Earlier today, Jeff Kaplan released a developer update video addressing some of the major changes coming to Overwatch over the next few months. Not only did Kaplan address his desire to keep fans in the loop, but he discussed the meta, competitive play, and participation of console players in the PTR.
Kaplan spent most of the video discussing fighting against the meta. In order to do so, the development team will be buffing and nerfing Overwatch heroes at a much faster pace to keep a meta from developing. Kaplan stated, “The goal is to bring more frequent changes to Overwatch in an attempt to keep the game fresh.”
According to the video, console players will soon be able to join in on testing experimental changes within Overwatch with the Experimental card. This card will be available across all platforms and will appear randomly alongside Quick Play, Arcade, Competitive, and Game Browser when beginning a game. While playing with the Experimental Card, players will continue to gain experience and work toward loot boxes.
One of the most controversial changes might be hero pools. Starting during Competitive Season 21, heroes handpicked by the development team will be unplayable for up to a week at a time. This will only hold true for Competitive; all heroes will still be available in other game modes. Kaplan flirted with the idea that this might not always be the case. Potentially, the hero pools might change from day to day, or even match to match. But, for the time being, these pools will last for a week at a time.
In an interesting turn, even the Overwatch League teams will participate in these hero pools from week to week. Once again, this choice pushes back a constant meta and even keeps Overwatch and its eSports league fresh and interesting for fans. The 2020 season is set to begin on February 8th.
Are you looking forward to the destruction of the meta? Are you anxious about the hero pools in comp? Ready for consoles to be a part of the PTR? Let us know in the comments below, and keep coming back to The Nerd Stash for all of your nerdy news and needs!
