There is a certain ruthlessness in closing Overwatch 1 at the wake of Overwatch 2. The games are not 100% similar and some people may prefer the old one for whatever reason like smaller roster, different meta, double tank, or whatever. They could let the original survive but they choose not to.

I fear Blizzard doesn't want the risk of the first game stealing ANY of Overwatch 2 thunder. They have a better plan for it, and by better I mean they found a more aggressive way to monetize the game than loot boxes.

I know myself and I would probably stick to OW2 anyway since abandoned games tend to rot slowly but it would be cool to have the option. But now it's OW2 or bust and who knows if the game will still capture people's hearts in 2022.

-------
If you like my stuff perhaps support me on Patreon and get some delicious cheesecake pics for your trouble?