One of the top eSports competitive games in the world, Overwatch, has now run its course and Blizzard have now come out with its newest iteration of the game Overwatch 2. 

Ashland, now with a  fresh start for the roster, is looking to compete for the top spot in Overwatch 2. The Eagles are very excited about the new game because one of the most significant changes to the competition is that the competition format will be 5 versus 5 instead of 6 versus 6. 

With the format change, Varsity player Cole Weber thinks the new game will have an impact on the team.

“With Overwatch, depending a lot on the teamwork aspect, losing one person on the team will make a big difference…this also means a lot of the hero’s [playable characters] have to be updated so they fit the 5 versus 5 dynamics better,” Weber said.

With that being said there are a lot of long-time members who are entering their senior year. 

Senior Overwatch team member Jacob Owens has seen the differences between the old game and the new game and hopes the team can use its strengths to compete well.

“We are currently seeing the new game of Overwatch during my senior season which has allowed the Overwatch team to efficiently place our strengths to the test in a new format,” Owens said.

Even with the new features of Overwatch 2, it hasn’t affected the mindset of the team in a negative light. 

Coming into this fall and next spring Head eSports Coach Alec Mueller has set the team up in a solid division to compete.

“For varsity, they are competing in both NACE Varsity Premier and Blizzard’s Collegiate Homecoming,” said Mueller. “NACE plays on Tues/Thurs at 7 and Blizzard comp is a doubleheader on Fridays at 7 and 8:30. NACE is Bo5 and Blizzard is Bo3. The picture includes the map pool for both varsity and junior varsity.”

The expectations are high for the Eagle Overwatch team and they are looking to reach new heights with the release of Overwatch 2.