Overwatch is introducing a role queue system

On the 18th of July 2019, Blizzard announced that it’s introducing a role queue system to Overwatch in order to keep the game ‘fair and fun’ for years to come.

As explained in an official blog post and a developer update, prior to a match starting, all players must choose which hero to play.

This decision making process is often frantic and frenzied and, as heroes are chosen by others, may force some players to abandon their favourite in favour of picking a character who can help balance out a team, even if they’re not good at playing them.

However, the role queue system is designed to help ease and expedite this process which, in turn, should lead to more exciting matches and an environment that encourages teamwork.

In Competitive Play and Quick Play, role queue works by getting players to choose which role they want to play before matches even start. They can choose from tank, support, or damage.

Then, the matchmaking system will match two tanks, two supports, and two damage heroes to create a team. Players can then choose which hero to play from their chosen category.

That’s not all! Each role will have its own queue and rewards. If you choose and play a role that’s in higher demand, you may even earn a loot box for your efforts.

Blizzard say that it’s also doing a “balance pass” to ensure that every hero is still “viable and useful to play.” For example, Brigitte is being revamped so that she has more of a focus on healing and less survivability in order to cement her role as a support.

Role queue is currently available on the PTR on PC and will be coming to live servers in Patch 1.39.

For more information, such as how this change will affect the Overwatch League and for more in-depth explanations, check out the official blog post here.