Overwatch 2 will include a brand-new ping system designed to improve communication between teammates, letting them share enemy locations, communicate what they're currently doing, and request assistance, among other commands.

　　Blizzard opted to include the ping system in order to make sure all players could have their voices heard--both literally and figuratively. Those unable to use voice chat, or who simply don't want to, will still be able to convey information to their teammates and contribute to a win without having to worry bout using a mic or headset.

　　You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos.

　　Click To Unmute

　　Firearms Expert’s FAVORITE Weapons Of 2023

　　State Of Gaming Handhelds In 2023How Lies of P Cracked the Souls GenreLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Ichiban Kasuga Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Chitose Fujinomiya Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Kazuma Kiryu Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Saeko Mukoda Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Eric Tomizawa Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Tianyou Zhao Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Seonhee Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Koichi Adachi Character Spotlight TrailerLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Official Yu Nanba Character Spotlight Trailer

　　Share

　　LinkEmbed

　　Size:640 × 360480 × 270

　　Start at: End at: Autoplay Loop

　　Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

　　Sign up or Sign in now!

　　Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.

　　This video has an invalid file format.

　　00:00:00

　　HTML5

　　Auto HD High Low

　　Report a problem

　　Sorry, but you can't access this content!

Please enter your date of birth to view this video

　　By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's

　　Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

　　enter

　　Now Playing: Overwatch 2 | Developer Update

　　"The inspiration behind the ping system came from a value the Overwatch team holds dearly: Every Voice Matters. This is a core value at Blizzard, and the Overwatch team wanted to personify this value in the game," Blizzard said in a blog post announcing the feature. The statement comes as there are continued investigations and lawsuits involving Blizzard regarding alleged harassment and mistreatment of women.

　　Overwatch 2's ping systemThe pings are contextual, similar to a few other military shooters, with your character providing different information depending on where you're pointing when using the command. Rather than just say "enemy," for instance, they can say the name of the character they see, giving everyone notice that Reaper is about to unleash havoc or that Widowmaker is sniping from a distance. This only applies to the character's last-known location, however, so if they break your line-of-sight and flank you, they won't stay marked.

　　A command wheel is available, as well, with notices that you need healing or that you're planning to attack or defend a location. Teammates can then answer these pings with contextual lines. Not only will this give you more information, but it means you don't have to yell out that you need healing 134 times before someone actually heals you. Maybe.

　　Overwatch 2 doesn't yet have a release date, but the multiplayer portion will be free for those who own Overwatch and it will feature a premium campaign mode as well. Blizzard promises we'll learn more about the game's multiplayer "soon," and the ping system is a work-in-progress tool that could change. A beta will hit PC in April, and the PvE content will release after the PvP content does.