Blizzard warns against fake Overwatch beta keys

With the Overwatch closed beta now underway, Blizzard has a word of caution for those of you who have not yet been admitted into "I get to play Overwatch!" club: Beware the allure of false beta keys! Because as it turns out, in this case all beta keys are false.

[BETA] Overwatch beta "keys" do not exist. Please be cautious of any emails, websites, or individuals that claim to offer them!October 27, 2015

In a separate tweet posted yesterday, Blizzard Customer Service explained that everything related to Overwatch beta access will be handled internally. "Accounts will be flagged from our end & emails will be sent to players who have access to the beta letting them know," it wrote.

There's no mention in either timeline of any particular beta key scam, but a quick search reveals several sites and at least one Facebook page (sorry, no linking to jerks) that promise to either deliver keys or explain how to get them. One site requires that a tool, either online or downloadable, be run to generate the key, which of course I would strongly—very strongly—urge you not to do.

For a spot of legitimate Overwatch news, lay your eyes on the beta system requirements that were released today, and don't miss Tom's hands-on from earlier this month.

Thanks, Gameranx.

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.