The Overwatch 2 Developer Update is on track to deliver substantial upgrades in competitive play, hero abilities, and user satisfaction. With Season 10 drawing closer, the update unveils long-awaited features that are eagerly anticipated by the game's community.
This article delves into some key features discussed under the Defense Matrix Initiative: the Overwatch section that manages Disruptive chat behavior, upcoming streamer protect updates, and more of what's coming in the Overwatch 2 Defense Matrix.
Overwatch 2 Developer Update: Improved anonymity and streamer protect update
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The Streamer Protect update mentions the inclusion of the updated "Streamer Mode" feature in Overwatch 2, which will help streamers and fans play and enjoy the game anonymously without having to reveal their names. This feature is set to lower the amount of toxicity that players face while playing in public lobbies and significantly improve their experiences by enabling them to hide their names.
According to Gavin Winter, Senior Systems Designer of Overwatch 2, the developer will introduce an improved streamer mode feature. The streamer mode still exists in the game, but only on the client side. It would be improved and will be brought to the server side so that nobody can recognize players by their battle tags.
Winter said in the Developer Update:
"The big change we're making is adding server-side functionality, which means we'll change how your name appears on everyone's screens in your match."
According to Winter, players who are being disruptive in text chat or voice channels in streamer mode can still be reported, blocked, and avoided. They will be liable to penalties in the normal manner.
Overwatch 2 Developer Update: Disruptive chat prevention
The Overwatch 2 Developer Update also revealed that a multipronged approach will be taken to curb the problem of in-game disruptive behavior.
The first approach will prevent players from using text or voice chat at Endorsement level 0. Players who have been reported in the past for bad behavior and other in-game infractions will categorized in Endorsement level 0 and will be forced to take a break from text and voice channels.
Natasha Miller, Senior Research Scientist at Blizzard said in this regard:
"In our first approach, we will prevent players at endorsement level 0 from using text or voice chat. To be clear, the only way to get to endorsement level 0 is by having your account actioned for an in-game infraction."
To get promoted to Endorsement level 1 and use chat features, individuals have to demonstrate positive behavior, play with the team, and use pings in the game. New players will start at level 1 and will also have to abide by rules while playing the game and work their way up to consecutive Endorsement levels in Overwatch 2.
The second approach to counter disruptive behavior in the Overwatch 2 Developer Update is to remove the chat in spectator mode. Miller further explained this, saying:
"In our second approach, we will remove chat functionality for spectators. Spectators don't have an in-game need to use the chat channels, and by removing their ability to chat, we remove a channel that is increasingly being used by bad actors."
Future Overwatch 2 updates will not feature a chat feature in the Spectator mode. According to the game's developer, the spectator chat is the source of a lot of toxicity and is constantly used by some players to spread toxicity.
The Overwatch 2 Developer Update will introduce more efficient mid-game reporting, addressing the issue of harassment victims choosing not to report offensive players post-match. The game's developer emphasized on the significance of reporting inappropriate behavior.
It is strongly encouraged that players submit reports on misbehaving individuals, as the development team depends heavily on player feedback to accurately gauge the current state of matches and explore potential avenues for improvement.
Overwatch 2 Season 10 is set to be released on April 16, 2024, for PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Be sure to check these articles to know more about the developer update:
- Avoid as teammate feature and player surveys explained
- Season 10 Developer Update: New game mode, Hero changes
- Overwatch 2 Season 10 Developer Update: Where to watch,
- Overwatch 2 Developer Update Defense Matrix: Competitive wide group
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