Overwatch Role Queue is Good, and You're Upset About Nothing
By Jack O'Dwyer
The wide implementation of Role Queue into Overwatch's live servers has been pretty controversial. Even more so was the replacing of the default "Classic" QuickPlay and Competitive match modes with Role Queue and moving the old mode into the Arcade. This has changed the style of the game forever and, predictably, there are a vocal few who have been resistant to this change.
I'm here to tell you that Role Queue is fine. It's probably the best move for the game's overall health and if you're upset about it then let's step back and look at this again together.
The 2-2-2 Lock is the fix we've all been looking for to a broken composition system. The previous free-for-all style turned the game into a fancier version of rock-paper-scissors. Reaper beats Rein, Rein beats Mercy, and on it goes until someone runs Brig or Ana gets a Nano on Genji. Role Queue forces players to actually take the hero type into account when choosing or switching. You need to think more critically in order to win.
Personally, I think this reinforces the skill and practice part of strategy. Face-rolling Doomfist with Reaper and Hanzo isn't the only option anymore.
In real-world competitive matches, the 2-2-2 Lock is the new standard. This is now a fact regardless of your opinion on the lock. In every competition there will only be two tanks, two dps, and who supports. It's important for the game to reflect this new standard so players can get a sense of what the competitive mechanics are actually like. You can't win if you don't know the actual rules. This is the way the game is played.
Building off this, if Role Queue is the new standard, shouldn't non-standard modes be regulated to the Arcade anyway? We don't see Overwatch athletes playing LúcioBall to secure their spot in the playoffs. Additionally, it's not as though you'll never be able to play Classic again. Classic belongs in the Arcade as a mode that is no longer following the official rules.
Change is good. It might not always be easy to embrace, but ultimately this change is for the better.
Image courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment