A new patch has hit Blizzard’s Public Test Realm (PTR) for their team-based FPS, but there seems to be one part that stands above the rest. That would be the new Overwatch feature Avoid as Teammate, which will provide players an additional measure in combatting who exactly they’re teaming up with.

In the latest Developer Update video, Jeff Kaplan talks more about the new feature. He goes over the details, saying that when players use the Avoid as Teammate option, it will go into effect the following match and last for 7 days. After that, you’ll be able to be teamed up with that particular person again. Kaplan also states that the purpose of the feature is to ward off players that are maybe annoying or possibly not working well with the team, but they aren’t being bad enough to warrant a report. It is also noted that individuals can only avoid up to two other players at a time. Check out the video for yourself below:

Kaplan also mentions that the new Overwatch feature will give players a warning if they have an abundant amount of others avoiding them. It won’t kick you from the game, but it will potentially make those queue times much longer as it isn’t having an issue with finding a match, it’s just difficult coming across teammates. He notes that only a very small percentage of people will encounter this. It’s not meant to punish players, but instead maybe make them reflect on themselves and what they did to be avoided by so many. The downside to this, in Blizzard’s case, is that it could potentially turn people away from the game altogether. Only time will tell.

In a post on the Overwatch forums, developer Scott Mercer also touches on the new Avoid as Teammate feature as well as a few other things that have been tweaked in the reporting system. “Griefing” is now called “Gameplay Sabotage” as it better describes the actions for which a certain player is being reported. However, he went on to say:

It is NOT gameplay sabotage if a player simply makes a mistake or has a poor match. Everyone does that from time to time, even the very best professionals in the world. Players can also have a rough match without a lot of mistakes, simply because the other team is making better plays and performing well. For a player to be reported for Gameplay Sabotage, they must intentionally be trying to disrupt and harass their teammates or actively trying to lose. Note that playing a non-meta Hero does not mean someone is taking part in Gameplay Sabotage. Players who are trying hard to help their team to win should not be reported, regardless of the hero they choose.”

The new Overwatch feature is currently in testing in the PTR and will likely make its in-game debut in the next couple of weeks. Whether these measures will be enough to take care of any problems players are having with their experience is yet to be seen, but keep it tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers as this story develops. For other gaming news going on right now, check out the following:

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What say you, gamers? Will any of you be taking advantage of the new Overwatch feature? Do you believe the Avoid as Teammate option opens itself up for misuse, or will things go as planned? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!