Cross-platform play gives PC players in Overwatch too much of an advantage

Launching locally in June (autumn of 2016) for Xbox One, PS4 and PC, Overwatch is what happens when Blizzard makes an attempt at an FPS game.

What you get is an aesthetically charming and vibrant world, a MOBA-esque approach to character diversity, Team Fortress-like gameplay and a near-sublime experience from what we’ve played thus far.

And as a cherry on top, at BlizzCon this past weekend, Blizzard has announced an Origin Edition of the game, and it’s chock-full of extras.

What came as a result of the game’s announced launch was a number of questions regarding it being a multiplatform game and whether it would be cross-platform play capable or not.

Blizzard subsequently confirmed that it would not offer cross-platform play, primarily because Blizzard wants a balanced and enjoyable experience and cross-platform play gives PC gamers too much of an advantage.

“It’s really difficult,” said Blizzard’s senior designer Jeremy Craig. “From a gameplay standpoint, mouse and keyboard has a little bit of an advantage in terms of being able to spin really quickly. And our game is pretty fast-paced. It just felt like there was a little bit too much of an advtange.”

He’s not wrong. Unless the PC player is inexperienced and the console gamer is an absolutely beast, PC gamers will always trounce console gamers in the FPS realm – a keyboard and mouse just offers too much of an advantage in accuracy and dexterity.

It’s a bit of a bummer, but far from a deal breaker. Besides, we can’t imagine very many gamers arguing for cross-platform play just so that they can have their ass handed to them on a silver platter.

“It just seems like the console crowd is going to love playing against the console people; the PC people will love playing against PC people,” said Craig.

On the other hand, game director Jeff Kaplan did mention the potential for local split-screen co-op as well as modding support. “We absolutely believe in modding,” he said. That would be amazing.

Finally, Blizzard announced the latest additions to Overwatch’s roster, D.Va (Tank), Genji (Offence) and Mei (Defence).