Omnic Lab: A Strategic Overwatch Podcast

Latest Episodes:

54 - Omnic Lab: Overwatch Anniversary Patch! May 28, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week is Overwatch’s 1-year anniversary event going live with some big notes! Additionally we have a TON of additional news from the last 2 weeks we want to cover and discuss some hero balance changes in the patch as well!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Game Night THIS WEEK! 8pm-11pm EDT May 26th
Blizzcon 2017 Tickets--update
Scott Mercer: Principal Designer at Blizzard is joining us June 9th at 4pm PDT//7pm EDT//8am JST

News & Blue Posts:

Destiny 2 Joins the PC Blizzard Roster
End of Season 4 announced! May 29th - 0:00 UTC (May 28th 5:00pm PDT//8:00pm EDT)
Free OW Weekend May 26-29
Force Gaming & some /r/overwatch mods had a Q&A with Kaplan in Manhattan:
ForceGaming states: One big thing I got from today "Next year is more about refining the events that we have, rather than adding new ones" - Jeff Kaplan (Follow up Tweet)
WIRED Video with a Jeff Kaplan Twitter Q&A: Full Replies Account - Cool Lore Questions answered about Mercy, Reaper, and Zenyatta.
Overwatch Art Book Available for Pre-order
Reddit AMA with Michael Chu
Overwatch Anniversary Twitter Thank You Notes
- Genji says: I want to express my deepest gratitude from the bottom of my heart. // kokoro kara rei wo iu -- 心から礼を言う
- Hanzo says: Gratitude // kan sha -- 感謝

Overwatch Anniversary is LIVE:

Overwatch Anniversary Event Announced! May 23 to June 12
- Game of the Year Edition is on sale for all platforms! (Origins for around $40 but with 10 Loot Boxes)
- Developer Update Video and Event Trailer:
- Player Icons in Gold
- 11 Skins: Genji, Hanzo, Bastion, Soldier, Zarya, Pharah, Symmetra, Lucio, DVa, Mei. Tracer
- Dance Emotes
- Voice Lines & Sprays
- Filled Missing Emotes out (general boxes)
“Sombra, Orisa, and Tracer are all getting brand new emotes, and Reaper picks up several new unlocks based on the infamous shrug from the recent Uprising comic.”
Soft Graphical Updates (Orisa White Protector, Ana Golden Gun for Ghoul)
New Game Modes: Hero Lockout, Limited Hero Pool, Tiebreakers, Hero Reveal for Elimination mode
THREE NEW 3v3 and 1v1 Arena Maps
Event Item Tracker!

Live Patch Notes: Reference Links:

Grant from the Intro: Twitter, Soundcloud
Omnic Meta: Quick Look on One-Tricks and Console S4-W12
Secret link: Kanem Rider Genji Reference
CoolerMaster starts an all female Malaysian OW Team!
Missouri’s Stephen’s College first all-women's college to offer a competitive gaming scholarship to prospective students. The college is looking to put together an Overwatch team in time for autumn season of the Tespa Cup later this year.

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

(15/25) Ben W, IceWeasel, HannibalSnowden, Lisome, Magic, Michael Crits, MILK, RcCrispy, RoadtoSwole, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, Svornair, TragicZac, Trinium, & Zampano.
New Patrons this week: Jason A, That Dude Ryan, Michael F

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon

Discord: discord.me/omniclab

Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com

Website: http://www.omniclab.com

iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube

Twitch, RSS, MERCH

Full Extended Show Notes

Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Hearthstone Podcast - Velen’s Chosen

Andres: audioblender.studio, Twitter

53 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep: Pharah with Deathy May 21, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week we bring on another guest because we’re going deep yet again, this time with Pharah! We brought on a top 100 NA Pharah, Deathy, to help us break down learning the hero! Buckle up and put on your jet packs because we’re taking this show to the skies!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Game Night Update! 8pm-11pm EDT May 26th
Keyboard Giveaway for Patrons at the game night!
Blizzcon 2017 Tickets--still looking for tickets!

