Blizzard’s recent decision to relocate Overwatch 2’s 6v6 role queue playtest into the Arcade playlist has sparked confusion and frustration within the game’s community. While the extension of the playtest was met with excitement, its move to the less competitive Arcade mode has left many players scratching their heads.
The initial playtest for the 6v6 role queue format was met with widespread praise. Fans of the franchise were delighted to see the return of a team structure that many believed captured the essence of Overwatch’s original gameplay. Comments such as “it feels like Overwatch again” flooded community forums, with players lauding the format for improving team dynamics and overall game experience. Queue times were fast, matches were competitive, and the mode appeared to be a hit.
Overwatch 6v6 Has Been Moved To The Arcade
Recognizing this positive reception, Blizzard extended the 6v6 role queue playtest until mid-season and announced plans for a second iteration of 6v6 with adjusted team restrictions. However, in an unexpected twist, the developers also moved the mode into the Arcade playlist – a decision that has puzzled players. Traditionally, Arcade modes are reserved for casual or experimental game types, such as Deathmatch or Total Mayhem, and are not known for fostering consistent, competitive experiences.
The consequences of this move were almost immediate. Queue times, once reliably quick, have seen a sharp increase, with some support players reporting waits of up to 16 minutes. Even players testing the queues themselves noted delays, with times for support climbing to six minutes - far longer than the one-to-two minutes reported during the mode’s stint under Quick Play rules.
I'm sorry but I really disagree with moving the 6v6 card to arcade, I appreciate the mode being extended but the arcade card barely gets touched nor is there ever any incentive to ever click on it at all. :/ https://t.co/dRSh3aN6Xx
— Abby (@AbbyAZK) January 7, 2025
Beyond the longer waits, many players also noticed a decline in match quality. In Quick Play, leavers faced penalties for abandoning games, encouraging players to stick it out despite potential losses. As an Arcade mode, however, leaver penalties are not enforced, leading to a spike in mid-match departures and thus compromised team balance.
Blizzard has yet to provide a clear explanation for the shift, though speculation suggests it may be a move to ease the transition into the next 6v6 playtest phase, which will introduce new team role restrictions. This lack of clarity, however, has left the community divided, with some questioning the logic behind sidelining a mode that appeared to resonate so strongly with players.
I was wondering why we have every previous way of playing Overwatch within the arcade and even competitive with open queue but 6v6. The possibility is the demand is above 50/50 for players that prefer this gameplay. pic.twitter.com/SJkcKKnn0n
— Hawk (@Thee_Hawk) January 12, 2024
While fans eagerly await further updates, the decision to relegate 6v6 to the Arcade playlist has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a promising revival of the format. For now, the community can only hope that Blizzard’s next iteration of 6v6 will address these concerns and bring the mode back to the spotlight it deserves.
