Jump to content
FORUMS
Sign in to follow this  
Valks

Overwatch Developer Update: Ranked Play!

Recommended Posts

9EfyQpl.jpg

The recent developer update covered the incoming competitive mode in Overwatch. We've got a full summary, as well as a few opinions on the planned changes. Check it out!

You can check out the full video yourself below or read through our summary just underneath:

 

Blizzard LogoDeveloper Update Summary

Seasons

  • The season length was intended to be 1 month, as in Hearthstone, but people didn't like this. 
  • After seeing the threads of Reddit, they are changing to 3-month seasons.
  • The first season will be Summer, then Fall, aligning with real seasons.
  • There will be a small break between each season.

Sudden Death

  • 50% of games would go into overtime, which was "too much".
  • 35% of games would go into Sudden Death.
  • They want to minimise this in the future, so changes will be coming in the future.
  • When Sudden Death does happen, it will resolve on the same map, rather than going to a random control point map.

Assault Mode Maps

  • These maps were "flipping" too quickly, where one or two big fights would end the game.
  • They have made changes to increase the chances of "back and forth" between teams, meaning longer games.

MMR System and Ranks

  • The previous system was completely based upon grinding and progression, which they will be changing after critical feedback.
  • The tiers will be removed that were in beta.
  • They will be using MMR to create "skill rating", which will go between 1-100. 
  • You will be shown your skill rating, as well as other that of other players.
  • Team average skill ratings will be displayed to show how fair matches are.
  • Underdogs will gain more and lose less.
  • You can also now see if people are partied.

Rewards

  • The rewards that come from competitive will not affect your player power.
  • You will receive golden editions of weapons, with the best players getting it first.
  • A golden hammer for Reinhardt was mentioned.
  • They will introduce exclusive rewards for top players as well.

So! Lots of changes to discuss.

I think the changes to season length are for the best. The seasons were simply too short, given how much you would need to play in such a short time frame. They can now also align the seasons with seasonal tournaments for the professional scene.

For Sudden Death, I agree and disagree with what Kaplan said. I loved the fact that Overtime was a common thing, because it brings a sense of urgency to the game. Those dying moments can make for some of the most entertaining gameplay Overwatch has to offer. I don't think the map change was needed, though. I liked that it moved to the different control map. I'll reserve complete judgement until it releases, but currently I'm not a fan.

On assault mode maps, I feel like it's simply the nature of games like Overwatch for there to be huge momentum swings. I feel like, by trying to actively stop it, you're disrupting the flow of the game. The "flips" are normally caused by calculated teamwork that combines numerous skills in order to achieve an objective push. If too much is changed, it might cause teamwork to decrease in value, instead favouring lone wolf pushes. Why group up to wipe the enemy team if it's just as effective as 6 1v1s? As before, this is all theory and will depend on how it's actually implemented. I pray that it doesn't involve changing rates of capture or spawn points.

The MMR system was definitely flawed in beta, so I'm completely in favour of this new route. I can't wait to try it out. I do have one problem with rankings in Overwatch, however. Personally, I play supports nearly 100% of the time. As some of you most likely know, it can be very difficult to queue up in ranked as a support. You can very rarely make those game-changing plays that can carry an under-performing team, so I pray that the skill rating system will not be a simple win/lose. The same goes for people playing a tank, in my opinion. A Reinhardt that gets a perfect ultimate, stunning the whole enemy team, is for nothing if you're damage dealers simply cannot capitalise on the opportunity. It's the same with, for example, a Lucio who uses his ultimate to shield his entire team, is telling people to move onto the point, but instead they hang back trying to snipe the enemy team.

This is all in the early stages and I'm sure Blizzard have thought this through, I just hope the implementation is good. They seem to be constantly looking through our feedback, so let's hope this all turns out great!

