Blizzard Entertainment has recently opened up discussions about the possibility of switching Overwatch 2 back to 6v6 team matches, a format that was prevalent in the original game.
In a blog post titled Director’s Take, Game Director Aaron Keller delves into the ongoing debate between 6v6 and 5v5 team sizes, highlighting the advantages and challenges of the current 5v5 format. He also announced that Blizzard will be conducting gameplay tests to evaluate the viability of reverting to 6v6 matches.
The primary reason for the switch to 5v5 was to address a tank-heavy meta. By reducing each team to one tank, gameplay dynamics were altered to make damage characters more impactful, enabling healers to have a more versatile role, and decreasing the emphasis on ultimates and combos.
While the 5v5 format led to shorter matchmaking times and improved overall performance, players have consistently expressed a desire to return to the 6v6 format. The inclusion of two tanks allowed for more strategic team compositions and created moments of chaos when defensive lines crumbled, adding to the overall excitement of the game.
Keller emphasized that player feedback is crucial in shaping the direction of Overwatch 2, stating, “At the end of the day, we want to make the game that players want to play.” As a service-oriented company, Blizzard is committed to re-evaluating decisions based on community input to ensure the best gaming experience.
Blizzard is planning to conduct a series of events to test different team composition formats in Overwatch 2, including various forms of 6v6 matches. These tests will help gauge player reactions and determine the feasibility of a permanent switch to 6v6 or the introduction of a new gameplay option.
As the testing phase progresses, Blizzard will address technical considerations such as UI adjustments for healer visibility and performance optimizations. If the community continues to show a preference for 6v6 matches and the tests align with Blizzard’s objectives, the change could become permanent.
In addition to exploring 6v6 matches, Blizzard is considering alternative approaches to team composition to inject more variety and freedom into Overwatch matches. Keller hinted at upcoming experiments in Quick Play: Hacked mode in Season 13 to test new gameplay concepts.
The timing of this announcement coincides with the impending launch of new hero shooter games, posing a challenge for Overwatch 2 to retain its player base amidst increased competition.
Source: Blizzard
