FACEIT to Introduce Hero Ban System for Esports Competitions
FACEIT, a renowned esports platform, is reportedly considering implementing a hero ban system for its Overwatch competitions. This system is designed to provide teams with a strategic advantage by allowing them to eliminate a specific hero from the opponent’s pool. Each team will have the opportunity to ban one hero per map, and the ban will only affect the opposing team. However, both teams may choose to ban the same hero.
Additionally, teams will not be able to ban the same hero multiple times in a series. The lower-seeded team in the series will have the first opportunity to ban a hero, while the loser of each map will have the chance to make another selection. A FACEIT spokesperson has confirmed that the system is being explored but has denied any immediate plans to implement it.
Potential Implementation in Overwatch 2
While the hero ban system is initially intended for esports competitions, it could potentially be incorporated into the base game of Overwatch 2 in the future. Such a system would necessitate modifications to ensure its compatibility with ranked play, but it could provide a valuable tool for teams to counter the meta and promote hero diversity.
In an interview with Dexerto earlier this year, Game Director Aaron Keller expressed the potential of a hero ban feature to enhance gameplay by adding additional layers of strategy and depth.
Community Reaction and Impact on Overwatch Esports
The introduction of a hero ban system in Overwatch esports competitions has generated mixed reactions from the community. Some believe that it will promote hero diversity and provide teams with more strategic options. Others worry that it could limit player creativity and favor teams with a more comprehensive hero pool. Only time will tell how the hero ban system will impact the Overwatch esports landscape.
Conclusion
FACEIT’s exploration of a hero ban system for its Overwatch competitions is a significant development that could shape the future of the game. While the immediate focus is on esports, the potential implications for the base game of Overwatch 2 cannot be overlooked. The hero ban system introduces a new layer of strategy and depth to Overwatch, and it will be exciting to see how the community and professional players adapt to this evolving landscape.
