Blizzard Tests Faster Overwatch Gameplay Dynamics to Gather Player Feedback in Quick Play
In a bid to inject a dose of excitement into Overwatch 2, Blizzard has introduced a limited-edition game mode called “Quicker Play.” Running from January 12 to January 14, this event aims to experiment with faster gameplay by tweaking respawn times, payload speeds, and objective control rates in both Hybrid and Control modes.
The most notable changes in Quicker Play include a 75% reduction in respawn times, making for a quicker return to the action. Payloads on Escort and Hybrid maps will move a whopping 60% faster, fostering a more dynamic and swift gaming experience. Taking control of objective points in Hybrid and Control modes will see a 40% speed boost, while Flashpoint objectives will be claimed 20% faster.
Additionally, the initial match time for Escort, Hybrid, and Push maps has been scaled down to 70% of the original duration, including any time extensions. However, these alterations are exclusive to players participating in Role Queue and Open Queue Quick Play modes during the event and will revert to normal settings after January 14. Importantly, Competitive Play and Arcade modes remain unaffected by these changes.
Blizzard emphasizes that Quicker Play is part of the Overwatch team’s broader initiative, Quick Play: Hacked, designed to trial innovative concepts for short durations. The goal is to swiftly gauge player preferences and apply necessary adjustments to enhance overall gameplay dynamics, focusing on strategic elements rather than hero balancing.
Blizzard is considerate of Overwatch players who may prefer the traditional Quick Play experience during the limited-time Quicker Play event. To accommodate those players, the game developer recommends a simple yet effective solution: creating a custom game with standard rules. This approach allows players to tailor their gaming experience to align with the familiar and established rules of traditional Quick Play. This flexibility is a thoughtful nod to the diverse preferences within the Overwatch community.