The Competitive Recap: We list what you might have missed (September 9th-15th)
There are a lot of things to keep track of in the burgeoning Overwatch scene and it's become increasingly difficult to keep up with it all. Never fear as the GosuGamers Competitive Recap is here! We've compiled all the Overwatch news that's fit to print.
Released every week, the Competitive Recap compiles all the tournament and important news that's happened since the last recap. Whether you're interested in big news, or want to stay updated on changes in teams, you can always tune in every Thursday to see if there's anything you've missed.
Important News:
Blizzard engineers Tim Ford and Philip Orwig explain High Bandwith mode in Overwatch
High Bandwith Mode is getting integrated into the game on all levels. Check the article and the Blizzard video to find out how it works and what it means for you as a player.
ESL announces the knockout bracket for Europe
Europe only gets 6 representatives at BlizzCon's World Cup, so 6 have to get eliminated still. Check the article to find out what matches will make that happen, but only if you don't mind spoiling some of the matches played already.
Chris Metzen announces retirement on B.net forums.
Long-time Blizzard employee and a driving force in the creation of Universes such as Overwatch, Chris Metzen has now announced his retirement. We thank him for all that he has done for the vast gaming community and hope he will be able to enjoy his free time.
eSports scholarships: Top priority with the National Association of Collegiate eSports launch
The next step in legimitizing eSports has been taken: the National Association of Collegiate eSports will try to provide eSports opportunities starting at the college going age.
New patch equalizes Eichenwalde and less Mercy POTG
In a smaller patch that went out this week, Mercy's POTG rate was fixed so that you no longer have to frustratingly look at 2-man ressurection plays quite as often. Some tweaks were also made to Eichenwalde to make the map a bit less defense favoured.
Lenovo Cup playoffs set to begin today
The Lenovo Cup playoffs have started, with teams such as REUNITED and Misfits still in the running for quite a hefty prizepool ($8,000). Check out our article to see the matches you might have missed, and the ones you will be able to catch soon.
Overwatch Open Groups and Casting talent announced
Today, ELEAGUE and FACEIT announced both the way they have divided up the teams into groups for the group stage, and the casters, analysts, hosts and reporter that will be accompanying some amazing Overwatch to come.
APAC Premier has announced its invited Western teams
The Chinese tournament APAC Premier, featuring some Western teams as well, has now announced those Western teams alongside the Korean and Japanese teams that will also be able to challenge the six qualifying Chinese teams for the ~$250,000 prizepool.
Unique GosuGamers Content:
Up for Debate: Using coaches in Overwatch
In this next edition of Up for Debate, SideShow has taken a look at the role of coaches in Overwatch and eSports in general. Should coaches be allowed to be in the booth during matches? Maybe also in voice comms? Or should they be content with just having an input during the preview and recap phases?
Playstyle Analysis: Mechanics and Strategy on King's Row
In this new, hopefully long running, series, SkyMach takes a look at how teams are currently approaching certain maps. This time: How did LuxuryWatch fare against Barcode on King's Row?
Road to Atlanta #OWOPEN - An interview with Jorosar
Scr1be is back with another Overwatch Open interview. This time, he talks to JoRoSaR about his role as a caster and production in general. An interesting listen for anyone interested in some of that behind-the-scenes stuff!
Short Cuts is back, this time with a closer look of Eichenwalde. We go over quite a few spots and shortcuts that could come in handy when trying to win games on this map. The more you know, etcetera etcetera.
Overwatch as an eSport - Part 3: Touching the tournament subject
In this third part, Shye talks a bit about her view on the current tournaments that are shaping the future of Overwatch. Especially Blizzard's own World Cup raises a few questions and concerns...
Minor Transfers & Team News:
Skipjack from Misfits will be absent from the Overwatch Open
Due to some real life complications, Skipjack has had to forfeit his spot in the Misfits team for the Overwatch Open LAN finals. Sad to hear, but we hope Misfits will be able to find a proper replacement.
Top team OWKings disbands; players are now free agents
Team owner and provider of guides OWKings.com has had to remove the former from their list of responsibilities. The team and players came to the mutual decision to stop their professional relationship, but OWKings has stated they are interested in picking up another roster.
For more competitive Overwatch news, follow us @GosuOverwatch.
