Blizzard changes how characters move on the Overwatch PTR

Blizzard has made some adjustments to the Overwatch PTR that will change the way the game's heroes move and accelerate. Game director Jeff Kaplan explained in a forum post that the update was originally made to address problems with a couple of specific heroes, but "the changes are systemic" and thus they have an impact on everyone.

"Movement on the ground is much more consistent," Kaplan wrote. "Going up/down inclines will no longer affect the Hero’s speed. Previously, inclines could either make you move slightly faster or slightly slower, depending on the circumstances. Inclines will also no longer cause a small amount of strafing movement when moving diagonally on them."

Interestingly, the changes on the ground have also resulted in better control in the air. "For example, Winston previously was not able to easily make small adjustments to his flight path during his Jump Pack leap, but now he should be able to do that, and it is also noticeable on many of the other Heroes that are often in the air," Kaplan wrote.

Going by the comments in the announcement thread, the overall response seems positive (aside from concerns about Lucio being a little too twitchy for his own good) but Kaplan warned that there could be some unintended side effects, so keep your eyes open. As for patch notes, there are none because a patch wasn't actually required.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.