Blizzard is fulfilling some promises regarding Overwatch and shows what features viewers and teams can now benefit from.
Several weeks ago, the developers of Overwatch promised that they would make eSports more accessible for viewers. Many things were announced, such as uniform colors for the different teams, a clear 2D map for commentators, and colored effects so that viewers can distinguish the teams.
Now Blizzard has released a small “Behind the Scenes” video that gives a first glimpse at these changes.
Uniform colors also determine the effects
The video clearly shows how all team members wear the same colors, making them easily distinguishable from each other. These colors extend even to the effects in the game. A team with a white uniform will also have white effects – this includes all projectiles, but also slightly different shields from Reinhardt and Orisa or even the big explosion from D.Va’s mech.
Also included is the replay feature, which was requested by commentators. With a simple click on the kill feed, commentators can jump to a desired moment and review it. The camera can be moved freely, and the whole thing can even be played in slow motion to capture all the details of the situation.
The community’s feedback has been almost unanimous so far: With these changes, it will be much easier to follow individual matches and accurately assign all players. Many players are looking forward to being able to watch the final matches at BlizzCon this weekend with increased clarity.
What do you think of these changes to the spectator mode? Does this make Overwatch more exciting for viewers? Or has the train already left?
A really crazy hammer duel, where both teams just watch motionlessly, you can see it here.
