WARNING: TL;DR
Ok so, this is a hot topic and I too wanted to state my opinion on the matter here because, why not? So, after listening and watching Samito’s vid on Moira, I really had to stop and collect myself. First off, just to let you know, this topic is not about “nerfing” anything on a hero or if a hero needs nerfs. No, it’s the age old question that people have been using as an excuse just to get a character buffed or nerfed for no reason. That being “mechanical skill” on a hero (Not to confuse “mechanical skill” with real skill)
So to start, according to Samito, from what I can see, if a character apperently takes very little “mechanical skill” to use, they are deemed trash and need nerfs/buffs to fix this issue. Let’s look back at some heroes who had changes like this. Remember Symmetra? Goodness. She wasn’t even HALF as good as she was now and had to get “skillz!” because apparently, people hate “instant lock on” despite her barley dealing damage. So, if that is the case, and heroes who really aren’t OP need “mechanical skill changes” then Mercy clearly needs to start getting “mechanical skill” because just "holding down left click or L1 and getting “instant heals” or “instant power boost” and have the ability to fly to any hero when locked on them is clearly a “no mechanical skill” thing yes? Oh and Mei who has ice that can freeze anyone within minutes (even multiple enemies) that requires very little aiming. Or Zenyatta who gets instant lock on for who he heals or Winston as well. Yup, they all need to change. In fact, anyone that has this kind of mechanic needs to be changed immediate because I say so! /s
Sorry, but this is laughable logic at best (if you even want to call it that) At the end of the day, I don’t care (and most probably do not either) how much “mechanical skill” a hero has. It’s about winning and choosing the character that you can win with and do well with for the team in counterplay.
Just because Ana had “mechanical skill” doesn’t mean it gives you the right to pick her over other healers you are good at and suck at her and make us loose just because you felt she required “skill” to play as. I want to win, and I won’t be giving you any praise or a pat on the back for you just because you choose to pick a Ana since you thought “Well they require “skill” so I can;t go wrong!” and you made us loose when should have went with someone you are actually good with REGARDLESS of skill. Do you actually think OWL players care about if a hero has “mechanical skill” or not? No. They want to win, and for that, they will choose heroes who can do well kit wise despite their “skill” and play them. Skill is a WHOLE other ball game and those with “skill” can pick up any hero, good or bad, and win with them. Game sense and common sense also play a role along with the skill of a player and NOT the mechanical skill of a hero.
So I guess any player who doesn’t play Ana for example or Genji has “very little skill” then huh? Yeah sure, uh huh. That clearly doesn’t stop them from picking heroes “without” skill and winning for their team because yeah, last time I checked, winning is what matters when in comp? Also, not to mention most people win because their “skill” is naturally good with certain heroes and NOT because not everyone can use heroes that others can use. I can’t use Moira to save my life, does that mean “I suck?” because I can’t use a hero that “everyone” else can majority or not? Last time I checked, I have seen very terrible Moira’s why? Their gameplay sense and awareness of the field and situations does not equal “ez mechanics” Two entirely different things here.
“Skill” is debatable among people and there are people that can play well with certain heroes (with or without "skill) and others that cannot. Just because Samito feels that character requires very little “skill” doesn’t mean others do not find Moira challenging in any aspect, mechanical wise OR overall common sense wise. Moira dealing too much damage? Then give her a small nerf, however, that doesn’t equate to now meaning she needs a kit rework for her “sKILlZ”
“Whhaaaaa but I am a DPS and I don’t get gold medals on attack despite playing as a DPS whose job is to do soo and Moira takes them all WHAA” (Not all DPS mains say this of course) Yeah, so what about Tanks who get gold medals or a lot of kills over DPS? That isn’t their job to do but they can also deal the kills? Should they now get nerfed to oblivion for it? A Winston who gets more kills that you needs to get his gun off lock on right? Please! If you aren’t getting kills as a DPS, then that is YOUR issue and need to get better. Not healing enough? A Roadhog/Soilder out healing you? You need to get better. It doesn’t even come close to “mechanical skill” but how much skill a player has over YOU.
Samito lost to a Moira player who was able to use her correctly, and then cried about it. Moira was never deemed “OP” until now all of a sudden so the hive mind is back it seems. If people loose to any hero that imo, is balanced, then that is your issue. Counterplay for Moira is strong and if you don’t counter the supports? Another issue on your end. All heroes are counterable and can be taken down, but if you lack the self awarness of a situation or natural skill to play as a character, then yeah, you will struggle. Not to mention the team coordination needed and if they need nerfs/buffs or not. It all boils down to too many factors that contribute to a hero, and not “mechanical skill”