author: Zuzanna Domeradzka
Blizzard Tries to Reverse One of the Most Controversial Decisions in History of Popular Shooter. Much-Loved 6-on-6 Battles Return to Overwatch 2, Even if Temporarily
A mode coveted by fans of the first installment may return to Overwatch 2. Blizzard wants to test the old-new 6-on-6 match format.
Almost a decade has passed since the first tests of the online shooter Overwatch were organized, and since the official release of the first game, the game has gained millions of fans, mainly due to active development by Blizzard. Because a lot of time has passed, it's likely that not all current players of the second installment of the popular hero shooter series remember its origins and features from the first game, such as the 6v6 battles that were replaced by 5v5 duels in the second game. However, there are die-hard fans who have long been asking for six-player teams to be introduced in Overwatch 2.
Today, Blizzard published an extensive announcement about matches in which 12 heroes fight each other on one map, explaining why the studio has been so reluctant to return to the old variant of matches until now.
Many times, fights in 6v6 couldn't resolve until ultimate abilities came online. [...] One of the design goals of 5v5 was to try to raise that level of gameplay, even though it was at the expense of some of those high moments.
Besides the balance problems, there were also long waiting times to start the match and disorder in the six-person team battles. Despite such major problems, Blizzard wants to re-examine this fan-favorite system and organize events in the near future for Overwatch 2, which will test the old-new team composition format.
The start date and duration of the 6 vs 6 fight tests are uncertain, but the developers stress that gathering feedback and adapting the format will be time-consuming, primarily due to issues with balance, queues, and technical matters. It seems that the appropriate events can be expected at the earliest in the upcoming season.
