With the launch of Season 10 of Overwatch 2, Blizzard Entertainment is introducing significant changes to improve the game environment for all users. The goal of these measures is to make it easier to play with friends, crack down on disruptive players, and make the online experience safer overall.

Making ranked matches with friends easier

One of the notable new features is the "broad-based groups". This change will allow players, regardless of rank, to compete together in ranked matches. This move will allow friends to play together regardless of large differences in their skill level, but with certain restrictions to ensure fairness and game balance.

Stricter penalties for match abandonment

Blizzard has also tightened its guidelines for leaving games prematurely. Players who repeatedly leave games will face increased waiting times and, in extreme cases, a ban for the entire season. This measure is intended to improve the quality of play for all involved and reduce the number of interruptions.

Improved protection for players

In addition, protection for streamers will be enhanced with the "Hide my name" feature. This should help not only streamers but all players to protect themselves from harassment and unwanted contributions to their games. In addition, the "Avoid as team member" tool will be expanded so that players can exclude up to 10 other players from their team composition.

Measures against disruptive behavior

In the fight against harassment and disruptive behavior in chats, Blizzard is introducing strict penalties. Players who behave inappropriately will be penalized with a reduction in their recognition level. Furthermore, access to voice and text chats will be restricted for players with the lowest recognition level.

Involvement of the community

The introduction of player polls will allow the Overwatch 2 community to provide direct feedback on new modes, events and features. Blizzard hopes that this will further optimize the game experience and respond to the wishes of the players.

What are broad groups in Overwatch 2?
Broad-based groups allow players to play ranked matches together, even if there is a large difference in rank. This feature is designed to encourage playing together, but comes with restrictions to ensure fairness.

What measures have been introduced against players leaving matches early?
Players who frequently leave games early will face longer waiting times or may even be banned for the entire season. These measures are intended to improve the quality of matches.

How does the improved protection for streamers work in Overwatch 2?
With the "Hide my name" function, players can prevent their BattleTag from being displayed publicly, which helps streamers in particular to protect themselves from unwanted posts and harassment.

What is being done about disruptive behavior in online matches in Overwatch 2?
Blizzard will set the recognition level of players who are disruptive or behave unfairly in chat to 0. Players with the lowest recognition level will be banned from voice and text chat until they improve.