Overwatch beta takes a break next week. Returns next year

Blizzard will soon be taking the Overwatch beta test offline for a few weeks break.

In an update from Blizzard this evening they announced the beta test temporary close down date as Thursday 10 December at 9AM PST. The note states that they want to analyse the data gathered from the test but in reality it’s probably because they don’t want to have to provide support over the holidays. The update from Blizzard reads:

“Since the start of the Overwatch beta in late October, aspiring heroes from around the world have battled it out in more than 900,000 matches. In this same period of time, we’ve also gathered invaluable information about our servers, core systems like matchmaking, and overall map and hero balance—thanks not only to the raw data we’ve collected from the game, but also to the numerous bug reports, suggestions, critiques, and experiences you’ve shared.

“This phase of development has been key, but now it’s time to analyze the data we have, dig into your feedback even further, and put that knowledge to use as best we can. To accomplish this, we will be bringing the Overwatch Closed Beta offline for an extended break beginning on Thursday, December 10 at 9:00 a.m. PST. During this downtime, we’re looking forward to making more improvements to the game, as well as continuing to work on in-development features like spectating and progression.”

Don’t panic! The beta test will be back soon and Blizzard will be sharing more information about the next phase of testing in January. All testers currently on the beta can resume testing when the servers go back online and Blizzard will be adding more players to the beta when it comes back next month.