New Overwatch patch notes improve insight and communication

On Thursday, April 23rd, Blizzard announced a few new updates on the Overwatch PTR. The newest release, Patch 1.48, introduces two new features into the game.

Communications Wheel

The new communications wheel in Overwatch is set to improve in-game interactions. With 26 different options and customizable shortcuts, Overwatch players will now be able to make faster callouts through in-game voice lines. Prior to this update, the in-game communications model only featured minimal phrases; moreover, the lack of a ping system or VGS (voice-guided system) left voice and text chat as the only reliable options. The communications wheel serves to bridge the gap between the two current choices, allowing players to achieve more through non-verbal communication.

Patch Notes

While this next update isn’t anything game-changing, it’s a much-desirable QoL change that will benefit most Overwatch players. Now, with each new update, the patch notes will be able to be accessed within the client. This will allow new and returning players to more conveniently keep-to-date with Overwatch and its changes.

Future updates are likely to include a new experimental card and other hero adjustments. Follow us @SlashShout for more Overwatch updates!

Stephen No

Stephen "Steph" No is a communications major and esports journalist. Currently covering the LCS and the OWL, Steph is aiming to become a prominent Asian-American voice in Western esports media. You can follow his twitter @kdpanthera for more LCS and Overwatch League related content.

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