Whether players want to admit it or not, the team at Blizzard take their games very seriously, and every single fix or update they make has a purpose, even if we don’t realize it. What’s more, even if a game has been out for a while, they’re still looking at the most base of things to see if it needs fixing or adjusting. For example, in Overwatch, the Blizzard team has realized that some of the movements of characters are a bit off.
Again, you might think that movement is a small thing to change (especially when you consider the endless balancing that players note to Blizzard), but as Blizzard notes on Battle.net, it’s actually a key part of the gameplay. How your character moves, how fast they move, and how their movements are affecting by obstacles is something very key to the gameplay. So, they fixed it and put these new movements on the PTR:
“Specifically, movement on the ground is much more consistent. Going up/down inclines will no longer affect the Hero’s speed.”
Arguably the best part about this change is that it has unintentionally benefited another system: Air Control. So, for characters like Winston, you’ll have better control over how you fly to certain areas or make adjustments in midair. This also applies to several other characters who can fly.
Now, as for why this only going to be on the PTR right now, it’s because there’s a lot of unknowns with how much this will change things. Make no mistake, this is a BIG change. And even Blizzard notes that they want your help to find out all the systems and balances that are being affected because of this change.
So, if you’re up for helping Overwatch out, head on over to the PTR, and see what you can find.