All Overwatch Post-Release Maps and Heroes Will Be Free

Responding to questions from fans, Blizzard today confirmed that all of the maps and characters released for Overwatch after launch won't cost you a penny. In a video address, game director Jeff Kaplan said the team at Blizzard is "really proud" of the 21 heroes that will be available at launch, but said the team is already thinking about more characters and arenas that will launch sometime down the road.

"There's been some worry and concern about this," Kaplan said. "We have ideas for additional maps and heroes that we'd like to add to the game. We thought about this and we decided the best way to add them to the game is to patch them in as free content and not as [paid] DLC. So hopefully that alleviates some concerns that people have."

Some of Overwatch's post-release heroes have already been hinted at through Easter eggs, Kaplan teased.

The developer also explained that Blizzard does not have a specific time table in mind just yet for when Overwatch's new heroes and maps may be released. He added that Blizzard is not even certain yet how many of each will come to the game over time.

Speaking about new Overwatch characters specifically, Kaplan said Blizzard is keeping its eye on "what's healthy for the game."

Also in the video, Kaplan said a future update to Overwatch will allow players to turn the game's music off. You can watch the video above to learn more.

Blizzard revealed in November that, in addition to PC, Overwatch would be coming to Xbox One and PS4. The game is not free-to-play and it will not offer cross-platform play across PC and consoles due to the advantage computer players might have.

A PC closed beta for Overwatch started in October. The beta will go offline starting December 10 and will remain offline until "mid-to-late January." This is being done to take the time needed for Blizzard to analyze and respond to the feedback it's received from the 900,000-plus games that have been played thus far.