An Overwatch developer update video from game director Jeff Kaplan has given fans a few things to look forward to. Included in this nearly ten-minute long video are details about changes to the communication wheel, improved competitive queuing, and Workshop changes.
One new feature Blizzard is working on is the ability to customize the communication wheel. This includes a list of new commands, fully voice acted by every hero. These commands include fall back, sorry, goodbye, and a countdown. The communication wheel can also be customized to your liking, so the commands you use most are easily accessible.
Another major change detailed in the Overwatch developer update is queuing for competitive matches. Players not paying attention may not even notice this change, as it takes place behind the scenes. A priority queue is being added alongside the regular matchmaking queue, reserved for players who found themselves in a match that closed due to leavers or cheaters. This priority queue puts players back in the matchmaking queue spot they would have been in had their match not closed. This should lessen the wait time to get into another match after a potentially frustrating experience involving quitters or cheaters.
Blizzard is also adding functionality for use within the Workshop. While many of these changes won’t be obvious to the majority of players, who don’t create content on the Workshop, this will still lead to new things for everyone to see. One of those things is a night mode option being added to a number of maps in the Workshop.
First Overwatch developer update from home
For more than a month so far, the entire Overwatch team has been working from home. During that time, they’ve managed to release a new hero, patch in an experimental mode, and make other very important changes. It’s clear they have no desire to stop the updates anytime soon, so keep an eye on NerdStash to get a heads up about any other changes coming to Overwatch.
