Developers of the upcoming Overwatch 2 game are pushing for a new system that allows all players to be on a level playing field regardless of their Wallet size. Under this system, players will be able to access customisable ‘heroes’ for free, giving any player equal opportunities to excel competitively.
These free ‘heroes’ would be available for all but will be limited in terms of how much they can be customised. This means players would have to either pony up ‘real money’ to go beyond these customisation limits or obtain them through playing the game itself.
The move to give all players equal access to customisation options for their ‘heroes’ will bring a range of advantages. Firstly, it will ensure players don’t suffer a competitive disadvantage from having limited resources or knowledge to buy customisable ‘heroes’. Secondly, exceptional players will still be able to obtain special rewards for superior gameplay, therefore the competitive environment will still be preserved.
The proposal also highlights the value of money spent in the game. Resource management will be key as players work out what’s more important to them – the customisation of a hero or an upgrade to their other abilities. With these ‘free heroes’, both experienced and new players will be able to experiment and explore the game in different ways.
However, the system has its drawbacks. It may lead to an overabundance of ‘heroes’ on the battlefield, thus making the experience less immersive for serious players. On top of this, it takes away some of the reward structure from competitive play, meaning those who manage to achieve the highest scores in the game will not be as rewarded as before.
Nonetheless, the developers at Overwatch 2 have managed to create a system that appeals to all kinds of players. It essentially boils down to what a player values more – resources or a level playing field. One thing is for sure, with these ‘free heroes’ all players, regardless of their wallet size, can enjoy the game in their own way.
