Numerous Overwatch players have requested that Blizzard add in a minimap to the game’s display so players can easily take note of their surroundings at any point in the game. These players have requested that Blizzard add in these maps to help new players learn the maps and be able to fit in better with veterans of each map. Blizzard has finally responded to these requests with a firm “no.” Game Director Jeff Kaplan posted in the Overwatch forums that perhaps they will implement a minimap for observers when it comes to eSports, but they have no plans to add one for players.
We don’t have any plans for adding a minimap to the game. Eventually, we would like to add a map for Observers in esport broadcasting but this is a ways off.
Our reasoning for not adding a minimap is that players claim they want this to solve navigation issues but more often than not, mini-maps in FPS with small maps like OW do not actually help you learn the map much quicker than just playing it a few times. What tends to happen is players demand more and more information on the minimap (enemies in particular). What was originally intended to “help newer players” actually becomes a very high skill player tool (ask a MOBA or COD player how important the mini-map is to competitive play).
We definitely agree that helping newer players learn maps is a worthy cause. We just disagree that adding a minimap to the game is the proper solution.
What other ideas could Blizzard utilize to help newcomers learn these maps? Is jumping in with both feet the best way to learn?
[Source: Battle.net Forums]