News & Blue Posts:

The Nexus Challenge - last week!
- Week 1: 5 Heroes Matches (AI, QP, Ranked) Oni Genji Skin, Oni Spray, Oni Icon
- Week 2: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) Officer DVa Skin
- Week 3: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) Officer DVa Spray, Player
- Week 4: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) 10 Loot boxes (normal)
Destiny 2 Joins the PC Blizzard Roster
End of Season 4 announced! May 29th - 0:00 UTC
May 28th 5:00pm PDT//8:00pm EDT
Shorter Off-Season time than usual
Overwatch Anniversary Event Announced! May 23 to June 12
Sneak Peak at 3 Arena Maps
Sneak Peak at New Voice Lines
Sneak Peak at Dance Emotes
Skins Leak: Possible Skins
Free OW Weekend May 26-29
Overwatch Art Book Available for Pre-order

Pharah Discussion:

General Gameplan on Pharah
How to utilize mobility as Pharah (jet pack, hovering, concussive blast, rocket jumps
Engaging and Disengaging with Phara
When to choose Pharah/When to switch off Pharah
Pharah fitting in the team com
Matching up Pharah with and against other Heroes
Good Hero combinations
Target Priorities?
Heroes that give you trouble?
- How do you work with your Healers?
- Working with Mercy
Ultimate: Barrage Usage
Playing Safe vs Playing Aggressive
Mid-air Dogfighting

Reference Links:

Grant from the Intro: Twitter, Soundcloud
Omnic Meta: PC vs Console Hero Use AND PC S4:W11 Roundup
Secret link: 23 OW Voice Actors in real life!
Bonus link: OW Yearbook Fan Art

Special Thanks to Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

Ben W, IceWeasel, HannibalSnowden, Lisome, Magic, Matt V, MILK, RcCrispy, Sketchy Nonsense Podcast, Svornair, TragicZac, Trinium, & Zampano.
New Patrons this week (7 NEW): RoadtoSwole, Michael Crits, Quincy K, Randy D, Saitama, Dan, & David L

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon
Discord: discord.me/omniclab
Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com
Website: http://www.omniclab.com
iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube
Twitch, RSS, MERCH
Full Extended Show Notes
Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Hearthstone Podcast - Velen’s Chosen
Andres: audioblender.studio, Twitter
Deathy: Twitter

52 - Omnic Lab: Information Overload May 12, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab this week Blizzard dropped a huge PTR patch on us and we have loads of changes to discuss with you all. Additionally, Andres wants to talk about concealing and finding information in Overwatch. What aspects of the game you look to hide and find out, how to find it, and good rules of thumb!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Game Night Update! 8pm-11pm EST May 26th
Keyboard Giveaway for Patrons sponsored by Scientist Svornair! Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2016 (Shipping is also free!)
Pachimari Giveaway: Link

News & Blue Posts:

The Nexus Challenge
- Week 1: 5 Heroes Matches (AI, QP, Ranked) Oni Genji Skin, Oni Spray, Oni Icon
- Week 2: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) Officer DVa Skin
- Week 3: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) Officer DVa Spray, Player
- Week 4: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) 10 Loot boxes (normal)
Blizzard Makes a new esports division with their acquisition of MLG

PTR Patch Notes: May 3rd:

McCree Setting Not listed: Skyline Video
Hanzo & Genji - Wall Climb + Arrows faster
Orisa: Damage and Shield Adjustments
Reaper: Reloading in Wraith form
Reinhardt: Ultimate height lowered
Soldier 76: Slight Gun Damage Reduction
Kill Feed and Chat Window Quality of Life changes
Impactful bug fixes

Reference Links:

Grant from the Intro: Twitter, Soundcloud
Omnic Meta: S4 W10, Console
Secret link: Attacking Hollywood Point B as DVa

Diamond Sponsors & New Patrons:

RcCrispy, Magic, Ben W., MILK, Zampano, Cody K, IceWeasel, Lisome, Matt V, HannibalSnowden & Sketchy Nonsense Podcast
New Patrons this week (6 NEW): Svornair, TragicZac, Mike S, Corbnasty, Daniel C, Mark D

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon

Discord: discord.me/omniclab

Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com

Website: http://www.omniclab.com

iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube

Twitch, RSS, MERCH

Full Extended Show Notes

Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Hearthstone Podcast - Velen’s Chosen

Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio

51 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep: Winston May 05, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab today we have Emperor with us who is a GM player on the same team as Little_Menace from our Mercy episode here to help us do another deep dive for Winston! We want to ask him a lot of community questions and get some tips and tricks for the listeners this week!

