Developer Update Popular Community Topics #2
by JR Cook - 8 years ago show comments
In this update Jeff Kaplan gives us a rundown of some of our favorite topics, and the plans Overwatch has for them.
Ranked play has nothing set yet. Still weighing what systems will fit best. The goal is to provide a place for more competitive and semi-pro, yet allowing for the casual just to feel they are progressing. They will be trying to balance a lot of play styles and still maintain decent queue times.
It will not be easy to figure how to balance solo queue vs teams. Kaplan recognizes unless you queue as a team many times you will feel that the match making may be unfair. You may feel that it was your team bringing you down. It is always best to play with friends and to choose your own destiny. That said he knows it is not always possible so they are working on balancing it.
They are working on improving the connection to the system. This is being measured in improved ping speeds. They are starting to see good results worldwide.
Kaplan apologizes for the lack of inclusion. He acknowledges the overwelming interest the community has in Overwatch. They wanted to run a small traditional testing group. He feels the current beta should have been more of an alpha. They are looking for ways to improve the beta experience. He alluded to the possibility of an open beta just prior to release.
Taunt seems to be a very powerful attribute to have and a taunt-heavy deck seems favorable for the long haul. I agree it has excellent synergy with shaman. I think you can find great synergy with other classes as well.
Priest comes to mind because you tend to shoot for late game and taunt helps you get there in one piece (not to mention the ability to heal your taunting minions which *usually* have enough buffer to survive a hit before dying).
Mages too; if you drop mana wraiths after gaining board control with taunters in combination with ice control to buy turns needed to stockpile those fireballs and pyroblasts. The combination of taunt, higher minion cost, and crowd control means enemy minions trying to hit you will be climbing the mountain pass of Caradhras…
A thought-provoking article to be sure.
I like this Lord of the Rings reference!