Overwatch pros on patch frequency and timing

I really don't want to see the dota2 pattern. As a filthy diamond casual I really enjoy the frequency of patches.

It was interesting to hear that the thoughts could be broadly split between those who favour large infrequent patches that set a meta for a few months, and those who would prefer they make frequent minor adjustments towards a "utopia patch" in which most heroes are balanced nicely.

It just seems like Mendokusaii said it best -- that having the option to play on the older patch for LANs would be the best of both worlds. Then Blizzard could patch whenever they wanted, but it would still offer consistency for pro teams and large LANs.

Overwatch is sort of in a funny time though as its learning to stand on its own two feet. Tournaments are going to pop up so you will struggle to find a perfect time, until the Overwatch league starts anyway. Dota is lucky in the sense that the majors and the international are organised by Valve so they can have more say in the schedule of the patches vs major lan tournaments.

To keep the game fresh I think it's nice to get patches but for now it's a slog for Blizzard I imagine because they're trying to get the right balance first. And then to make the game fresh after that they have to create that same good balance whilst making it seem new which is a whole other challenge.

The trouble is it seems they're just throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks and at least now that the game has been released for a while it's not that enjoyable to see. They should start off doing these little tweaks and to see what happens after a few weeks until they get it to a point that they're happy with. Then they can start doing major patches with multiple hero changes/reworks.

I totally agree with small incremental patches and solve one problem at a time.
Timing is definitely the more crucial thing... What are these mid group stage patches and stuff...

I feel the patch speed is great, sure maybe communicate with the competitive community to avoid Lan dates for these patches.

Otherwise these patches progress and digress the game, for example people have been talking about the OP Ana situation, they took note "Healing boost on allies has been decreased by 50%" so she cannot burst heal as effectively with this. The patches keep the game entertaining, we all saw what happened to Tf2 when the meta became the best it could be, in 6's or Highlander, and it just got crusty and stale for a lot of players.

Naturally, as stated above, patches should be communicated with Lan directors but undoubtedly and obviously, keep them up. I just fear the comp scene will play in a "pre-patch" they may like a little too much and get stuck in it like quicksand.

Even in dota there are sub patches (b c d e etc...) which tend to nerf the flavor of the month heroes so it kinda is frequent. Not as frequent as in OW though.

I personally love the patch speed. I think it forces teams to be more well rounded and for a fan of Overwatch esports, this is great! We see teams move up and down the ladder every tournament, to me this keeps fans excited and always guessing. I know it has to be frustrating for teams but for the sport I think it is a positive.