Blizzard is introducing a new currency to Overwatch, used specifically to purchase in-game items so players can support their favorite Overwatch League teams.
League tokens will launch in early 2018 alongside new skins for all 26 Overwatch heroes for each of the 12 Overwatch League teams. Players are only able to buy league tokens with real money, as the 50 percent of the revenue from the purchase will go into a “net shared revenue pool” for all 12 Overwatch League teams, Blizzard confirmed to Dot Esports. It’s the same percentage that will be added from other league-affiliated fan items.
Related: You’ll be able to buy Overwatch League “jersey” skins with a new in-game currency
Likewise, Blizzard confirmed that it has no plans to add Overwatch League skins to the game’s loot boxes.
“We want to make sure that players can directly support their favorite Overwatch League teams, which is exactly what our league token system allows us to do,” Blizzard said. “In addition to ensuring that all proceeds from your league-related purchases are properly shared with our 12 inaugural season teams, this system also makes it easier for fans to rep the teams they love on the heroes they prefer.”
The new skins will arrive in-game early next year, more closely aligned with the start of Overwatch League’s regular season. The preseason exhibition matches are scheduled to begin Dec. 6—but the Philadelphia Fusion, which was up first against Florida Mayhem, has dropped out of the kick-off matches citing “player logistics issues.”