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
Sign in to follow this  

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

  • Similar Content

    • By Starym
      Blizzard have announced that the Overwatch hero McCree will be renamed and they will no longer be using developer names for the game's characters. This follows Overwatch developer Jesse McCree being let go from the company, without a specific reason being given, which happened amidst the Activision Blizzard lawsuit situation unfolding.
      Here is the full statement from the Overwatch twitter:

    • By Staff
      Cross-Play between consoles and PC is coming to Overwatch! Blizzard have detailed this excellent new addition, which will connect all platforms and regions (aside from China) and everyone gets  a golden loot boy to celebrate! This is also very likely in prepration for Overwatch 2, which still doesn't have a solid release date.

      There's a developer update video, more info and a huge FAQ below:
      Crossplay (Source)
      Cross-Play is coming to Overwatch soon, allowing players to group up and play together. Powered by the latest global Battle.net update, players from around the world can team up, regardless of their preferred platform*. With the release of cross-play, all players will need to make a Battle.net account and link their appropriate console accounts. With the launch of Cross-Play, everyone who logs in to Overwatch by the end of 2021 will receive a Golden Loot Box to celebrate.
      Check out our resources below to get all of your questions answered.
        Prepare Your Account
      All console players will be required to make a Battle.net account and link it to their console (Xbox, PSN, Nintendo) account. PC players do not need to take this step – You already have a Battle.net account. Upon launching the game, you will be prompted to link your console account to a Battle.net account. Follow the steps below to create a Battle.net account, then link your console game account to your Battle.net account.
        Creating a Battle.net Account
      Visit Battle.net Create a free Battle.net account Once you create your Battle.net account, go to your Account Settings Click on the “Connections” section under Account Settings and link your console   Linking Your Console Game and Battle.net Accounts
      These instructions apply to the in-game steps console players will need to take once Cross-Play is available.
      Launch the game on your system Press the confirmation button to progress through the Overwatch welcome screen You will be presented with an alpha-numeric code and a QR code The alpha-numeric code can be entered at blizzard.com/link The QR code may be scanned with a mobile app to take you to the linking webpage, which will be pre-populated with the code provided in-game Log in with your Battle.net account credentials to finalize the connection between your console game and Battle.net accounts You will receive a message in-game that notifies that your account is now successfully connected Exit and relaunch Overwatch  
      Cross-play Frequently Asked Questions
      Account Linking
      How do I link my Battle.net account to my console?
        Step 1: Visit Battle.net Step 2: Create a free Battle.net account Step 3: Once you create your Battle.net account, go to your Account Settings Step 4: Click on the “Connections” section under Account Settings and link your console
        Will I need to create a Battle.net account even if I don’t plan to use cross-play?
        Console Players: Yes. With the addition of the cross-play feature, all players will need to setup a Battle.net account or connect to an existing Battle.net account. PC Players: No, you already have a Battle.net account.
        I play on PC, what do I need to do? Nothing! Keep enjoying Overwatch and welcome your new console friends by grouping up and playing matches.
      What systems are supported with the cross-play feature? Cross-play is coming to all systems where Overwatch is currently available: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch.
      Will I receive the Golden Loot Box on just one system? Players will receive one Golden Loot Box everywhere they play Overwatch (PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch) even if they’re associated with the same Battle.net account.
       
