As more players have gotten their hands onOverwatch 2, and after Blizzard confirmed that the game will be free-to-play, many of the harsh opinions about the sequel have softened a bit. While there is still some controversy aroundOverwatch 2and the decision to replace the original game client, most players are excited to get their hands on the game once again. Unfortunately, they likely will not be able to do so until the official launch in October.
According toOverwatchCommercial Leader Jon Spector, another beta will not be released before the game makes its debut, as Blizzard is satisfied with the data it has received and is going to focus all of its efforts on polishing the game. While this is understandable to some extent, there are two significant reasons why a third beta should happen, and both revolve around currently untested content.
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Overwatch 2’s Switch Port Deserves Proper Testing
ThoughOverwatch 2releasing on Switch is exciting for those who only play on the Nintendo platform, fans are concerned about how the game will perform on the hybrid console.The originalOverwatchworked fine enough on Switch, but with new maps and character models on the way, fans are likely wondering how they will look on the Switch. Beyond that, it is important to keep in mind how differently the Switch version will play from other versions ofOverwatch 2.
Much has been said about how differentlyOverwatchfeels on console compared to PC, with fully accurate aim far rarer on PlayStation and Xbox than it is on PC. As such, heroes likeTorbjornare more dangerous on console, occasionally needing to be balanced differently. With it being even harder to aim on the Switch - especially in its handheld form - the game could also need some unique balancing. As such, letting players test the Switch version before release would be ideal, as players can provide feedback about how the reworks and new heroes feel when playing on the go. Unfortunately, gamers may have no idea how the game looks and plays on the Switch until launch day.
Overwatch 2’s Fox Hero Could Launch in a Flawed State
Overwatch 2’s first beta put Sojourn in the hands of players, allowing them to test out the railgun-wielding Damage hero prior to the game’s official release. The second beta madeJunker Queenavailable, letting gamers see how well the new Tank fits into the 5v5 style. While both characters were fairly balanced from the get go, this is not the case with every character. Going by the established pattern, it would simply make sense for a final beta to be released that makes the Fox hero playable, so it is odd that this is not the plan.
Letting players test two out of the three heroes is a strange decision, as feedback for the Fox hero could ensure that play extremely well on day one. Perhaps Blizzard is confident in this character and does not believe public testing is needed for them, but the community would surely love a chance to share its thoughts. Considering that thisFox hero is in the Support role, a category Blizzard is striving to make more fun to play, letting players determine whether the character is actually in a good spot seems important.
WithOverwatch’s Anniversary Vol. 3 eventcoming to an end in September, players will have several weeks to wait before the game goes live. This window between mid-September to October 4 could be filled with a final beta, letting Switch users finally test out the game and giving all gamers the opportunity to learn the Fox hero before launch. Just likeMultiVersus, Blizzard could transition right from the final beta to the live game, getting one last batch of feedback before the game debuts. Though the studio is unlikely to change its mind on the decision to not have another beta, a final testing period before the early access release would certainly have its benefits.
Overwatch 2launches on October 4 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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