Overwatch players demand fix for “mangled” footstep audio

Blizzard

Overwatch players are growing increasingly impatient with the game’s audio, primarily issues with footstep sounds that are making some heroes impossible to detect.

Sound design in Overwatch is integral to the game’s success. With so many unique characters, abilities and noises, being able to know who is nearby based only on sound is a key component.

For the most part, Blizzard has succeeded with the game’s sound as most players can differentiate between say a Reinhardt and Genji. However, there seems to be some major issues with footsteps.

Article continues after ad

In a post on the Competitive Overwatch Reddit, user Pulsiix called for the devs to adjust footsteps in the game.

Reaper on Temple of AnubisBlizzard
Overwatch fans aren’t hearing Reaper.

“Somewhere between Overwatch’s release and now the audio has gotten completely mangled. I clearly remember a time where if a Hog/Cree/Reaper were walking somewhere near you, you could hear them, where people had to literally walk around crouching to avoid giving away their location,” the player noted.

“I remember once being able to identify a hero by their footsteps, does it feel different for anyone else?”

Article continues after ad

The player wasn’t alone in their concerns. Others chimed in saying how the problem seems is a big issue with Reaper and Roadhog specifically.

Doomfist, Reaper and WidowmakerBlizzard
Being able to hear enemies is key in Overwatch.

“I can hear Reaper’s abilities like Wraith and Shadowstep no problem, but the footsteps? Gone,” another pointed out, once again taking issue with the Talon DPS hero.

“It’s been f**ked for forever and nothing has been done. My guess is they froze all engine development for the current game as soon as they decided what they wanted to do with OW2,” a player suggested, looking at the glass half-empty.

Article continues after ad

Hopefully the devs listen to the issues fans have and work to rectify them in a future update. Until then, players will just have to get used to the mangled audio that seems to have been plaguing the game for quite a little while now.