The open beta of Overwatch has a small problem: deserters ruin the fun for many players. Are there countermeasures?
Update: More detailed information about deserter penalties can be found in this article.
Deserters in Overwatch – The plague even before release
Although Overwatch is currently still in the open beta phase, the game is already plagued by a problem: deserters. Players often start a match and then decide in the middle of the round to simply leave the game. This is quite annoying: not only does the team then temporarily lack a complete player (and the difference between 5 or 6 heroes is enormous), but matchmaking often fails to find a suitable replacement quickly.
However, if it is possible to join, it usually leads to frustrating experiences for the “subs” – the match is already in full swing, and one can only see how the opposing team is achieving victory. This is not only frustrating but simply poorly handled.
However, Blizzard has already integrated a system that punishes deserters. Those who leave multiple games in quick succession will receive a “deserter debuff.” This causes the player to earn fewer experience points for finishing a match and thus have less chance of enjoying the coveted loot boxes.
There is only one way to reverse this punishment: several games must be completed in a row without deciding to leave the match prematurely. Only then the debuff will be lifted.
Mein-MMO thinks: Deserters are annoying but perhaps still better than a player who simply stays in the round to annoy the rest of their team. So far, there seems to be only one solid method to avoid rounds with deserters: register as a group with other players. This increases the likelihood of being assigned to other groups. Individual players rarely leave a match if they are part of a group.
Basically, this seems to be a “beta issue”: players really have nothing to lose, the game has not yet been purchased. Therefore, few people worry about the consequences for their account.
For more news and articles about Blizzard’s hero shooter, you can find it on our Overwatch game page.
