Hey everyone! I’m back with another philosophically-inspired Director’s Take discussing essential objectives we’re pursuing on the Overwatch team: increased transparency, enhanced information, and empowering you.
Map Voting data exemplifies these objectives well. We frequently hear from certain players about their experiences, which can mislead others into believing that’s the universal truth. In Competitive ranks above Masters 5, Control is the top map mode, followed by Flashpoint and Push. However, in ranks below Masters 5—where most players typically play—Hybrid is the most favored mode, and Flashpoint is the least selected.
Therefore, if you’re in Silver and think you only play Hybrid maps while your Masters friend believes they seldom see Hybrid, you’re both right based on your unique Overwatch experiences. Your environment creates a reality that is factual from your perspective.
Exploration and Learning
I might be dating myself here, but do you remember when instant answers to new video games weren’t just a click away? Back when I attended local fighting game tournaments, witnessing someone execute a new combo meant we all learned together as a community, adding skills to our repertoire.
Though times have changed, we as designers still pursue that communal experience through significant discovery phases. Discovery windows refer to the period players take to comprehend new additions, such as Perks or Heroes, together—before optimal strategies emerge. While this time may feel chaotic, it’s precisely what makes discovery windows special, as everyone formulates theories and experiments, leading to unexpected innovations that can inspire our team.
Empowered by Information
Providing real-time information about Overwatch may shorten our discovery window, but our team believes that increased visibility will deepen your understanding of our actions and motivations. Is there a way to make navigating this discovery window more manageable?
We think so. We’re developing a new website alongside the Battle.net team called Hero Stats, which will soon offer the sought-after data, including win rates and pick rates. We’re excited to see how the community utilizes this valuable information. Here’s a preview featuring placeholder (not actual) data!
Data shown is not real game data and is for demonstration only.
In addition to sourcing data online, we also aim to provide more insights within Overwatch itself. While we want to keep some Season 18 features under wraps, one we’re enthusiastic about is the Advanced Info Panel. Ever wondered about Cassidy’s weapon falloff range or the precise headshot damage from Hanzo’s Storm Bow? You will soon find that information without exiting the game client. Our next Developer Update will include all the specifics.
We aim to keep Overwatch easy for newcomers, but this doesn’t mean those seeking deeper information can’t access it. We believe that you are better off having all the relevant details available to broaden your understanding and enhance your Overwatch experience. Thanks for reading! Enjoy the game and don’t forget to endorse your tanks.
