The announcement of the Overwatch League is both exciting and worrisome. Exciting, that if Blizzard pulled off what they are pitching Overwatch could have a strong esports scene with a pro league to rival traditional sports. Worrisome, as the Overwatch competitive scene is still in its infancy and both tournament organisers and esports organisations still figuring out how the scene should shape up and whether they fit into Blizzard’s plan for Overwatch League.
As we have seen, various organisations has dropped their Overwatch teams due to this era of uncertainty. Tournament numbers are getting lesser in North America and Europe while the scene in Korea (with the OGN Apex going strong in its third season) and China still continue to strive. Blizzard has stepped up by introducing Overwatch Contenders for the two regions, which is the development league for top players to break through to the Overwatch League, and the Overwatch Open Division to get seasoned online players make the leap to professional gaming and ready for Contenders.
It’s good timing, as players that got dropped from their respective organisations have reformed into various teams to compete in Contenders, similar to the early days during the beta.
Recently, Overwatch League Commissioner Nate Nanzer issued an update on the league. Nanzer announced that various top players of Overwatch are currently being scouted, with reports being compiled for use of teams now signed to the league, should the players opt in. The requirements to be contacted by Blizzard for this is pretty high. Take a look:
- A top-500 finish in Competitive Play (based on Skill Rating) in Overwatch Seasons 3 or 4 for any region
- A playoff finish in recent high-caliber tournaments such as APEX Season 2 or Premier Series 2017 Spring, or an invitation to Pacific Championship 2017 Season 1
- Other distinguishing qualifications indicative of top-tier talent, including but not limited to membership on an established professional Overwatch team
Blizzard also considers the legal side of things, like age and eligibility for professional competition based on each country’s laws, as well as a clean record.
The news that the scouting process is currently in place should reassure aspiring players that there is still the opportunity to make it into the big league. This is also good for the teams that have bought a spot but yet to assemble a roster- with plenty of free agents and unsigned teams going around right now, there’s plenty of talent to choose from. But organisations that still carries a roster and not confirmed a spot in the league should have some trouble in keeping them right now.
The Overwatch League is still a long way to go, the first proper season is scheduled to start next year. And it’s good that Blizzard is saying something about their progress, otherwise we will have the negative view from rumours, as we previously reported about the cost for entry.