News & Blue Posts:

The Nexus Challenge
- Week 1: 5 Heroes Matches (AI, QP, Ranked) Oni Genji Skin, Oni Spray, Oni Icon
- Week 2: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) Officer DVa Skin
- Week 3: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) 2 Officer DVa Sprays
- Week 4: 5 Heroes Matches (QP or Ranked) 10 Loot boxes (normal)

Winston Stat Reference

Winston Discussion:

What is Winston’s primary role?
When should Winston be picked?
What are Winston weaknesses?
Let’s talk about the Jump and Initiations.
Listener Submitted Questions.
Primal Rage Ultimate and how to use it.

Reference Links:

Grant from the Intro: Twitter, Soundcloud
Emperor: Twitch, Twitter (merepro)
Omnic Meta: S4 W9 - link
Kaplan Interview about Peanut Butter
Secret link: Git Gud at Winston

Special Thanks to Patrons!

RcCrispy: https://www.twitch.tv/rccrispy
Magic: twitter.com/aBitLikeMagic
Ben W., MILK, Zampano, Cody K, IceWeasel, Lisome, Matt V, & Sketchy Nonsense Podcast
New Patrons this week (3 NEW):
- David T. - Edited to Diamond
- Alexa V.
- Robo Duck

Omnic Lab Links:

Twitter, Facebook, Patreon

Discord: discord.me/omniclab

Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com

Website: http://www.omniclab.com

iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube

Twitch, RSS, MERCH

Full Extended Show Notes

Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Hearthstone Podcast - Velen’s Chosen

Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio

50 - Omnic Lab: Uprising & Community Questions! Apr 29, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab today we are going to finally talk about the Uprising Event, talk through some community questions, and give our opinions on what happened with the news updates from the last few weeks!

Team is Recruiting! Off Tank (Zarya, Winston, Hog) Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-12 pm EST pm IplaiGames on Discord

Uprising OW Event:

Legendary Strat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPrS2EU7Pxo
Team Comp: Bastion, Mercy, Reinhardt, Torb

News & Blue Posts:

The Nexus Challenge
- Week 1: Oni Genji Skin, Oni Spray, Oni Icon
- Week 2: Officer DVa Skin
- Week 3: Officer DVa Spray, Officer DVa Icon
- Week 4: 10 Loot boxes (normal)
Oni Genji/Officer DVa eventually to normal Loot Crates
Kaplan Blue Post
3 Maps in Development to release this year for QP/Comp modes.
Skill Rating Gains/Losses Discussion

Reference Links:

Grant from the Intro: Twitter, Soundcloud
Preachy EU Overwatch group: WolfLAN

Special Thanks to Patrons!

RcCrispy: https://www.twitch.tv/rccrispy
Magic: twitter.com/aBitLikeMagic
Ben W., MILK, Zampano, Cody K, IceWeasel, Lisome, & Sketchy Nonsense Podcast
New Patrons this week (2 NEW): Matt V. & Adam L.

Omnic Lab Links:

*Twitter, Facebook, Patreon *Discord: discord.me/omniclab *Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com *Website: http://www.omniclab.com *iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube *Twitch, RSS, MERCH *Full Extended Show Notes Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Hearthstone Podcast - Velen’s Chosen Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio

49 - Omnic Lab: 1 Year of the Lab! Apr 22, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab today we have our long-awaiting 1-year anniversary show of the Omnic Lab. We bring on Switchfox, one of our mods to talk about his Omnic Meta website that gained some traction, top 500 PS4 Player CS, and run a fun Overwatch Quiz to celebrate!

Reference Links:

Switch: The Omnic Meta Website
Omnic Meta: Twitter
Switch’s Twitter

Special Thanks to Patrons!

