eSAFETY GUIDE

Overwatch

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

What is Overwatch?

Overwatch is an online multiplayer game set on a futuristic version of Earth, where two teams compete against each other. It is a first-person shooter game, which means that players see the game through their character’s eyes, and that the gameplay heavily involves aiming and shooting.

Each team has five players. Team members need to work together and fight the other team to complete the objective and win the match. Examples of objectives include taking control of an area or helping move a vehicle across the game area. Players can choose from a range of different characters called Heroes, who each have their own different abilities, combat classes, armour suits and weaponry.

Overwatch includes social features that allow players to interact with others. Players can add other players to their friends list and communicate through in-game text or voice chat. Third-party voice chat apps like Discord may also be used. In public multiplayer modes (such as competitive mode), the game’s matchmaking system can place players in a team with people they don’t know. Parents and carers can use parental controls to manage their child’s social interactions across the account.

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 free to play, and includes optional in-app purchases. It has two types of in-game currencies: Overwatch Coins and Credits. Players can buy things like items from the in-game shop or battle passes. These passes are a one-off purchase per ‘Overwatch season’ that gives players extra rewards as they play. Each season usually lasts nine weeks.

The game can be played in casual, competitive or eSports mode, and features on social and streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube.

Overwatch was created and developed by Blizzard Entertainment.

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.

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.

Related eSafety links

Find other resources to help keep you safe online:

Other eSafety Guides:

Social media changes

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms are not allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

About The eSafety Guide

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, endorsements or assessments against any legislative definition 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.