Multimodality in the Overwatch Discourse Community

In the constantly and continuously developing world of online gaming, the ways we usually communicate are colorful and often seem to be unusual compared with real life, but they are just as diverse and dynamic as the games we play to some extent. In the Overwatch discourse community, multimodality isn't just a word without explanation; it's the key to how players interact, share strategies, and build a vibrant and healthy community. Today for this blog post, let us look into how different modes of communication shape our experience while taking Overwatch as an example.

 

 

Gaming visuals play a crucial role in conducting complex strategies. A well-crafted infographic can illustrate hero synergies more effectively than text alone. I found this infographic that can really help you understand the mechanics of playing specific character named: wrecking ball in Overwatch. Check out this infographic for more information: 

 

 

                                                                       Wrecking ball's mechanics by yeatle

 

 

However, understanding the way of playing only one specific character will never be enough for you to be very good at Overwatch because Overwatch is a team-based game. Here I have attached specific game strategies about how to play and coordinate with your teammates to win team fights instead of playing the game by yourself and achieve little progress towards wining. For more information, checking this educational video!

                                         

           

                                                           Overwatch team composition mechanics by yeatle

 

 

 

Podcasts and Streams: The Voices Behind the Game

 

 

Audio modalities like podcasts and stream bring us closer to the voices of the community. For streaming, I would personally recommend ML7 from twitch. ML7 is a famous support role player in Overwatch who has participated in many Overwatch tournaments. If you want to learn deeper about certain characters such as: Ana, ML7 has posted many game play recordings and educational clips, you can always watch his stream and recordings to gain more knowledge about the support role in Overwatch. Moreover, ML7 is easygoing and funny, you will never be bored while watching his stream.

 

                                                            ML7's video screenshot on his youtube channel by ML7

 

 

 

For discussions and debates on campus for teenagers, you can always look for your college’s Overwatch team, you can also ask your classmates who play Overwatch about it. There are many Overwatch tournaments held between many different colleges, you can watch them with your friends and classmates to support your own college! 

                           

                      

                                                                 Overwatch college tournament by Youtube

 

 

 

In the end, from my opinion, multimodality enriches our experience in the Overwatch community. By embracing various forms of communication, we connect more deeply with the game and each other. What's your favorite way to engage? Please share in the comments below!