Xbox Live trolls can now play in Overwatch multiplayer matches

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Apparently, Overwatch is no longer governed by Xbox Live’s reputation system, allowing “Avoid me” players (AKA trolls) to be able to be put in matchmaking with anyone (via Reddit). As outlined in the Reddit post, Overwatch players will be all be grouped from the same matchmaking pool, regardless of reputation in competitive play.

The Reddit post comes after an Overwatch patch update yesterday (full patch notes available here), which includes a number of general, interface, and other updates that include the aforementioned “Avoid me” players on Xbox Live:

[XB1] Players whose Xbox Live reputation has been downgraded to “Avoid Me” will remain in the same matchmaking pool as other Overwatch players. However, they will no longer be able to use the in-game voice communication.

In other news, Overwatch will be free to play on Windows, Xbox One, and PS4 this weekend, starting September 22 and running until September 25, 2017. While Overwatch will be available free to play for Xbox Live Gold members in all regions, Windows 10 PC users will only be able to participate in the following regions: “Americas, Europe, and Asia gameplay regions—excluding Korea.”

Xbox One gamers with Xbox Live Gold memberships will be able to play as one of the 25 heroes available in Overwatch. There are also 4 different game modes and 16 different maps available to play, including:

  • Assault: Hanamura, Horizon Lunar Colony, Temple of Anubis, and Volskaya Industries
  • Escort: Dorado, Junkertown, Route 66, and Watchpoint: Gibraltar
  • Assault/Escort Hybrid: Eichenwalde, Hollywood, King’s Row, and Numbani
  • Control: Ilios, Lijiang Tower, Nepal, and Oasis

Any progress made in Overwatch this weekend will be saved and carried over if you decide to purchase the game. Xbox Live Gold members are also offered a special discount and can get Overwatch for $38.99, down from its regular price of $59.99!

Download Overwatch today from the Microsoft Store and get ready to start playing for free this weekend!