Overwatch 2 May Test 6v6 Mode

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Overwatch 2 May Test 6v6 Mode

Highlights

  • Blizzard recognized player feedback and is considering 6v6 tests for Overwatch 2 to address concerns about the 5v5 format.
  • Performance issues and queue times could be challenges in implementing 6v6 matches due to technical constraints and hardware limitations.
  • Overwatch 2 may explore hybrid team composition formats to offer more flexibility while maintaining structure in gameplay.

As a long-time fan of Overwatch, I’ve experienced the excitement and joy of playing the original 6v6 format, as well as the adjustments and challenges that came with the shift to 5v5 in Overwatch 2. The recent announcement from Blizzard about considering 6v6 tests for the game has brought back fond memories of the dynamic team compositions and strategies we once had, but also raises concerns about potential performance issues and queue times.

At the release of Overwatch 2, Blizzard introduced major modifications to their team-based shooter game. One of the most noticeable adjustments was reducing the player count from twelve to ten, with one Tank, two Damage, and two Support heroes per side in Role Queue. The shift to 5v5 in Overwatch 2 aimed to tackle queue time issues and the “shield meta,” but it has presented a challenging balancing act. While many Tank players have voiced their disappointment over the game not being as enjoyable as the initial version due to its 6v6 configuration.

There’s been a lot of buzz among fans about changing the team size in Overwatch 2 from 5 versus 5 to 6 versus 6. Some are eager for this switch, while others argue that 5v5 is better. Recently, Overwatch 2 game director Aaron Keller addressed these requests in a blog post, expressing concern over how the community would react. In his detailed post, Keller shares valuable information on Overwatch 2’s 5v5 format and the ongoing debate between team sizes. The key point is that Blizzard intends to conduct tests for 6v6 gameplay in Overwatch 2, but fans shouldn’t anticipate these changes happening soon.

Based on Keller’s blog entry, the Overwatch 2 developers are planning to conduct a sequence of events for exploring diverse 6-player team configurations. In simpler terms, Blizzard intends to experiment with various “6vs6” setups in the game and observe the community’s response. However, there might be technical hurdles that could hinder or at least significantly delay this process from taking place.

Overwatch 2 Will Attempt to Test 6v6 Matches Eventually

According to Keller’s explanation, increasing the number of players in an Overwatch 2 match from 5 to 6 could result in performance issues due to new features, more demanding hero kits, and visual upgrades. These enhancements put a strain on older and less powerful hardware such as PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. Although a preliminary test might begin sooner, the team is still working on determining how long it will take to permanently boost performance for the game. Keller predicts that this process could last “at least several seasons.”

The Overwatch 2 developers are also working on addressing queue time issues. According to Keller, the shift to 5v5 team sizes in Overwatch 2 has eliminated some queue time troubles experienced in the original game. However, this aspect will still be thoroughly evaluated during testing. Based on the test results and community feedback, Blizzard can then determine their next steps.

Keller concluded his post with the possibility that Overwatch 2 could continue as a 5v5 game after testing, change to 6v6, or even provide both options. He mentioned that the main issue between players might not be the number of players in a team, but rather finding a balance between structure and flexibility in the 5v5 format. The developers are working on ways to introduce more choices for team formation without resorting to open queue. They plan to test this concept in Quick Play: Hacked during Season 13, which begins on August 20. Therefore, fans will have to wait several months until Season 13 starts for this new feature.

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2024-07-25 21:03