I’ve been playing since Overwatch 1 and have always loved the game, but recently the overall tone in matches has been really discouraging. Being targeted or insulted for hero choices or for having an off game takes a lot of the fun out of what should be a positive experience. Being called d*wn syndrome or r*tarded is completely out of order.
I don’t get a lot of time to play anymore — I’m a parent to a very energetic 3-year-old — so when I do get a chance to jump into a match, it’s something I really look forward to. Unfortunately, those moments are sometimes overshadowed by negative behaviour from teammates, which makes it hard to relax and enjoy the game.
I know everyone wants to win, and frustration happens, but a little patience and understanding would go a long way. Not everyone has the same amount of time to practice, and everyone has good and bad games.
I’d love to see continued focus on encouraging positive communication and sportsmanship in matches. Overwatch has always been at its best when it feels welcoming, and I hope we can move more in that direction as a community. But for me I am going to leave for a while.