Overwatch beta returns to action next week

Blizzard has announced that the Overwatch closed beta will resume on February 9. The second round of beta testing will feature an all-new progression system, a pair of new maps, a new game mode, and a number of Private Game updates including full AI matches.

Players who were already part of the Overwatch beta last year will still have access when the game comes back online next week. We don't yet know what form the progression system will take, but you can see Game Director Jeff Kaplan discussing some previous iterations here. Blizzard said that more details about the new beta, including proper patch notes, will be released before it begins.

If you haven't yet signed up for the beta, you may do so at Battle.net.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.