Blizzard Entertainment is currently developing innovative features that have the potential to completely transform gameplay. These updates include the potential reintroduction of hero bans, the addition of map voting, and the implementation of in-game tournaments.
As the developers continue to explore and create, get a preview of what could be coming in the highly anticipated twelfth season of Overwatch 2, set to release on August 27, 2024!
Overwatch 2 Season 12: Hero Bans, Map Voting, and More
In a recent podcast conversation with influential figures SVB and Flats from the Overwatch community, lead gameplay designer Alec Dawson of Overwatch 2 shared exciting teasers about upcoming features.
The Overwatch 2 developers, led by Aaron Keller, are actively exploring new and innovative features such as the reintroduction of hero bans, map voting, and tournaments in order to provide players with the ultimate gaming experience.
This decision is expected to appeal to experienced players who remember the hero ban system from Overwatch 1, in which certain heroes were temporarily banned due to balance concerns.
Despite the potential dangers of creating an imbalance, the community has been eagerly calling for the reintroduction of hero bans, motivated by their success in the professional scene.
Based on the information shared by Alec Dawson in the podcast, the upcoming seasonal update will focus on implementing hero bans and map voting as the top priorities. However, the details of how these features will be implemented are still uncertain.
Despite this, the implementation of these features is set to greatly impact the competitive landscape of Overwatch 2.
Hero Bans
In Overwatch 2, every hero contributes their distinct abilities and playstyle, and with every seasonal update, new heroes rise as meta-defining forces. Nevertheless, the implementation of hero bans is poised to shake up this equilibrium by presenting a challenge to the established order and requiring teams to adjust.
The addition of the ability for teams to ban certain heroes will introduce an additional level of strategy. This will eliminate the reliance on consistently overpowered heroes and require teams to create innovative tactics and team combinations in order to achieve success. As a result, this modification will invigorate the game and lead to dynamic and exciting competitive play.
Role Limits
According to Game Director Aaron Keller, Overwatch 2 is considering implementing a unique ‘Role Limits’ system. This potential feature would limit the number of players per role to two in a 5v5 match as an experiment.
The new setup would prevent additional teammates from selecting a role that is already taken by two players, unlike the current open queue system.
3. Tournaments
Alec Dawson, Lead Hero Designer, announced that the Overwatch 2 team is currently engaging in more in-depth discussions regarding the implementation of highly desired features such as hero bans, in-game tournaments, and map voting.
An important point to mention is that the inclusion of tournaments would offer a novel and competitive avenue, giving players the opportunity to display their skills and engage in a thrilling new format.
Fixing Hard Counters
Blizzard is taking steps to tackle the problem of hard counters in Overwatch 2, where certain heroes possess a notable edge over others. Lead Hero Designer Alec Dawson has confirmed that the team is actively striving to decrease the frustration caused by these imbalanced matchups.
Through adjusting these hero interactions, the game will shift its emphasis away from solely countering with the correct hero to a more skill-oriented experience, where strategy and player proficiency become the main focus. This will ultimately enhance the enjoyment of the game for all players.
5. Map Voting
The highly anticipated addition of map voting is set to completely transform the competitive scene of Overwatch 2.
The Dev explains, “We are considering ways to enhance the core game, whether it be through competitive improvements, strategic depth, or giving players more control in and out of the game. One option could be implementing a map voting system.”
Allowing players to select their own maps will enhance their overall gaming experience while also aiding developers in determining the most popular maps among the community.
When implemented alongside hero bans, map voting will effectively lessen the effect of the meta and foster a more diverse and dynamic gameplay. It will also aid in balancing the game, as certain heroes may excel on specific maps.
By implementing map voting and hero bans, players will have the opportunity to select the most suitable maps for themselves and their team, resulting in a more thrilling and demanding gameplay experience.
2. What’s Next for Overwatch 2?
The implementation of role limits offers the potential for a more well-rounded and strategic gameplay experience. By minimizing the frustration of being countered, the game is poised to become even more enjoyable.
Moreover, the inclusion of Hero Bans, Map Voting, and Tournaments suggests a clear emphasis on enhancing the game’s competitive element.
The discussions suggest a deeper dedication to implementing these elements, which the player community has been eagerly anticipating. This showcases Blizzard’s commitment to improving Overwatch 2 and addressing player input.
Overall, Overwatch 2 players can anticipate thrilling advancements and enhancements as new features and experiments are gradually introduced, paving the way for a more promising future.
3. Description of Overwatch 2
Blizzard Entertainment is currently developing and publishing Overwatch 2, a first-person shooter that is the successor to the 2016 hero shooter Overwatch. The game will feature a shared environment for player-versus-player (PvP) modes with the first game, while also introducing persistent cooperative modes. One significant change in PvP is the reduction of team sizes from six to five, which has resulted in the reworking of several characters.
On October 4, 2022, Overwatch 2 was released as an early access free-to-play game on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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