Overwatch 2 Developers Reveal Their Plans to Combat Smurfs and “Unranked to GM” Streams

In numerous multiplayer shooter games, Smurfing is a recurring issue, and Overwatch 2 isn’t immune to it either. Players frequently make new accounts to overpower lower-skilled opponents or use them for “From Unranked to GM” content. Although the former might not be as harmful, both situations lead to an annoying gaming experience – particularly for novice players who find themselves matched against experienced opponents and getting crushed. Fortunately, Blizzard has revealed their strategy to address these problems. Let’s delve into the specifics below.

Overwatch 2 Developers Reveal Their Plans to Combat Smurfs and “Unranked to GM” Streams

Previously, we discussed how Blizzard has been actively dealing with Smurf accounts and streamers who quickly climb the ranks from unranked to Grandmaster on a single character (such as “Mercy Unranked to GM”). Now, it seems they are taking a direct approach in resolving these issues.

Smurfing = Cheating
byu/ltats99 inOverwatch

On January 30th, the creators unveiled that they’ve been experimenting with a novel feature aimed at distinguishing experienced players on newly created accounts and stopping them from playing against beginners. They expressed optimism, stating, “We believe that we can significantly improve our community for players of all abilities once this system goes live.

The goal is to swiftly recognize and elevate Smurf accounts within the MMR system, reducing their playtime and potentially diminishing the gameplay experience for fresh players. To counteract smurfing more effectively, novice players will be matched with artificial intelligence bots in lobbies. This setup enables them to learn Overwatch mechanics at a less intimidating pace compared to experienced players.

Regarding streamers who specialize in “Unranked to GM” content, Blizzard is taking action to limit this type of content. The developers explained that these shorter videos will likely be more engaging due to their brevity. Although players aren’t restricted to a single account, it is suggested to focus on skill development for one account whenever possible.

Currently, there isn’t a specific date known for when the new feature for Overwatch 2 will launch, though it’s anticipated to align with the upcoming significant update of the game. Additionally, Blizzard continues to work diligently on resolving the cheating issue within the game. For now, keep an eye out for further information regarding how this new feature aims to combat smurfing and cheating in Overwatch 2.

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2025-01-31 21:43