned by the studio, only a few gamers will be able to try out "Overwatch" during its closed beta phase in North America. Those who want to participate in the event may register through Blizzard's Battle.net. However, since it will be a closed beta, registering for an account does not guarantee a spot in the upcoming event.

But aside from the closed beta in the U.S., Blizzard is also planning on holding similar events in other regions such as Europe and Asia in the near future. The studio will also host large-scale test weekends to check if the game's servers are capable of handling huge numbers of players at the same time.

Currently, "Overwatch" does not have an official release date yet and will only be available for the Microsoft Windows once it comes out. Its gameplay utilizes squad-based combat between two teams composed on six players each.