Blizzard will now listen to your voice chat in Overwatch and even transcribe it – this is supposed to help filter out trolls and nasty people.
With Overwatch 2, Blizzard is doing several things differently. This affects not only content and gameplay but also monitoring methods and the collection of evidence when players act inappropriately. The voice chat in Overwatch 2 will be logged and evaluated immediately in case of reported violations.
What was said? In a lengthy blog post, the developers of Overwatch 2 described how they want to combat negative behavior more effectively. One method they have developed in recent months and years focuses on audio transcription, which is set to launch shortly after release.
In practice, this means that Overwatch 2 will temporarily save your voice chat communication. If a player is reported for their behavior in the voice chat, the software automatically creates a transcript (i.e., a written record) of the spoken words. The sound recording is then promptly deleted. The saved text is subsequently examined for violations and disruptive behavior using chat review tools. Based on this evaluation, potential sanctions will be applied.
The transcript is stored for a maximum of 30 days and is then deleted.
Why is Overwatch 2 doing this? Blizzard has committed in recent years to take significant action against negativity, insults, and harassment. Especially now, with Overwatch becoming a free-to-play game, there is a concern that the tone could worsen.
Therefore, Blizzard has proactively implemented several measures to create a friendly and positive environment in Overwatch 2.
Overwatch 2 restricts new players for 100 matches
What other measures have been taken? A whole series. Toxicity is to be significantly reduced, which is why the following points will also happen in Overwatch 2:
All Overwatch 2 accounts must be equipped with SMS Protect. Each phone number can only be linked to one account.
In addition, newcomers will experience some restrictions for the first approximately 100 matches. They will mostly play against other newcomers and can only select a few of the heroes. This way, they also unlock all game modes and features like voice chat and match chat. Thus, fresh accounts cannot troll immediately, but must first invest time in the game. These restrictions will be gradually lifted but are always disabled when the newcomer plays in a group with friends who have already progressed further.
Finally, player levels and the portrait frames associated with those levels are disappearing. Blizzard has found that the frames have often led to players being criticized – either because they are “way too low level” or, conversely, because someone does not meet the expectations associated with a high level.
What do you think of the measures? Do you think it is okay for Overwatch 2 to store your voice chat and possibly evaluate it? Or do you think that goes too far?
