To make players feel like heroes, the AI of Overwatch intentionally makes dumb mistakes in the “Retribution” game mode.
Until April 30, Overwatch fans can play the “Retribution” game mode and experience a PvE mission from the perspective of the Blackwatch characters. Along with some cool story sequences, there are also special enemy types, such as the Talon assassin.
However, to ensure an enjoyable gaming experience, Blizzard has made sure of a few things: The AI intentionally plays dumb so that players feel more heroic.
In an interview with Variety, the lead designer of the Retribution map, Adrian Finol, talked about the little tricks and techniques Blizzard employed to make players feel like real heroes on the map.
AI intentionally shoots at reflecting Genji
For instance, the AI is programmed to act intentionally “dumb” in certain situations. When a McCree activates his “Deadlock,” the enemies do not dodge to the side but instead run around somewhat panicked. When a Talon sniper aims at a Genji and he begins reflecting, she will still fire her shot, likely killing herself in the process.
“Smart” NPCs wouldn’t react this way. There’s no reason to shoot at an opponent who is making himself invulnerable with his Phantom form, and especially no reason to shoot at a reflecting Genji when your life is at stake.
The reason for this is that players should feel like real heroes during the Retribution mission – that’s why Talon soldiers are mowed down by the hundreds while players work through the map as a group of four.
At the same time, there’s significantly more action when enemies continue shooting at a Reaper in Phantom form. This means it doesn’t feel like the enemies are truly human opponents, as in Overwatch’s PvP, but rather just “humans in the Overwatch universe” – namely, Talon soldiers.
What do you think about the AI of Overwatch behaving “dumb” on purpose to create cool scenes? Is this a good thing, or would you have liked it to be harder?
Have you seen the player who even managed to play as Talon characters in Ranked?
