eSAFETY GUIDE

Overwatch

16+
minimum age according to Overwatch
16+ minimum age according to Overwatch

What is Overwatch?

Overwatch is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter game by Blizzard. There are two releases in the cartoon-styled, science fiction series: Overwatch and Overwatch 2. 

The Overwatch games are set on a futuristic Earth and consist of two teams of six players fighting for objectives on different maps. Teams can be made up of friends or random players online. You can choose from one of 30+ unique characters called Heroes, who have different abilities, combat classes, armour suits and weaponry.
You can communicate in Overwatch by voice chat which can be disabled. Third-party voice chat apps like Discord may also be used.

Overwatch games are designed for mature audiences. Although the violence is not gory, there are mature themes in the character interactions which may be unsuitable for children. 

Overwatch is a paid game with in-app purchases offered for customisations and collectables. The game can be played in casual, competitive or eSports mode, and features on social and streaming platforms such as Twitch, and YouTube.

Website: Overwatch

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac OSX and Windows PCs.

How do people use Overwatch?

Learn more about the risks and benefits associated with how people use team-based multiplayer first-person shooter games like Overwatch.

Overwatch is used for: gaming, in-app purchasing, online relationships, screen capture, and voice chat.

How can you report harassment or inappropriate content, block a player or have your personal data removed?

These links are provided by Blizzard:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Blizzard:

  • Privacy Policy
    Read about how Blizzard collects, stores and shares your personal information.
  • Securing your account
    Learn how to keep your Blizzard account as safe as possible.
  • Beware of scams
  • Learn to recognise phishing scams, fake websites and suspicious emails.

Key safety links

These links are provided by Blizzard:

  • User Agreement
    The terms you agree to by using Blizzard games.
  • Code of Conduct
    Learn about acceptable behaviour when playing Blizzard games.
  • Parental Controls
    Set up parental controls including play time limits, reports and blocking in-app purchases.

Last updated: 04/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.