Overwatch players are voicing discontent following the reveal of new cosmetic items for the upcoming 'Defiled Anthem' event, which are exclusive to the Chinese market. The event features new skins and cosmetics for characters Shion, D.Mon, Kiriko, Reaper, and Emre. A standout item is a transforming 'Evolution' skin for Shion, which dynamically alters its visual and sound effects throughout a match. However, these additions have not been announced for release outside of China, a situation that has previously occurred with a Naraka: Bladepoint crossover and exclusive skins for Pharah and Mercy.
The player reaction on platforms like Reddit and social media has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing frustration at what they perceive as preferential treatment for the Chinese region. Blizzard's head of development for live games, Walter Kong, previously explained that these regional exclusives are largely a result of the company's relationship with Netease, the Chinese publisher responsible for managing the game in that territory. Kong stated that Netease tailors its approach to the Chinese market, and Blizzard aims to make players feel cared for in all regions. He acknowledged that the current event fell short of this goal and indicated a need to re-evaluate future event strategies.
This has fueled a recurring sentiment among international Overwatch players that fans in China receive superior content. Historically, players in China have received free skins that were otherwise locked behind battle passes or required purchase in other regions. The recent Defiled Anthem skins have reignited these discussions, with players questioning the exclusivity and suggesting that Blizzard is prioritizing one region over others. While some players criticize the exclusive content, the game's gacha system in China, managed by Netease, also faces criticism. It is noted as being more expensive and featuring a different 'pity cap' mechanic, which some local players find more punishing than systems in the US or Europe.
According to calculations, acquiring Shion's 'Evolution' skin through the Chinese gacha system can cost approximately 1,080 Yuan (around $162 USD or £123 GBP) due to its rarity. This cost is comparable to what some players have spent on previous high-tier skins. An advantage for Chinese players is the ability to resell skins; Shion's 'Evolution' skin is reportedly selling for about 670 Yuan (approximately $100 USD or £75 GBP) on the resale market.
Blizzard did not respond to requests for comment regarding the exclusive skins prior to publication.