Is OWL ruining the game 2020

[Hokutoshin-1283]

Is OWL really ruining the game for everyone

I see this countless time that Owl ruin the game because it takes time away from the lore, balance changes, and etc. Did it really ruined it or is everyone being judgemental? [image] Tell me, do you think that Owl ruined the game or it isn’t and everyone is being judgemental

In 2018, I posted this topic about Overwatch league that is it really ruining games for everyone or everyone being judgmental. Tell me as of right now, is OWL really ruining the game it at this day of age or everyone sometimes, overreact.

[TylerG-11641]

OWL is the main reason I’m still interested in the game.

[Tyla-11402]

Past me would say yes OWL massively ruined the game but then I realized that in the end I have pink mercy (:

[EFR-11282]

OWL influences balance changes, that’s for sure.
If Devs used to have a “triangle” to base their balance:

1. Statistics
2. Devs perception
3. Playerbase feedback

Now you can add a 4th:

4. OWL spectators excitement

Devs will also favor what brings excitement to the public that watches OWL and content creators.

[pooch-11428]

OWL didn’t ruin the game.

It’s not really people overreacting either. They just see that game isn’t balanced to their desire and need a scapegoat, so they blame OWL for being the reason.

[RaysofGlory-1937]

It has been ruining it since the day it was released.

Edit: Found a comment I made on that thread. Funny enough, my stance on it hasn’t changed since balance is so slow

@RaysofGlory-1937

They caused a nerf to one of my most favorite heroes, all because they didn’t “like her”.

And now shes the worst hero in the game.

So, yeah, I have pretty good reason to hate the OWL. That and theres scummy business practices of locking cosmetics that aren’t related to the OWL behind a paywall when it could be added to the game.

[CustardCream-21440]

Overwatch is no longer balanced to be a fun game, it is balanced to be a good spectator sport.

Do you actually play the game, but you’re not in OWL? Screw you, screw the money you paid to buy it, that doesn’t matter. The devs contempt for their players has been obvious since the beginning, but now they don’t even try to hide it.

[Hokutoshin-1283]

Who is your favorite?

[EFR-11282]

I guess she/he meant D.Va.

[Deykar-2772]

Its not ruining the game overall, but some heroes arent allowed to be viable and get balanced as dead content for ladder while being OWL exclusive.

[Zikade-21408]

Don’t know if it’s downright ruining the game but it definitely seems to have some ill effects. Like how the whole “what is fun to watch” seems to be an aspect they seriously consider instead of focusing on “what is good to play”. Some of the aggressive balance changes seem to outright force particular metas which make for a good spectator sport.
OWL influencing the balance decisions of the whole game I personally find outright asinine since OWL players play in an environment which is basically unachievable by ladder players.

[MaestrPotato-1464]

in short, yes, but it actually can bring the same effect while maintaining more player base which will make more people watch owl too. (ironic right?)

but guess they want to sell more “iconic” merchandise

[Starlord-22320]

OWL in an own of itself is not a big problem and i could say, enjoyable, but counting these into the mix:

• Creator Discord from OWL Day 1
• Streamers being converted into influencers
• The decline of content updates
• The decline of the community itself
• Guerilla marketing
• Regional lock on a currency with the excuse of “its against the law in the 90% of other countries” (which isnt at all)

Its one of the worst Esports out there.

[Speede-11507]

Then make changes to OWL for OWL then. Make changes for OW based around the plat level as that is where the bulk of the player base is.