Overwatch 2 may not be a massively different experience from the original hero shooter, but the sequel is making many smart decisions to improve the gameplay experience. Overwatch 2’s Ping system is a big deal, as it makes communication significantly easier. Various HUD changes make it easier to read what is going on while also tailoring the experience for certain Heroes like Zenyatta. Reworks for Orisa and Bastion have also made two of the least fun characters more enjoyable to play.
However, one aspect of Overwatch 2 that is more divisive is the introduction of a scoreboard. For years, this topic has been debated, with valid opinions being present on both sides. After seeing the scoreboard in action, though, it has become clear that it is a good thing overall - even if it will likely lead to even more toxicity than what fans are already used to.
Why a Scoreboard For Overwatch Has Always Been a Hotly Debated Topic
Despite scoreboards featuring in other multiplayer shooters like Call of Duty and Battlefield, the original Overwatch avoided such a feature, instead pushing the concept of personal statistics. The goal was to lower toxicity, as players would only be able to see their own stats to get an idea of whether they were performing well enough to help their team secure a win. However, rude players still emerged.
Most gamers that have played even a bit of Blizzard’s hero shooter will likely recall hearing a toxic Overwatch player say that they have all the gold medals, using this as proof that their team is the problem and not them. Whether it is a Roadhog outhealing a Support character or a Moira having the highest damage on the team, gamers still found a way to call out others. With this being such a common occurrence, it is no wonder that some players have been against the addition of a scoreboard. If these negative players can see how their team is doing at all times, they could have an easier time starting a conflict and pointing fingers at whomever they think is a weak link.
Why Overwatch 2’s Scoreboard is Ultimately a Good Thing
Not only did Overwatch 2’s first beta show that the 5v5 meta has potential to work well, but it also put the upsides of a scoreboard on full display. With this new feature, gamers could directly compare themselves to the other team. If an enemy DPS was outdoing someone playing as Cassidy, they could be motivated to switch their Hero or simply step their game up. Likewise, they could compare themselves to the other Damage hero on the team, starting up a friendly competition that ultimately helps the group effort.
For non-toxic players, Scoreboards serve as evidence of what is and is not working. In a competitive Overwatch match, gamers may be too quick to ask someone to switch due to personal biases against a certain hero. With the scoreboard in place, though, they can quickly see if a certain character or team comp is not working, having something to point to when asking an ally to make a change.
While it is still true that a scoreboard will inspire toxicity, these gamers would be causing issues anyway. Even with the personal statistics from the original game, the worst members of the Overwatch community found ways to harm the experience. As such, they would continue to be toxic regardless of whether there is a scoreboard in place. This aspect of Overwatch 2’s UI is beneficial in several ways, and even if some unsavory players do use it in a bad way, others will benefit from its presence - ensuring that it is a positive addition.
Overwatch 2 is currently in development.