The Overwatch beta has shut down until January

If you still don’t have access to the Overwatch beta, at least you can take some solace in the fact that no one else will be able to play it—at least until next year.

The Overwatch beta shut down today for a bit of a holiday break as Blizzard prepares to analyze data and feedback from this initial month plus beta session and implements changes based on it. There isn’t a hard schedule for when the beta will return, but it won’t be until “mid-to-late January,” according to Blizzard.

The company has been quiet about what changes it’s planning during the lengthy time off. But there are plenty of game systems to be implemented or updated, like ranked matchmaking or spectator modes, and even balance change, like planned updates to Torbjörn and Bastion. Also, with the recent announcement that future heroes and maps will be released free to everyone who buys Overwatch, it’s possible we see a store implemented to sell some of the skins that were revealed at BlizzCon.

A month-plus break is long for fans currently playing the game and especially those participating in the quickly growing competitive scene. Over the past five days, four tournaments closed out the beta: two GosuGamers Cups, the second King of the Watch showmatch,the ESL Atlantic Invitational, and the GD Overwatch Laststand bringing us a taste of what Overwatch esports has to offer. Hubris won both GosuGamers cups and the ESL event, establishing themselves as the best team in the game during the first beta session.

Of course, that may all change in January and beyond as more and more people enter the beta for the next big shooter. There’s tons of talent waiting for their chance to touch Blizzard’s new game, but they won’t get their chance to until late January or beyond.