Blizzard says Overwatch 2 could go back to 6v6, but it wouldn’t be easy

Blizzard says Overwatch 2 could go back to 6v6, but it wouldn’t be easy

As a dedicated gamer with thousands of hours clocked in Overwatch, I’ve experienced both the 5v5 and 6v6 formats. The shift to 5v5 was a significant change that brought about shorter queue times and more streamlined gameplay. However, as someone who has enjoyed the strategic depth and team dynamics of 6v6 in previous versions of the game, I’m intrigued by Blizzard’s recent announcement of potential testing for its return.


One significant modification Blizzard has implemented in Overwatch 2 so far is transitioning from six-versus-six team matches to five-versus-five. This shift was a debatable and drastic move, but Blizzard maintained that it enhanced the clarity and reduced chaos for players and viewers alike. Additionally, decreasing the total number of players per game from twelve to ten has noticeably improved queue times, lessening the time spent waiting to join matches.

According to game director Aaron Keller’s latest blog post on Thursday, Blizzard is considering reinstating the 6v6 mode in “Overwatch 2” based on player feedback. However, this change would come after thorough testing and exploration.

Keller acknowledged that going back to a 6vs6 format in Overwatch 2 wouldn’t be simple, he explained at length the rationale behind Blizzard’s preference for the 5vs5 structure, highlighting advantages like quicker queue times, fewer shields to penetrate, and clear-cut skirmishes. However, he acknowledged that not every player is content with this setup and some are clamoring for the return of 6vs6.

As an excited fan, I’d put it this way: Blizzard is considering organizing a string of events for Overwatch 2 to experiment with various team compositions. They’re planning to explore different 6v6 formats and observe the outcomes.

One challenge in bringing back the 6vs6 format for Overwatch 2 is the game’s technical requirements. For the last three years, its development has focused on supporting two teams of five players while ensuring consistent performance on older consoles such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

As a dedicated gamer of Overwatch 2, I’ve noticed some notable enhancements and new features in the game recently. These improvements, however, come with a price. In a competitive 6v6 environment, these upgrades can put a strain on older systems, resulting in poor performance. With Overwatch being a high-octane game, it’s crucial for us to keep the game running smoothly across all platforms to ensure an optimal player experience. While we might see a preliminary test arrive sooner, the team is still working diligently to determine the timeframe for permanently increasing the game’s performance. This is a substantial endeavor that will likely take several seasons to complete.

A major concern with going back to 6vs6 in Overwatch 2 is the longer wait times in queues, Keller cautioned. He added that there are “tens of millions” of new players who have only experienced the game in its current 5vs5 format since it became free-to-play. To avoid upsetting these players, we need to be aware and mindful of this factor.

Blizzard intends to experiment with the introduction of 6vs6 matches, as Keller explained. This goes beyond evaluating effects on performance, wait times, and equilibrium. It also involves considering the influence on other game modes. We will ponder the results from any testing carefully and determine how to cater to players’ demands most effectively – be it through 5vs5, 6vs6 or even a combination of both. (Future versions of ourselves will make this decision.)

Hacked mode. So, we’ll find out more about these potential changes around late October when Season 13 commences.

In conclusion, Keller expressed that his analysis on the 6v6 issue in “Overwatch 2” represented only the beginning of the discussion in his latest Director’s Take.

“This isn’t the last time we’re going to be getting into 5v5 or 6v6,” he wrote.

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2024-07-25 21:19

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