Overwatch fans have been speculating about the possibility of a ban phase being added to the game’s Competitive mode as more heroes are introduced in Overwatch 2. While some argue that it may not be necessary, others are curious to see how it would work.
On Oct. 11, an Overwatch fan named chillskilled shared a UI concept for a ban phase in Competitive mode. The design perfectly captures the Overwatch aesthetic, from the overall look to the fonts and icons used. According to the creator, the idea behind this concept is to “allow teams to decide for themselves on how they want to experience the game.”
The ban phase consists of four stages, which determine various aspects of the match, including the game mode, map, heroes, and starting side. Each team has the opportunity to ban two out of five modes and maps, as well as two heroes.
While the community appreciated the design of the concept, the majority agreed that they wouldn’t want to see it implemented in the game. The main reason cited is that the ability to swap heroes and adapt to the pace of the match is crucial in Overwatch. Unlike games like League of Legends, Dota 2, or Rainbow Six Siege, players are not locked into their hero choice until the end of the game or round.
Some players expressed concerns about certain heroes being banned, which could negatively impact players who specialize in those heroes. For example, if a Junkrat main had Echo, Pharah, and D.Va banned, it would greatly hinder their ability to contribute effectively to the game.
Another issue raised was the ability to check opponents’ pick rates in order to make informed bans. Some players suggested a blind vote system, where opponents’ nicknames are hidden, to address this concern.
Despite the reservations, some fans believe that a ban phase could add depth to the game and potentially shake up the meta. If certain heroes become too dominant, they would likely be banned more frequently, prompting Blizzard to make balancing updates based on ban rates. This could potentially benefit the overall gameplay experience for everyone.
In conclusion, while the concept of a ban phase in Overwatch 2’s Competitive mode garnered attention and praise from the community, it seems unlikely to be implemented due to the importance of hero swapping and countering strategies in the game. However, the idea of a ban phase does offer potential for added depth and meta changes, which could be explored further by the developers.
Source: DOTESPORTS
