Recognitions or “Endorsements” are a new reward feature in Overwatch. We reveal how it works and its impact.
With the Patch 1.25, Blizzard introduced a new feature in Overwatch. From now on, players can not only report toxic behavior, but also specifically recognize particularly positive members of the Overwatch community. At the end of each match, you can award up to three recognitions – some even to players from the opposing team!
Recognitions (or in English “Endorsements”) are awarded in three different categories in Overwatch.
- Leadership Role: Players who stand out as leaders on the battlefield or through strategic behavior can earn the recognition “Leadership Role”.
- Teamwork: Players who work particularly effectively with their team can be awarded the “Teamwork” recognition.
- Fairness: You can grant the “Fairness” recognition to players who have a positive impact on the game.
Granting Recognitions/Endorsements – What Does It Bring?
What do you get for granting recognition? Those who award recognitions to other players receive an incentive of 50 experience points.
What is the recognition level? When you receive recognitions from other players, your recognition level increases over time. This is displayed with a new symbol next to each player portrait. At the beginning, everyone starts at recognition level 1, the maximum achievable level is 5.
No recognition for friends. You cannot award recognitions to your friends. This is designed by Blizzard to prevent friends from just passing recognitions back and forth.
How much recognition is needed per level? Blizzard does not specify exact values for the increase. Presumably, the system is designed to prevent exploitation.
Recognition diminishes: Once earned recognition levels are not permanent. After some time, the recognition automatically “expires” if you are not still valued by players. You can also lose all recognition immediately if you receive an account penalty, such as from too many negative reports. Additionally, repeatedly leaving games early results in loss of recognition.
What rewards are there for high recognition levels?
There are rewards for achieving a high recognition level. These come in two different forms.
Social Rewards: Those with a high recognition level can join more groups in the “Looking for Group” tool. A certain recognition level is one of the selection criteria that group leaders can use.
Other Rewards: Blizzard has announced that there will be additional rewards at regular intervals for high recognition levels. However, what these will look like has not yet been revealed. It is conceivable that there could be specific spray logos or display images, or even special skins. As soon as Blizzard shares the exact plans, we will report on it.
What do you think of the recognition system and what recognition level have you already achieved?
