Overwatch 2 Developer Explains New Matchmaking Update to Avoid Unfun Matches

The developers of Overwatch 2 have released additional details about the infamous “loser’s queue”and their efforts to resolve it in the game’s most recent update.

In its May 14 update, Overwatch 2 officially recognized the existence of a “loser’s queue,”solidifying the fact that players who are on a losing streak may be placed in matches where they have a disadvantage.

The May 14 update tackled this issue by stating that the matchmaker would now take into account a player’s losing streak and avoid placing them on a team with a lower chance of winning, as determined by statistics.

In a discussion on X, Morgan Maddren, a Server Engineer for Overwatch 2, provided insight on this modification and also revealed additional information on the team’s plans to enhance the enjoyment of matches through this update.

Maddren states that the majority of OW2 matches closely resemble the matchmaker’s predictions, but there are instances where one team clearly has an advantage. This is due to the fact that the matchmaking system did not take into account winning or losing streaks when creating these matches, resulting in some players being placed in highly unfavorable positions after losing several games.

ramattra and zenyatta in overwatch 2 — Blizzard Entertainment

Overwatch 2 is taking more steps to improve matchmaking.

The speaker clarified, “It appears that this match is not suitable for us. It is unlikely to result in a pleasant experience. Therefore, our request for change simply directs the matchmaker to refrain from creating such matches, in order to avoid a clearly unsuitable situation.”

He also emphasized that while this emerging technology aims to prevent unfavorable matchups, the developers would never intentionally create imbalanced matches or manipulate players into situations where their chances of winning or losing are significantly higher.

“Although loss streaks may not be enjoyable, they are inevitable in a competitive game. The matchmaker is not intentionally prolonging loss streaks, but it is also not randomly creating them,”he emphasized in his statement.

As Overwatch strives to improve its matchmaking and create a more balanced OW2 experience, this update has been implemented. In Season 11, harsh penalties will be imposed on console players who exploit third-party peripherals in order to have an advantage over those using a mouse and keyboard.