One significant change Blizzard has implemented in the game is a reduction in team size, transforming matches from six-versus-six to five-versus-five. Blizzard’s decision to switch to 5v5 format was a bold and divisive move, sparking intense debate among fans and professionals alike. However, the developer maintained that this change would yield more transparent and less chaotic gameplay, benefiting both players and viewers alike. The reduction in the number of gamers per match from 12 to 10 also led to a decrease in queue times, making it quicker for players to start playing.
Blizzard is reassessing its initial stance following constructive feedback from participants, according to a blog post by sports director Aaron Keller on Thursday. The 6v6 mode may potentially return to its original state as defined by Keller, pending thorough testing and experimentation.
Keller emphasized that reverting to a traditional 6v6 format wouldn’t be a straightforward decision, as he meticulously outlined the multiple reasons why Blizzard opted for 5v5 in Overwatch and how this choice benefits players. Battle scenarios are typically shorter, presenting fewer opportunities to utilize shields and allowing for simpler skirmishes to unfold. While Keller concedes that not all players enthusiastically support the 5v5 format, he also recognizes that many others yearn for the return of 6v6 gameplay.
Blizzard is reportedly “exploring various formats for competitive events” to evaluate different team compositions, including tests of “distinct 6v6 modes in the game” to measure their effectiveness.
One significant advantage of potentially reverting to a 6v6 format is Valve’s ability to leverage its technical expertise, which has been honed over the past three years by supporting two teams of five players, while simultaneously maintaining this efficiency on older platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
“There have been numerous upgrades and additions that significantly impact the sport’s efficiency,” Keller noted, highlighting several visually striking enhancements and technologically challenging hero kits. In a 6v6 format, these upgrades significantly affect our players’ gaming experience, potentially causing the game to underperform on outdated hardware, necessitating consideration of system specifications for optimal performance. In Overwatch, speed and agility are crucial elements, and maintaining a consistent experience across all platforms is vital to ensure players’ proficiency. While a limited-time inspection might occur earlier than expected, the team remains committed to determining the precise timeframe required to fully optimize gameplay performance. “This endeavor will likely require significant resources and time, potentially spanning multiple years.”
However, one significant caveat to reverting to 6v6 is the anticipated surge in queue times, according to Keller. He observed that tens of hundreds of thousands of recent players, who had previously played exclusively 5v5 mode since the game’s transition to free-to-play. Let’s not take umbrage with fans who are passionate about the game, but rather strive for an immediate understanding.
Blizzard plans to assess the far-reaching implications of 6v6, as Keller noted, extending beyond efficiency, queue times, and stability to encompass a broader scope of game modes. “We meticulously reflect on the insights gleaned from each test we conduct, striving to deliver precisely what gamers demand.” Whether the fate of 5v5, 6v6, or any other format lies in our hands remains to be seen.
While team composition is a topic of ongoing discussion in 6v6 play, even the fundamental concept of group building remains open to interpretation. “We foresee the potential for alternative grouping approaches that offer more flexibility than traditional set compositions but less freedom than Open Queue.” “We’re excited to confirm that Season 13 will feature at least one iteration of our popular Fast Play: Hacked experience, built upon the innovative concept you’ve come to know and love.” The new anime season of Attack on Titan will likely debut towards the end of October.
Concluding his in-depth analysis of the 6v6 debate in a recent Director’s Take, Keller emphasized that it marks “just the start of this conversation.”
“We’re not done with 5v5 and 6v6 yet,” he declared.
