Online Matches For Overwatch League, Play To Resume March 21st
Overwatch League 2020 Season 2020-03-08 / Photo: Joshua Roberts For Activision Blizzard
The Overwatch League got off to an amazing start in 2020 with their Homestand Model. But no one could have forsaw the life-changing pandemic, COVID-19. In response, the OWL canceled all homestand events through April. We now are seeing some positive news out of the league as matches are moving online and scheduled to resume on March 21st.
Overwatch League 2020 Season 2020-03-07 / Photo: CARLTON-BEENER for Activision Blizzard Entertainment
In a statement posted to the OWL site, Blizzard revealed their plans for the online games. They are splitting online matches between three regional groups to reduce latency. These groups could be Asia, West US and East US as all teams are at least in one of those areas. The two European teams, the London Spitfire and Paris Eternal are both currently playing of the the eastern US. Blizzard also announced that due to the lack of matches from the Asia-based teams, the All-Star game is rescheduled to the end of the season and the mid-season tournament is canceled.
All games will still be broadcast live on YouTube and an updated schedule should be out within the coming days.