During an interview with Overwatch 2 streamers Flats and svb, Lead Gameplay Designer Alec Dawson discussed the team’s plans to nerf counter-swapping in order to improve the Tank role and make it more enjoyable.
The issue of Tank counter-swapping using the rock, paper, scissors approach has sparked much discussion within the Overwatch 2 community. Many members believe that a 6v6 format could be the solution to this problem.
According to Aaron Keller, the team is hesitant to make the change because queue times would significantly increase due to the lack of players willing to play Tank, as he outlined. This is a major factor in their decision.
Therefore, Alec Dawson disclosed that the development team has been conducting internal tests for potential solutions to address the issue of swapping in 5v5. However, it has proven to be a challenging problem to solve.
According to Dawson, it is not only the Tank who is swapping for you, but also the DPS. This can be frustrating, and we are exploring ways to alleviate this issue. We are also considering ways to make hard counters less severe.
Sombra’s great at countering Tanks like Wrecking Ball, often forcing a swap.
Dawson stressed the importance of maintaining hero swapping and stated that, despite the issue of counter-swapping, they would never want to restrict players to one hero for the entire game.
“We have internally tested various options, including limited swaps and potentially having to earn them. We have conducted experiments and are currently discussing our next steps. It has become a priority for the team and is one of the things we are actively considering,”he stated during the on-stream interview (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2213939643).
“We acknowledge that it can be a frustrating experience.”
Overwatch 2 Developers Acknowledge Pressure on Tanks
Dawson faced opposition from Flats, who argued that the current format may not have a viable solution and that placing the entire burden of the Tank role on one individual is too overwhelming for the average player.
“According to Flats, the amount of pressure placed on players by higher ranks has reached an unhealthy level, not only for high level players but for the average ones as well.”
The experienced OW streamer who specializes in playing Tanks described how the role is expected to take on all responsibilities. He acknowledged that he may have overreacted to the controversial Tank buffs, and expressed that Tank players are often expected to carry the team: “The pressure is overwhelming and I am not sure if it is sustainable.”
Without much objection, Dawson concurred that teams have high expectations for their Tank players.
“We frequently discuss this topic. Can we improve the overall education of the player base? After all, they also play a role in shaping the team. Your support players have the ability to switch and play different positions as well. However, I agree with you, Flats. The team relies on their tank to handle a lot of responsibilities.”
Despite the ongoing social stigma surrounding Tank and its significance to the team, a few balance changes will not be enough to alter the perception. However, the team, led by Dawson, is actively seeking long-term solutions to improve the overall experience of playing Tank and reduce its impact on match outcomes.
Ultimately, the issue of queue times could be solved if there was a higher demand for the role among players.
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