In a post on the game's official forum, Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan confirmed that the Beta includes the launch version of the game. Only minor updates, bug fixes and small changes will be made before the official release.
"Yes. The version you are playing now is what will go live at launch," Kaplan said. Additionally, he confirmed in the forum that the launch will include 21 heroes, 12 maps and four game modes and a plethora of unlockable content.
The game types include Assault, Escort, Hybrid, and the new game mode announced in February, which is Control. Each game mode will have three dedicated maps for a total of 12 maps for the launch version. Kaplan also added that more game modes, maps and post-launch features will be released sometime in the near future.
"We're also working on a TON of post-launch features and content. It's going to be a pretty amazing summer," Kaplan beamed.
Overwatch is a highly anticipated first-person, team-based, multiplayer shooter being released by Blizzard Entertainment, set to launch on May 24. During the closed beta period, it rose to popularity on various streams and YouTube's "Let's Play" series.
The launch version will not include a single player campaign mode nor will it include the competitive mode, which was removed during the closed beta. Kaplan said that they are currently working on updates to the competitive mode and may release it at a later date.
Overwatch stumbled into controversy in March, when Kaplan removed a victory pose from Tracer after one player complained that the image looks "sexual." A large argument ensued with one group arguing that the pose was sexist and the other accusing Kaplan of bowing to demands for censorship. Kaplan explained that the decision to remove the pose was based on his own choice and also as a result of listening to feedback from the community.
Overwatch is still available for preorder in three different editions that unlock additional cosmetic content at launch.
The basic preorder costs $39.99 and comes with the Noire Widowmaker skin. The Overwatch Origins Edition costs $59.99 and includes the basic preorder benefits and provide five additional origin skins, the Tracer Hero unlock, a Baby Winston pet, a new Overwatch card back, Mercy's wings and additional player portraits.
A collector's edition is also available for purchase, but in retail only, as it includes physical collectables. The collector's edition retails for $129.99 and includes everything in the Origin pack plus a 12.8-inch, 76 Soldier Statue collectible, a visual sourcebook and a soundtrack.
Overwatch launches on May 24 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