      Progress and Leaderboards
      Will my progression carry over between systems? No. While cross-play will allow you to group up with friends using other systems, no progress and collection content will carry over between sessions on different systems.
      Will stats be reset when cross-play launches? No.
      Will ranks (SR) be reset at cross-play launch? No.
      Will top 500 leaderboards include players from other systems? There will be separate leaderboards for PC players, cross-play enabled console players, and cross-play disabled console players.
        Social Features
      Will I use my console handle (Xbox Username, PSN ID, etc) or my Battletag during console matches? Once you’ve linked your console and Battle.net accounts, you will display your Blizzard Battletag during matches. There are specific cases where your console handle will be displayed such as friend lists and top 500 lists.
      Will other players be able to see my Real ID after I link my Battle.net account? Being able to see another player’s Real ID (real name) is contingent upon account settings. To learn more, visit our support page at https://battle.net/support/article/23686
      If I add a friend on the same console, will they be my friend on both PSN/Xbox/Switch and Battle.net? Adding a friend through the Overwatch game will make them your Battle.net friend. If you wish to add a friend on the same console without them also being a Battle.net friend, you can use your console’s native social menus.
      If I opt-out of cross-play, will I still see Battle.net friends on my friends list or only PSN/Xbox/Switch friends? No, if you choose to opt out of cross-play, you will not see your Battle.net friends on your friends list.
      How will bans work? For example, if my game account is banned on PC, can I no longer play on other systems? Can I link banned game accounts? Account bans are determined at the game level (for clarity’s sake, we’ll refer to this as a “game account”). For example, if a player’s game account is banned on PC, they will still be able to use game account(s) tied to their Battle.net account to play Overwatch on console unless they have been banned for a more serious offense. If a player’s Battle.net account has been closed due to repeat or severe offenses, they will not be able to log-in and will need a new copy of Overwatch and Battle.net account to play the game.
      Can I add friends, report, mute, avoid, and block players from other systems? Yes.
      Can I use voice chat to talk to players on other systems? Yes.
       
      Matchmaking and Game Modes
      Will cross-play be enabled for all game modes? Cross-play is enabled for all game modes with an exception for Competitive games. Competitive players will be split into two pools depending on the system that they are playing on: 1) Console players, and 2) PC players. For balance purposes, PC players and console players will not be mixed in the same pool for competitive matches.
      Will competitive matches include players from other systems? Competitive players will be split into two pools depending on the system that you are playing on: 1) Console players, and 2) PC players. For balance purposes, PC players and console players will not be mixed in the same pool for competitive matches.
      Can a console player (controller) group up with a PC player (mouse & keyboard) and play together? Yes, but only in non-Competitive game modes. Any group consisting of both PC and console players will be placed into the PC player matchmaking pool. Mouse & keyboard players will not be able to join the console player matchmaking pool, regardless of who is in their group.
      How will cross-play impact the current (Season 28) Competitive Season? When cross-play goes live, there will be some time left in season 28. SR and leaderboards will be preserved when we patch and continue as normal for the rest of the season. Cross-play for competitive won’t be enabled until season 29 – meaning console players will only play with others of their specific platform for the remainder of season 28. When Season 29 goes live, players on different consoles will be able to group together to play ranked. Competitive Season 29 is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2021.
      I’m a PC player who uses a controller. Can I play in the console matchmaking pool? No. PC players will play with other PC players regardless of their input method.
      Will console aim-assist be enabled when I match up with a PC player? No. Console aim-assist will be disabled by default if you group up with a PC player to equalize play during the match.
      Will aim-assist be enabled when I play in the console-only pool? Yes. Aim-assist is enabled for all console vs. console matchups.
      I only want to match against players on the same console. Is that possible? Yes. Disabling cross-play features will ensure that you only match with other players on your same system who also have cross-play disabled.
      Can I disable cross-play? Cross-Play will be automatically enabled by default for all users. If you decide that you want to opt-out of the cross-play function, you may do so through the Overwatch in-game menu, or within your console’s system settings for Xbox. PC players cannot opt out of cross-play.
      Will disabling cross-play increase my queue times? Most likely, yes. We expect there to a be a smaller pool of players on each console who have opted out of cross-play.
      Will cross-play be available for custom games? Yes, cross-play is enabled for custom games.
      Is cross-play in Beta? Will there be more changes to this feature in the future? Yes, cross-play is currently in the beta phase. The Overwatch development team will be monitoring feedback and will look to make improvements on the feature moving forward.
       
