It sounds like a major Experimental Mode designed by pros is coming toOverwatch. The professional Overwatch League announces an upcoming version of Experimental Mode focusing on changes by pros and streamers.
Blizzard’s team-based shooter,Overwatch, took the industry by storm during release back in 2016. The cast of recognizable heroes and diverse playstyles attracted a community of players that continue to support the game. To test out potential tweaks and updates, the developers added a mode known as Experimental. Rather than the separatePTR which tests new charactersand maps, Experimental Mode is available straight from the main game.
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Typically the internal team makes these changes, but now a panel of expert players will decide. Sometime this coming March, the group of selected gamers will create a special ruleset for Experimental Mode. This will then be the framework for a community tournament happening around March 27 and 28. However, these updates may not be permanent according to Jon Spector, Vice President ofOverwatchesports. This would be unusual given that most of theExperimental character buffs and nerfsnormally end up in the live game.
The Vice President clarifies that this Experimental Mode will be for the tournament, and likely not for liveOverwatch. Upon the reveal of this news, various streamers began vying for a position on this panel. Samito, a content creator for Florida Mayhem, requested information on where to submit a resume. Though another streamer SVB points out that the changes could just end up being ridiculous meme-tier edits which likely would be pointless for the game in the long run.
When it first was revealed, Experimental Mode was touted as a way to test out big ideas without messing with balance. Since that time, players havecomplained about the Experimental cardfor only testing minor tweaks. While some have significantly alteredOverwatch, like a format focusing a single tank and 3 DPS rather than the normal 2-2-2, those are few and far between. Letting pros and streamers get their hands on tweaking the experience should hopefully make for interesting ideas. Especially since it is unlikely to come to the main game and ruin it for average players.
It is unclear whether or not regular players will get access to this version of Experimental. With it being a ruleset for a tournament, it is possible it will only be available for those competing. Also, it is somewhat disappointing that this opportunity is available to pros and streamers but the community as a whole does not have any input. Plus, with news ofOverwatch 2getting a delay, some fans might see this temporary Experimental Mode as a pointless endeavor.Overwatchplayers will just have to wait and see what updates the cream of the crop can add to the experience.
Overwatchis a available now on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
