Accordingly, the Overwatch League 2022 season has had many twists and turns. Yet, a common factor for this season is competition played out on an early version of Overwatch 2. So, the question to ask is as follows – has Overwatch 2 esports delivered?
To elaborate further, by ‘deliver’ we mean one particular point. Mainly, has the title manage to maintain or improve on the likes of Overwatch (1)?
Overwatch 2 Esports – Different Gameplay
Let’s start with the gameplay. Indeed, one of the most controversial changes regarding Overwatch 2 was the match-based player count.
Specifically, moving from a 6v6 format to a 5v5 format, literally everything has changed in terms of gameplay. Here are the implications:
A Crushed Meta: abandoning the former 2-2-2 split of team composition, a new mix had to be found. Accordingly, teams are now forced to spawn with one tank, two DPS and two supports. Also, less Tanks make for less choatic fights.
Change of Pace: overrall, Overwatch was always known to be incredible fast paced for competitors and viewers. Indeed, considering this the move to 5v5 has slowed down the rate of competition.
Apart the above changes associated with 5v5, there are also map changes and balance changes which have made things more interesting.
So in terms of developing Overwatch‘s game design, the changes involved with OW2 have yielded some interesting development in the esport – but did such changes need a full new title?
Overwatch 2 Esports – Has Viewership Improved?
How can we tell if the community is onboard? Accordingly, one reliable metric is esports viewership as it shows how interested everyone is – both in and out of the community.
Bearing this in mind, here are the viewership metrics for the two events on Overwatch 2 so far:
- OWL 2022 Midseason Madness – Peak Viewers 69,016 (Still in Progress)
- OWL 2022 Kickoff Clash – Peak Viewers 121,227
As you can see, the season kicked off with a great blast of viewership especially considering the extensive off-season break.
Now in comparison, let’s look at some statistics from the 2021 Overwatch League leading into this season:
- OWL 2021 Playoffs – Peak Viewers 134,320
- Overwatch League 2021 Countdown Cup – Peak Viewers 71,182
- OWL 2021 Summer Showdown – Peak Viewers 70,082
In comparison, if we had to put the numbers side by side, it seems that viewership has continued where it left off back in 2021. While this may be suitable, Overwatch esports has been in desperate need of better viewership statistics.
What else can Activision-Blizzard do to try and improve viewership?
How Can the Format Improve?
One way to do so, is by adjusting the format.
And that’s one thing which has improved for the 2022 season. Indeed, this year they’ve added the Midseason Madness event which is another international event.
Seemingly, the OWL is taking a note out of LoL esports’ book by offering two international events. Improving over the single international event from previous seasons, we have high hopes for the Midseason Madness event.
Otherwise, there aren’t a tonne of changes to the format besides this – will it be enough to make enough improvement? In our opinion, having another international event should definitely pay off.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many hoped that Overwatch 2 would be the return of Overwatch. As in, the return of 2017/2018 viewership with events hitting over 300,000 peak viewers.
Accordingly, although Overwatch has delivered on implementing new and intersting changes to the format and the game, there’s more to be done in terms of creating more viewership and more events.
Yet, did Overwatch really need a full sequel?
Be sure to stay up to date with competitive Overwatch here on esportsguide!
For more esports news, visit: https://www.esportsguide.com/news
