New details for "Overwatch" will feature a "Chinese New Year" event next week and updates on the PTR and character changes.
Game director Jeff Kaplan gave gaming fans an update on the upcoming Public Test Region or PTR event and several character changes. Kaplan stated that the PTRs are an avenue for players to test new changes and give valuable feedback, it is also a platform for the development team to ensure that the game is stable and running smoothly.
Kaplan added the reasons why PTRs are not implemented on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, explaining that the PC version runs on Blizzard Entertainment's own Battle.net platform, the consoles operate on Sony and Microsoft. It is also due to the complicated logistics and the certification process required to implement new changes into the PS4 and Xbox One versions of "Overwatch", so it is not feasible for Blizzard to have a console-specific PTR – which also explains why PC changes sometimes come earlier than the consoles.
While the PTR incentives are being considered by the developers, Kaplan explained that the team’s resources would be better used working on new changes for the final build of the game rather than focusing on PTR-specific changes that only a small portion of the community would experience.
Aside from the PTR changes, Kaplan also explained the changes on "Overwatch" characters Roadhog, D.Va, Sombra and Ana. Sombra will be more viable as a disruptive character rather than an offensive one as she can hack enemies at in 0.8 seconds instead of the one full second it currently takes.
Roadhog's hook attack has been a source of controversy to "Overwatch" users as Blizzard nerf its effects, but Kaplan explained that that the upcoming changes will aim to make things a bit more easier for the victims of his attacks, as well as providing a bit more consistency as to how the hook lands.
D.Va will have her armor dropped from 400 to 200 and the damage of her bullets dropped from 3 to 2. However, it is worth noting that D.Va’s health and the number of bullets she shoots per second will be increased with the update.
Lastly, Ana will have her healing boost of her Biotic Grenade being cut in half, as it is proven to be too efficient for players during matches, Gamerant reported.
In other news, Blizzard announced a "Chinese New Year" themed event next week on Jan. 24 as the official "Overwatch" Twitter page tweeted a teaser featuring "Overwatch" character Mei celebrating the Year of the Rooster.
While there is not much information about the "Chinese New Year" event, a representative from Blizzard told Polygon that it will similar to past events just like the Halloween and Winter Wonderland events.
Previous reports announced that Blizzard is developing new features that will allow players to save their gameplay highlights after the match.
However, gaming fans may need to wait a bit longer before they can save their highlights because Kaplan added that there is currently no release window for when this feature will arrive.
"Overwatch" is currently available for the PS4, Xbox One and PC platforms.