Disturbing Patterns Persist with Overwatch 2 Updates

• Major changes to Overwatch 2 including shift to 5v5 format and new game modes.
• Game moving towards deathmatch battle style, prioritizing speed.
• Removal of competitive grouping restrictions in season 10.
• Increase in gameplay speed, inspired by "Quick Play: Hacked" mode.
• Transition from team-based to independent play, emphasizing damage over strategy.

Blizzard's Major Adjustments to Overwatch 2

Following a contentious launch, Overwatch 2 has seen a series of significant changes to its hero shooter formula. The core team structure was shifted from 6v6 to 5v5, the anticipated PvE mode was heavily modified, heroes were reworked, new game modes were introduced, and all characters were given passive healing abilities.

As these large-scale changes accumulate, the game appears to be moving towards a deathmatch battle style, akin to many popular multiplayer shooters. Overwatch 2 seems to be diverging from the team-oriented, strategic hero shooter game that fans originally fell in love with. This trend is set to continue in season 10, with numerous game modes being altered to prioritize speed.

Overwatch 2's New Story Missions: A Worthy Investment?

According to a Director’s Take post on the official Overwatch website, the team discussed changes planned for the current and upcoming season, set to start in April. One positive change includes the removal of competitive grouping restrictions, allowing friends of different ranks to team up and play together. Overwatch 2’s matchmaker will be more selective, matching "wide groups" with a significant range of rankings against similar teams. This change is set to be implemented in season 10.

Speeding Up Gameplay

However, the other changes aim to make gameplay even more rapid. These changes were inspired by the experimental “Quick Play: Hacked” mode that ran in January, which increased respawn, payload movement, objective capture, and robot pushing speed. Initially, these alterations were temporary, but some will be implemented permanently in season 10.

The goal is to involve players in the action as quickly as possible. Coupled with shifts to respawn times, more deadly weapons, larger hitboxes, and passive healing, it’s evident that Overwatch 2 is evolving to maintain momentum and encourage a fast, kill-focused playstyle. This also shortens match lengths, either by reducing minutes from a Push match or accelerating objective capture. The tactical depth of the games changes significantly when speed becomes a priority.

Overwatch 2's Shift Towards Independence

Overwatch 2 has been slowly transitioning from a team-based game to one that seems to reward independence. One tank was removed from its setup, defense and stationary fighting were de-emphasized, and characters like Orisa, previously defense-focused, were reworked to be more aggressive. Providing all characters with a passive heal that activates after a few seconds without taking damage puts support heroes in a tricky position, as a significant aspect of their kit has become less crucial. Damage has taken precedence over everything else, and changes to the game’s pace suggest that Overwatch now values quick, lethal plays over strategic ones.

Fortunately, Blizzard has the ability to fine-tune these concepts and perhaps find a balance between deathmatch and strategic play. However, it's disheartening that Overwatch 2 seems to be continuously moving away from the tactical, hero shooter roots that initially captivated its fanbase.

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