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Overwatch’s New Play Mode This Weekend Only

Abe Gottesman 2024-01-11 11:19:17
Overwatch has a new play mode for this weekend only. One that while familiar is quite different from anything we've ever played before.  Sombra has been up to no good again. For this weekend only, Overwatch Quick Play mode is being changed significantly. Named "Hacked - Quicker Play" this is a monumental change. However, it will only last the weekend.  What has Blizzard got in store? Well, quite a lot has changed for Quick Play.  

What's Changed In Quick Play? 

    This weekend will be chaotic as they've completely overhauled Overwatch's Quick Play mode. 
    • Respawning times are now 75% of their original time.
    • Payloads in Escort and Hybrid maps will move 60% faster.
    • Taking control of the Objective Point in Hybrid is 40% faster than normal.
    • Taking control of the objective point in Control is 40% faster than normal, and scoring the capture progress percentage is 80% faster.
    • Taking control of the objective point in Flashpoint is 20% faster than normal, and scoring the capture progress percentage is 40% faster.
    • When you play an Escort, Hybrid, or Push map, the initial match time has been reduced to 70% of the original time, and any time extensions are also reduced to 70% of the total time added.
    • These changes only apply to all players who play in Role Queue and Open Queue Quick Play modes during the duration of the event and will return to normal after January 14. Competitive Play and Arcade modes are not affected by these changes.
    This large of a change has not happened since Hero Pools were implemented and removed.  Adjusting one of the core game modes to Overwatch is rare and this drastically has almost never happened.  So why is Blizzard changing things now?  

Why Have They Changed Quick Play? 

    Before the change to Overwatch 2, Activision Blizzard has been creative in testing changes for balance and community perception.  The official Overwatch blue post explained how and why they've changed the Quick Play ruleset.  "We want to learn what changes to Overwatch 2 you enjoy the most," Blizzard wrote.   "The Arcade is meant for game modes that typically only play one specific map type (like Assault) or completely different ways to play Overwatch." "We want to encourage more players to join in on the fun," Blizzard explained. In addition, most of the experimental cards from Overwatch tested hero balance changes, whereas these changes affect the core gameplay rules of Quick Play." Many changes in Overwatch are typically made in their own separate playlist. However, that separates the player base as well as skews and limits data for the developers. Making a change that directly impacts so many players is a first and sets a precedent.  This could be the start of a bigger shift in Overwatch 2's balance philosophy as well as development strategy.  Overwatch's Quick Play will return to normal after January 14.
Images via Bizzard Entertainment.
 

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