      Overwatch League
      Where are my OWL tokens delivered? PC/Console? Both? OWL tokens purchased by players are delivered to the system on which the player makes their purchase. OWL tokens earned through the Overwatch League Viewership Rewards program are rewarded at the Battle.net account level and therefore delivered to all systems associated with the linked account.
      *Excluding China, which will remain its own separate region.
    • By Starym
      You can now play Overwatch for free until January 4th, and even buy the game permanently for 25-50% off! There's also the Winter Wonderland event currently active until January 5th to check out as well, with new skins and activities to be had.


    • By Starym
      Today's PTR brings a lot of Hero tweaks and will be a pretty large download when it goes live, as it's a remaster. We're getting changes to D.Va, Orisa, Roadhog, Sigma, Winston, Baptiste, Lucio, Mercy, Moira, Doomfist, Sombra, Symmetra and Tracer, of varying significance.
      PTR Patch September 24 (source)
      ANNOUNCEMENT
      Patch 1.41 is a remaster and will require a relatively large download for all platforms. HERO UPDATES
      D.Va
      Defense Matrix
      Regeneration rate increased from 12.5% to 16% per second Delay before regeneration begins lowered from 1 second to 0.75 seconds Orisa
      Protective Barrier
      Cooldown increased from 9 to 10 seconds Roadhog
      Scrap Gun
      Ammunition increased from 5 to 6. Sigma
      Kinetic Grasp
      No longer blocks Chain Hook and Whip Shot Gravitic Flux
      High gravity effect duration reduced from 1.2 to 0.9 seconds Experimental Barrier
      Regeneration rate reduced from 175 to 150 per second Now has a 1 second cooldown after recalling the barrier Initial 0.2 second cast time removed Winston
      Barrier Projector
      Duration increased from 6 to 9 seconds Health increased from 600 to 700 Baptiste
      Immortality Field
      Health decreased from 250 to 200 Lucio
      Crossfade
      Speed boost’s effect increased from 20% to 25% Amp It Up
      Speed boost’s amplification increased from 50% to 60% Wall Ride
      Speed buff reduced from 40% to 30% Mercy
      Valkyrie
      The extra beams created by Valkyrie now ignore enemy barriers Moira
      Biotic Grasp
      Self-healing reduced from 30 to 20 health per second Doomfist
      Rocket Punch
      Time to reach max charge increased from 1 to 1.4 seconds The Best Defense…
      Shield health gained per hit reduced from 35 to 30 Sombra
      Translocator
      Cooldown increased from 4 to 6 seconds Cooldown now begins immediately upon deploying the beacon or if it is killed by an enemy Symmetra
      Photon Barrier
      Duration reduced from 15 to 12 seconds Health reduced from 5000 to 4000 Sentry Turret
      Damage per second reduced from 50 to 40 Photon Projector
      Players impacted by the primary fire beam should now hear a louder impact sound Tracer
      Pulse Pistols
      Damage falloff now starts at 13 meters, up from 10 meters BUG FIXES
      General
      Fixed a player profile issue preventing hero win percentages from being displayed for competitive arcade mode seasons Heroes
      Brigitte
      Fixed a bug with Brigitte’s Rally checking line of sight from her feet instead of from her head Fixed a bug with Inspire’s position being affected by the player’s aim pitch Doomfist
      Fixed a bug that allowed Doomfist to use Meteor Strike before taking impact damage from Sigma’s Gravitic Flux Sigma
      Fixed a bug that allowed Sigma’s Gravitic Flux to ignore line of sight through some ceilings Sombra
      Fixed a bug with EMP’s position being affected by player’s aim pitch Winston
      Fixed a bug that caused Winston’s Barrier Projector to not consistently play its destroyed visual effects
    • By Starym
      Update: You can now also pre-order the game and get a free golden loot box, with a guaranteed legendary inside, as well as Widownmaker's Noire skin.

      The Nintendo Switch will be receiving its second Blizzard game soon, as Overwatch will be arriving on the console on October 15th! It will come bundled with 15 skins and 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online membership, which is required to play the game.
      October 15th will see the Heroes arrive to Nintendo's console.
×
×
  • Create New...