Summary
Overwatch 2Executive Producer Jared Neuss recently went public about a handful of key changes coming to the console versions of the game, specifically pertaining to cheaters and the general user experience. Nuess' comments follow years of issues with theconsole versions of theOverwatchgames, as many fans claim that the competitive shooter plays much better on PC for a number of reasons.
One commonly cited problem withOverwatch 2on console is the persistent use of XIM adapters. These adapters allow players to link a mouse and keyboard to their Xbox or PlayStation, thus taking advantage of the higher precision and mobility offered by PC controls over traditional gamepads. SinceOverwatchandOverwatch 2don’t include any sort of XIM recognition, there’s no way to confirm keyboard and mouse use, despite the fact thatOverwatchdevelopers consider it cheating. Other than issues related to XIM adapters, many console players have criticizedOverwatchfor having generally subpar performance and UX design on console.
Neuss recently spoke aboutOverwatch 2’s console problems on theGroup Up!podcast, revealing that fixes are imminent. Specifically, Neuss claimed that Blizzard has been developing a way to detect XIM adapters, though he refrained from going into further detail in an effort to keep potential hackers and exploiters in the dark. He also admitted that the overall “usability” ofOverwatch 2has not been at the level Blizzard wants. Summarizing Blizzard’s intentions withOverwatch 2on console, Neuss stated, “We know where the problems are. I think there are two big categories. One is, are people using devices like XIM, and how do we prevent that, and how do we make the game a great experience on console?”
This apparent commitment to console players follows last year’s push forOverwatch 2to be more console-inclusiveby bringing console players into beta testing. These efforts to do better likely come as a breath of fresh air forOverwatchfans on console, as the demographic has been relatively underserved, by Neuss' own admission.
We know where the problems are. I think there are two big categories. One is, are people using devices like XIM, and how do we prevent that, and how do we make the game a great experience on console?
Moreover, Blizzard’s attempts at makingOverwatch 2a more console-friendly game speak to the impact console players have had on the game’s success. As a strategic hero shooter,Overwatchvery well could have been relegated to the PC market, which would have limited its reach and influence. But console players helped make the franchise one ofBlizzard’s biggest IPs, so supporting that section of the playerbase seems like a good move.
Overwatch 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Overwatch 2 is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based action game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 battlefield brawl. Power up your railgun and disrupt the battlefield as Sojourn, or yield your axe and command attention as Junker Queen. Battle to take control of a robot and move it toward the enemy base in the new Push Mode. Bring the fight to new destinations across the globe in iconic locations like New York, Rome, Monte Carlo and Rio. Daily challenges and frequent updates mean there is always something new to play.
