A hefty portion of Blizzcon 2021 was dedicated to Overwatch 2, the sequel to the smash hit team-based first person shooter, Overwatch. In a nearly 40 minute "Behind the Scenes of Overwatch 2" video, key members of the development team explained they wanted to separate Overwatch 2 from the first game in certain areas, including more emphasis on PvE elements for players less geared toward competitive play. After dissecting the video, some fans feel Overwatch 2 might be making another big change that could affect both competitive and PvE play.
Though Overwatch 2 is still far from release, the game's lead designer, Jeff Kaplan, did promise that the game will have more frequent updates after BlizzCon. In the quiet period after BlizzCon, fans have been analyzing everything shown at the online convention in hopes that they might learn more about Overwatch 2. Referencing gameplay footage, some fans have come forward with a theory that the game's long-standing 6v6 PvP structure might be changing to 5v5.
This theory springs not only from gameplay footage of Overwatch 2, but also from comments made by the developers concerning the Tank role in the game. "We want to try to make them more toe-to-toe brawlers," said Jeff Kaplan. To accomplish this, the developers detailed a potential Reinhardt rework that they have been experimenting with which gives the big guy two Fire Strikes and the ability to cancel his charge. If Tanks are indeed made more self-reliant, it could mean that the standard for competitive play would shift to a 5v5 format with two DPS heroes, two Supports, and one Tank.
As for the gameplay footage evidence, several fans have pointed out that there seems to be only one tank on teams fighting in the video. Reinhardt's footage shows him fighting against a team with Winston as the only tank, which then changes to Orisa in another clip. When discussing the potential for passive role abilities in Overwatch 2, the footage also mainly shows tank-on-tank fighting, with what looks like one tank on each team.
Of course, others are quick to point out that the developers have not mentioned Overwatch 2 will switch to a 5v5 format. The current 6v6 format in Overwatch makes it so that there are an even number of DPS, Support, and Tank roles, which is naturally a more balanced approach. Overwatch already experimented with a three DPS, two Support, one super-powered Tank model that many players felt caused DPS heroes to fade into the background as a result. A 5v5 model with one Tank would also place huge emphasis on the Tank role, with Tank players potentially carrying matches or becoming the scapegoat for losses.
Regardless of whether Overwatch 2 ends up being 5v5 or 6v6, there is a good chance the game will have an open beta so it can be thoroughly tested by the community. Until then, fans will just have sit and wait for more updates on Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.