The 2023 Overwatch League opener disappoints fans due to choice of streaming platform
The 2023 Overwatch League is set to begin on April 27, featuring exciting drops and high-level competition. However, the decision to exclusively stream the event on YouTube has left fans feeling let down.
Fans expressed their disappointment when the event’s announcement was made on April 20. Despite the expiration of the exclusivity deal with Twitch, many were hoping that the OWL would return to the platform. The absence of Twitch as a streaming option was a common complaint among fans.
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One user even compared the viewership of the Call of Duty League on YouTube and Twitch, showcasing the latter’s higher popularity (45.5K viewers compared to 19K on YouTube). While the CWL returned to Twitch, it seems that the OWL has taken a different path.
Initially, the OWL was broadcast on Twitch before switching to YouTube Gaming in 2020 due to a two-year exclusivity deal. This move sparked controversy within the community, as Twitch is the largest streaming platform for gaming and esports, and fans were unable to choose between the two platforms.
The opening weekend of the OWL, from April 27 to April 30, will feature three best-of-three series played each day. The East region, consisting of six teams, will have one match day per week, while the West region will have four.
Additionally, viewers who watch the games live will receive special drops, including a name card, a spray, and OWL tokens.
The 2023 Overwatch League will begin on Thursday, April 27 at 3pm CT, with San Francisco Shock facing Toronto Defiant on YouTube.