Overwatch beta taken offline next week, returns in January

The Overwatch beta will be taken offline for Blizzard to assess the feedback it received during this phase and incorporate what it can into the final game.

If you were invited to the Overwatch beta, you won't be able to play it after December 10, when Blizzard takes it offline for a break. You will continue to have access though, so when the beta returns in January, you'll be able to join again.

Blizzard confirmed that no more players will be added during this phase, but that more will be invited when it does come back online next year. Beta forums will also go offline, but remain accessible until December 18.

Blizzard also said that over 900,000 matches were played since the closed beta became available, and that it continues to gather feedback about all aspects of the game, and will continue to work on game features such as a spectator mode as well as progression systems.

Overwatch beta goes offline at 9am PT on Thursday, December 10. It will return sometime in mid-to-late January.