Blizzard has already upgraded most servers of Overwatch . Faster data transmission thanks to better netcode improves the game.
Less Lag, More Reaction
A few weeks ago, we reported that Blizzard wants to gradually update the servers and the associated netcode. This should mean that matches in Overwatch are influenced even less by latency, and especially the “shooting around corners” should occur less frequently.
Originally, the new feature of the faster 60Hz tick rate was only enabled for “Custom Games”, i.e., private matches. Meanwhile, the technology has also been activated on almost all servers of the PC version. The game server still makes “predictions”, but these now occur in a significantly smaller time frame, making corrections less necessary.
The developers’ biggest concern with this change was that players with a poor internet connection might have difficulty participating in matches because their network performance would be overstressed. Therefore, there is now an internal system that determines whether the respective internet connection can handle the increased number of data packets. If not, players will be individually throttled to the old level – thus, affected players should not face disadvantages.
Those interested in the exact details can check out the latest “Developer Update” to have the changes explained using Pharah cups.
However, it may still take a while until this change is completed on the consoles. The developers are still working on a way to bring PS4 and Xbox version owners up to date.
For more news, articles, and guides about Blizzard’s hero shooter, you can find them on our Overwatch game page.
