Overwatch Q&A with Jeff Kaplan: From Genji’s Cool Factor to Widowmaker’s Tragic Story

Summary

In this Overwatch Q&A, Jeff Kaplan answers various questions related to gameplay, lore, and character backstories. He talks about why some characters are considered “cool,” the top 500 system, the server errors, and the reasons for Symmetra to be classified as a support character.

Why are some Overwatch heroes considered “cool”?
What is the top 500 system?
Why does Overwatch competitive ranking depend on team performance?
Are there any plans to improve the game’s FPS?
Why does Reinhardt move faster when swinging his hammer?
What’s the backstory behind Widowmaker’s blue skin?
How can players report AFK players on PC and consoles?
Why is Symmetra classified as a support rather than defense character?
Do gameplay mechanics always align with the game’s lore?
What should a player do if they break their Overwatch disc?
Can players turn off a feature in the game?
What is the Overwatch World Cup qualification process and what are the eligibility rules?
How does aging work in Overwatch?
How do high skill levels affect waiting times in competitive mode?
Who is Dino Flask and what does he do?

Why are some Overwatch heroes considered “cool”?

According to Kaplan, certain heroes like Genji are considered cool because they are not ordinary and have unique qualities. Genji’s combination of being a cyborg and a ninja makes him a cool hero. The team at Overwatch tries to design characters that give players a sense of individuality and coolness through their abilities and backstories.

What is the top 500 system?

The top 500 system is a ranking system that applies to the top 500 players globally. It is based on skill rating and it is different from the competitive ranking system. Players who reach top 500 are rewarded with a special icon for their player profiles.

Why does Overwatch competitive ranking depend on team performance?

Overwatch is a game that requires six players on each team, and it is not easy to assess individual contributions accurately. Kaplan believes that winning and losing as a team is a fair way of measuring performance. Overwatch is designed to be more of a team-based game that prioritizes strategy and coordination.

Are there any plans to improve the game’s FPS?

The Overwatch team is not planning on improving the game’s FPS because they believe that the current system is stable and provides players with the best experience. The development team does not prioritize catch-up mechanics because they believe in fair gameplay, mainly because a game should not allow players to use specific mechanics to bypass their opponents.

Why does Reinhardt move faster when swinging his hammer?

Reinhardt moves faster when swinging his hammer because it adds a sense of balance to his abilities. Without that extra movement speed when he swings his hammer, he would be too slow to compete against other heroes in the game effectively.

What’s the backstory behind Widowmaker’s blue skin?

The reason behind Widowmaker’s blue skin is because of an experiment in which she was injected with a serum that suppressed her emotions and made her a better sniper. As a result, her skin lost its natural pigment, turning an icy blue, which is why she was named the “Widowmaker.”

How can players report AFK players on PC and consoles?

Players on both PC and consoles can report AFK players. On consoles, they can go to the Social Menu and check the Recent Players tab, looking for the AFK player in question, and then report them. On PC, they can submit a report through the game’s official website.

Why is Symmetra classified as a support rather than defense character?

The Overwatch development team classified Symmetra as a support hero due to her unique abilities that help her team during the game. Although she has some defensive abilities, the support hero classification fits her ability to provide shields to her allies.

Do gameplay mechanics always align with the game’s lore?

Most gameplay mechanics are designed for gameplay reasons and may not necessarily align with the game’s lore. Kaplan hints that some gameplay mechanics, like Zenyatta’s orbs, exist only for gameplay reasons, but they try to provide some in-game explanations and justifications for them as much as they can.

What should a player do if they break their Overwatch disc?

If a player breaks their Overwatch disc, they should try to re-download the game. However, if they have any issues doing so, they can visit the Overwatch support page for further help.

Can players turn off a feature in the game?

Some features in the game can be turned off, including kill feed, spectator UI, and chat. However, disabling them can result in missing vital information during the game, such as team status, objectives, and player communication.

What is the Overwatch World Cup qualification process and what are the eligibility rules?

The Overwatch World Cup is an international esports competition, and each country’s eligibility process is different, depending on the country’s population, internet infrastructure, and previous performance in the tournament. Countries can submit their best players and form a team, but players must meet certain criteria to be eligible. For example, they must be over 18 years old and be citizens of their respective countries.

How does aging work in Overwatch?

The aging rate of different characters in Overwatch is not clear, but some characters, such as Mercy, have advanced medical technology that helps them retain their youthfulness. Some other characters, like Soldier 76 or Ana, who are not equipped with advanced technology, show signs of aging.

How do high skill levels affect waiting times in competitive mode?

High skill levels will naturally create a longer waiting time for competitive matches. This is partly because the game aims to match players of similar skill levels, creating longer wait times as it searches for appropriate opponents.

Who is Dino Flask, and what does he do?

Dino Flask is a talented Overwatch video creator who produces high-quality and entertaining content. Kaplan praises his efforts and encourages players to check out his content, especially his collaborations with performers. He also praises the creativity and passion of the game’s fans, mentioning how much the team appreciates their interpretations of the game’s characters and the relationships between them (shipping).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Overwatch Q&A with Jeff Kaplan provides insightful information related to gameplay mechanics and character backstories. Kaplan’s answers provide clarity on some of the game’s design choices and offer a glimpse into the challenges of designing a team-based game. The Overwatch team values player feedback and the creative community they have built around the game. With its diverse cast and unique gameplay, it is no wonder why Overwatch has become such a beloved game by its fans.