Overwatch League community reacts to 2020 “homestand” format, losing stage playoffs

The Overwatch League announced the format for the 2020 season today and everyone has a hot take.

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Starting next season, every team in the league will be hosting at least two “homestand” events like the ones we have seen this year in Dallas and Atlanta. The LA Valiant will be hosting the third and final homestand event this year in the final week of the regular season.

“Homestands every weekend in 2020 is going to be incredibly fun. I -much- prefer this format to simply having single home/away games. Can’t wait to cast in the middle of Dallas/Atlanta level energy every match!” OWL commentator Doa said

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Some teams such as the Vancouver Titans have already revealed where their homestand matches will take place.

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The Dallas Fuel Twitter confirmed a report by the Dallas Observer that the team would host five weekend matches – the most any one team is allowed.

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One of the biggest takeaways is the fact that there will no longer be stage playoffs throughout the season.

•  Read More: Overwatch League moves entirely to local ‘homestands’ for 2020 – Format, schedule, more

In fact, stages are done for the foreseeable future and with them stage breaks. Teams will, however, still have bye weeks just as they do this season.

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Stage playoffs have resulted in some of the most thrilling matches in Overwatch’s history such as last weekend’s Stage 3 final where the Shanghai Dragons defeated the San Francisco Shock.

Writer Yiska tweeted, “Getting rid of Stage playoffs entirely is a huge loss for the Overwatch League and a grave mistake in my opinion. The average league match is comparatively a snoozefest. Online viewers lose out in a major way. We have less high points than DotA2 now.

Caster Monte Cristo agreed, replying “I also think that stage playoffs are an awesome part of the format and I am sad to lose them next year.”

•  Read More: Will Overwatch League add new expansion teams in Season 3? OWL 2020 details confirmed

Team UK’s Community Lead and meme lord Bad Pachimari had a similar take.

“Sad they’re removing stage playoffs for OWL. Wanting to see the best team at a certain meta + playeachother.. rather than waiting what could be months before their only game next year sucks. Allstars is ok, but I would rather have something mid-season or stage playoffs back.”

While there is certainly a lot to take in, more will be revealed once the full schedule is announced in August.