Overwatch May Be Worried About Marvel Rivals, as It Announces Massive Backtrack With Much-Loved Mode Set to Return
Seems like Blizzard Entertainment has finally chosen to pay attention to what its players want.
Overwatch has largely been a success for Blizzard Entertainment, with its large roster of playable characters and a universe set in a futuristic version of Earth. While the game – and its sequel Overwatch 2 – have seen their fair share of controversy, they provide an entertaining experience for players who are fans of first-person shooters.
Among the many changes that Blizzard Entertainment brought to Overwatch 2, the replacement of the original’s 6v6 format with a more manageable 5v5 one attracted a lot of negative feedback from players. While there were nuanced takes from both sides of the debate, it seems that 6v6 battles might make it back to the game.
Overwatch Enjoys a Vocal Community of Players
Most live-service titles are driven by a community of players who do not hesitate to make their opinions known. Overwatch 2 is no exception, as its community has long lamented the lack of 6v6 matches. Many players complain that the new mode feels more punishing and those choosing to play as Tanks were hit hardest by the change.
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With Marvel Rivals‘ closed beta doing exceptionally well, Blizzard Entertainment may well be considering bringing back the beloved 6v6 mode sooner rather than later in order to stay in the competition. In a genre that has seen many competing titles bring unique mechanics, art styles, and gameplay to the table, Overwatch 2 is sure to benefit from giving its players what they want.
Competition as Fierce as Any Deathmatch
Overwatch 2‘s announcement has received mixed reactions from its player community, with many feeling that the return of 6v6 player modes may be too late to save the game from stagnancy and balance issues.
Responses to the plans to bring the beloved feature back to the game have been lackluster at best, showcasing just how difficult it can be for titles like Overwatch to keep their player base engaged and entertained in a consistent manner.
One player argues that the Overwatch community may not really be all too enthusiastic about the change – possibly moving on to other titles such as Marvel Rivals.
Another player takes a sarcastic jab at Blizzard Entertainment’s other promises for the game, showcasing a lack of trust in the company’s efforts to deliver an experience that caters to its players’ needs.
Another player seems to have done their research, choosing to be cautiously optimistic about the return of 6v6 matches after careful consideration of Blizzard Entertainment’s announcement.
Other players feel that any changes to the game at this stage are too late to save it as the game is dead.
While it’s certainly lamentable that Overwatch 2 finds itself in such dire circumstances, the situation can be a lesson for Blizzard Entertainment and other studios in the live-service space.
They could learn to monitor player feedback better and keep tuning their respective titles to better align with what their players are looking for in the future.
It’s a lesson that Marvel Rivals seems to have learned and implemented well, with several fan-favorite characters entering the fray backed up by a unique setting and excellent animations.
