Overwatch 2's new features might change how the game is played, here's what we know

In a recent Developer update from Alec Dawson, the Lead Gameplay Designer for Overwatch 2, it has been revealed that the game might potentially see the release of several new features, some of which include Hero bans, map voting, and even private tournaments. These updates were discussed in a podcast hosted by SVB and Flats, popular Overwatch 2 content creators. The hosts were joined by both Alec Dawson and Aaron Keller, the forerunners of the title.

This article will shed light on the prospect of these updates being made part of the game, and what it might bear for the player base at large.

---

Will Overwatch 2 implement Hero bans and map voting

As per the comments made by Alec Dawson during SVD and Flats' podcast, it seems that Hero bans and map voting are the primary features that are under development for the upcoming seasonal release. While it's not confirmed how any of these features will play out, the addition of these concepts will undoubtedly change the competitive environment of the game.

Hero bans and its impact

Every Hero in Overwatch 2 has their own abilities and spot in the game. Their abilities are diverse, and with each seasonal update, we see newer Heroes take the spot of meta and carry the flow of the game. With the release of Hero bans, we believe that the meta will indeed be shaken quite hard. Hero bans will ensure that prominent picks for the Season get swiped off almost every match. The move will surely encourage players to diversify their Hero pools, and better yet, we will see the development of unique new team comps dominating competitive playlists of Overwatch 2.

---

Map Voting

Map Voting will entirely change the competitive environment of Overwatch 2. Each map in Overwatch enables different Heroes to shine. It is natural that some Heroes perform better on distinct maps and offer incomparable support to the team, and in some, they barely struggle to have any impact. The concept of Map Voting, paired with Hero bans will, for the most part, eliminate the concept of meta from the game.

Furthermore, there is also no debate that some maps in Overwatch are simply unbalanced in the game's current state. Map voting and bans will allow players to pick and choose their desired maps, allowing them to stick to their strategies and do their best in maps of their choice.

Read more about: "Just ban him already": Overwatch 2 streamer YZNSA gets exposed for selling boosted accounts

---

There is no release date disclosed for any of these features, and we believe that an official dev blog after the release of OW2 Season 12 will indicate their arrival in the game.

For more related news and guides, stay tuned to Sportskeeda's Esports and Gaming section.