The ranked games in Overwatch will be revised for the next season. Seasons will now last only two months instead of three. Other changes include the control maps and the decay of the skill rating. In a video, Jeff Kaplan explains what we can expect.
For the new sixth season in Overwatch, the developers have thought of a few changes that are supposed to improve gameplay. One of the most significant changes is that the duration of the seasons has been reduced from 3 months to 2 months. Also, you will now have to play fewer ranked matches per week to prevent your skill rating from automatically decreasing.
All important changes for the 6th season in Overwatch are explained here.
Season Duration and Placement Matches
In the developer video, Jeff Kaplan explains to the Overwatch community what changes are coming to ranked matches and why these changes are being tested. First, he addresses the duration of the seasons.
A season is now supposed to last only two months instead of three. The reason for this is that especially at the beginning of a season, the games are much more competitive and players try harder. Additionally, the game is more fun at the start when you earn your placement. The shorter duration of the seasons is initially a test in which Blizzard wants to find out whether this is more enjoyable.
Although the seasons are now shorter, you should still earn “about” the same amount of competitive points per year.
Minor changes to the decay of the skill rating: Instead of seven games, you will now only have to play 5 games (at Diamond rank and higher) per week for your skill rating not to automatically decay. If you do reach the point where the rating decays, you will lose only 25 instead of 50 rating. Further changes to the skill rating decay are planned for future seasons.
Control Maps
The developers noticed that many of the matches on control maps go into overtime. Because there is currently a best of 5 system (one team must win 3 games), a match takes particularly long.
For season 6, there will therefore be a best of 3 system. The team that can win two games first will win.
Placements are supposed to work more accurately
In seasons 4 and 5, Blizzard intentionally placed you a little below the rank you actually deserved. However, this did not feel good for many players and also for Blizzard. “It felt wrong to intentionally place you lower so that you could see better progress in your skill rating.”
The placements in season 6 are now supposed to correspond more accurately to your skill rating.
More balance in matchmaking
Blizzard wants to achieve more balance in matches in Overwatch. Especially players with high skill ratings had problems because often matches occurred where the teams were unbalanced and one dominated.
With the new balance, matchmaking will take a little longer, but it will prefer the two teams for a match that have win chances of about 50%.
If this suddenly increases the duration of the matchmaking search, you don’t have to worry. Blizzard is keeping a close eye on this part of the changes and will implement adjustments if the system is not satisfactory.
Ranked games in Overwatch are always to be changed and improved. D.Va is also getting changes. She will soon be able to shoot while flying.
