If you’ve played Overwatch, you’ll know that some players can be hard to play with. Either these people are beginners getting some experience, or just idiots that want to ruin the game for everyone. This problem is compounded ten-fold in Competitive Play where ranking and each match counts. While Blizzard has added its player reporting system on consoles, that’s not enough and the studio knows it.
Well, the ban hammer is coming next week (September 27), and Overwatch cheaters, griefers, etc., should keep an eye out as Blizzard will be permanently banning "unwelcome behavior" in Competitive Play! This was shared by Blizzard Community Manager Josh Engen on Battle.net.
"Next week, we’re taking another step to help reduce unwelcome behavior by implementing permanent bans for Competitive Play. Starting Wednesday, September 27, any player who accumulates three or more seasonal bans may be permanently banned from Competitive Play, removing their ability to participate in any future matches in that mode.
Seasonal bans do not need to be consecutive to qualify for a permanent Competitive Play ban. For example, if a player earned seasonal bans in Seasons 2 and 4, and then earns another ban in Season 7, he or she will be eligible for a permanent ban from Competitive Play as soon as that third seasonal ban is issued. Additionally, neither seasonal bans nor permanent Competitive Play bans will decay or reset over time; once an account is permanently banned, it currently cannot return to good standing."
Again, just to nail it home, Blizzard will perma ban unruly Overwatch players in Competitive Play starting September 27. It’s not a one strike and you’re out kind of thing, but based on a number of criteria. You can also read the Season Ban reminders here.
Will this curb bad Overwatch teammates from doing their usual thing? Will this deter cheaters? Let’s hope it does for the sake of everyone else’s.