Overwatch announces the launch of the "Gladiator Realm" mode, which will be officially launched on April 22

" Overwatch" recently announced that it will launch a new competitive mode - "Stadium" on April 22.

According to Overwatch, the "Gladiator Realm" mode combines the MOBA game's advancement system with the hero shooting mechanism, adopts a seven-game four-win system, and introduces the third-person perspective option for the first time. Each season will provide 17 heroes, and players can gradually unlock new items and powers based on their personal performance.

According to Alan Keller, game director of Overwatch, this mode will be an independent mode, alongside Quick Play and Competitive Play.

Alan Keller also pointed out that the "Gladiator Field" mode is not a temporary and sudden idea, but the result of years of hard work by the development team. He emphasized that although players may compare the advanced system of this mode with the previously cancelled PvE mode, there are obvious differences between the two.

"Most of the powers we developed for Gladiator were developed over time," Keller continued. "We looked back at the powers in PvE, and many of the people who worked on that project are still on the development team. What we're seeing now is the expertise that we've accumulated over the past few years, and even my Perks mechanics have influenced the power system in Gladiator. PvP powers tend to be different than PvE powers."

Unlike the traditional fast, high-intensity battles in "Overwatch", "Gladiator Realm" adopts a turn-based system. Players need to select and continue to use the same hero in each round. In between rounds, they can enhance the hero's abilities by purchasing upgraded items and superpowers.

Keller believes that the turn-based setting of the "Gladiator Field" can provide players with more strategic thinking and rest space: "For some players, Overwatch does not have enough rest time. It is a continuous crazy battle. The turn-based structure allows players to return to the store to rest and get some breathing space."

“In regular Overwatch matches, players don’t have many strategic decisions to make. It’s more about tactical execution, your understanding of the hero, and your cooperation with your teammates. In the ‘Gladiator’ mode, we hope to leave room for strategic choices for players.”

The third-person perspective was introduced for the first time in the Gladiator mode. Players can choose between the first-person and third-person perspectives before the game starts, but they cannot switch during the game. Keller emphasized: "We have invested a lot of effort in hero animations and perspective positions. We have adopted many secret technologies to ensure that players can aim accurately in the third-person perspective."

As for whether this mode will divide the player base or affect the balance of the game, Keller believes that there are both challenges and opportunities. He finally said: "The reason why players like hero shooters is to experience the fantasy of power. 'Gladiator Realm' allows us to push this fantasy deeper than ever before."