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Overwatch 2 is reaffirming its commitment to the 6v6 gameplay format, with game director Aaron Keller announcing an extension of the ongoing playtest that will run until the middle of the current season. This decision has been largely welcomed by the Overwatch community, many of whom have expressed a strong desire to revert back to the cherished mechanics of the original game.
In a recent tweet, Keller indicated that the extension is a direct response to the enthusiasm players have shown for the 6v6 format, which had been absent since the introduction of the 5v5 system with the sequel. “We’re extending the 6v6 playtest due to continued player interest and excitement for the mode,” Keller stated. He explained that the current playtest, which utilizes a 2-2-2 role queue, will transition to a more flexible 6v6 open queue at midseason.
The open queue format is anticipated to provide valuable insights not only for the Overwatch community but also in light of the competition from Marvel Rivals, which has garnered attention with its implementation of a fully open queue and 6v6 gameplay. Players from the Marvel Rivals scene have reportedly begun asking for a role queue system in ranked matches, where the absence of diverse team compositions can often lead to imbalanced encounters.
Currently, the shift back to 6v6 appears to resonate with many players who have nostalgia for the original Overwatch experience. This segment of the player base has largely remained loyal, having originally engaged with a gameplay style that favored a multitude of character interactions and team strategies offered by the 6v6 format.
The transition to 5v5 has posed unique challenges, particularly for tank players, who have often found themselves ineffectively positioned within the new structure. Criticism has emerged regarding the changing dynamics of tank roles, with some players arguing that characters like Roadhog do not fulfill traditional expectations of a tank. The removal of the off-tank position has contributed to a perceived reduction in competitive depth, making balance adjustments essential yet difficult, as some tanks seem less vulnerable to tactical errors.
As the extension of the 6v6 playtest unfolds, the response from the community remains positive, indicating a strong demand for this mode’s return. There remains potential for exciting gameplay configurations, including unorthodox team compositions such as four tanks and two supports, which could redefine the competitive experience.
Ultimately, while the evolving meta presents new possibilities, some players advocate for the retention of certain strategies that may not have stood the test of time and suggest that perhaps some formats are best left in earlier iterations of the game.
Source
dotesports.com