Overwatch appears on the Battle.net launcher and gets new hero

Blizzard's online multiplayer FPS Overwatch has, very suddenly and without warning, appeared on the Battle.net launcher. That doesn't necessarily mean anything—but it could indicate that the beta, which is expected sometime this year, may soon get underway. Of course, "soon", especially where Blizzard is concerned, is an unspecific concept that could mean next week, or next month—next year is probably pushing it, but you know what I mean. In any event, the important thing is that the wheels are turning.

Blizzard also introduced a new Overwatch hero today named Lúcio, "an international celebrity who uses his music to change the world for the better." That sounds very uplifting and altruistic, but what it means in practical terms is that he carries a gun that shoots "sonic projectiles," makes use of the Crossfade ability to boost his speed or regenerate health, can increase the effect of his songs with Amp It Up, and uses the Sound Barrier ultimate ability to provide protective shields for himself and nearby allies. He also whizzes around on energy skates, very reminiscent of Slash from Quake 3.

I've emailed Blizzard to find out more about the addition of Overwatch to the Battle.net launcher and will let you know what we hear.

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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.