RcCrispy: https://www.twitch.tv/rccrispy
Magic: twitter.com/aBitLikeMagic
Ben W., MILK, Zampano, Cody K, IceWeasel, & Sketchy Nonsense Podcast
New Patrons this week (2 NEW): Lisome, Steerboy

Omnic Lab Links: *Twitter, Facebook, Patreon *Discord: discord.me/omniclab *Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com *Website: http://www.omniclab.com *iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube *Twitch, RSS, MERCH *Full Extended Show Notes Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Hearthstone Podcast - Velen’s Chosen Andres: Twitter, audioblender.studio

48 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep: Soldier 76 with Jake of LG Evil Apr 11, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab today we have another Going Deep episode! This week, we have Jake from Luminosity Gaming’s team LG Evil to help us out and ask some more intriguing questions about transitioning to improving at some of the top tiers of play from Diamond to Grand Masters.

Questions for Jake:

Who is Jake of LG Evil?
What's it like playing at the top?
Talk to us about team building.
How do you train?
How do you develop strategies?

Soldier 76 Discussion:

General Overview
Strengths & Weaknesses
What separates good from great 76 players?
Targeting Priorities
Using the Heal
Positioning
Varying play at different SR's
Hero Switching

Reference Links:

Picking for yourself, or the team?
Soldier too strong, Kaplan says maybe.

Special Thanks to Patrons!

RcCrispy: https://www.twitch.tv/rccrispy
Magic: twitter.com/aBitLikeMagic
Ben W., MILK, Zampano, Cody K, IceWeasel, & Sketchy Nonsense Podcast
New Patrons this week: Tori G, Rick H, Kyle P

Omnic Lab Links:

47 - Omnic Lab: Sounds of the Game Mar 31, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab today we are gunna science the CRAP out of the sounds in Overwatch. We have some discussion on how to better understand sounds in the game, adjusting sound settings to maximize listening capabilities, how to take advantage from what you hear, and even run a fun quiz for identifying sounds!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Game Night Giveaway for Patrons BEGINS
Monthly Game Night -- March 31 1pm EDT to April 1 4am EDT (or till people quit :p)
Blizzcon 2017 Tickets: Apr. 5 @7pm PDT & Apr. 8 @10am PDT

Discussion SOUNDS:

Why are sounds important and what can I hear?
- Helps orientate and sift through all the visual information
- Incredible Flanking tool.
Should I use headphones/earbuds or are the speakers okay?
How do I locate people with sounds and tell between different people’s sounds (QUIZ)
Ideal Things to listen for.

News & Blue Posts:

Orisa LIVE for Comp play!
Widowmaker Figure and Orisa Tee Shirts in the Blizzard store!
OW League could have $100M in year one?

Reference Links:

McCree Animation
High Noon vs Omnic Lab in Ranked

Special Thanks to Diamond and New Patrons!

RcCrispy: https://www.twitch.tv/rccrispy
Magic: twitter.com/aBitLikeMagic
Ben W., MILK, Zampano, Cody K, IceWeasel,Sketchy Nonsense Podcast
New Patrons this week (6 NEW):
- Salufo
- Morgothia Cosplay
- Adam P
- Maurizio D
- Sarah K
- Robbie B

Omnic Lab Links:

*Twitter, Facebook, Patreon *Discord: discord.me/omniclab *Email: omniclabpodcast@gmail.com *Website: http://www.omniclab.com *iTunes, Google Play Music, Youtube *Twitch, RSS, MERCH *Full Extended Show Notes *Rob: Twitter, Twitch, Hearthstone Podcast - Velen’s Chosen *Andres: Twitter

46 - Omnic Lab: Balance Philosophy Mar 28, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab today we are going to discuss a TON of the changes that are now live on the servers for console and PC, some big news coming for Lucio mains, and balance philosophy discussion for what we think Blizzard can do for the game.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Game Night Giveaway for Patrons BEGINS
Monthly Game Night -- March 31
Blizzcon 2017 Tickets on Apr. 5 @7pm PDT and Apr. 8 @10am PDT

PTR Update:

Assault & Hybrid Tiebreakers
General
- Lores and backstories added to Hero browser
- Custom Game settings can now be saved as a preset from the game’s details page
- Eichenwalde now has a new route to the right side of the the Attacker’s View of the point.
Lucio

News & Blue Posts:

Orisa LIVE. 1 Week for QP before Comp
Official Patch Notes: Link
Reference Links: Orisa Origins!

Sponsor Thanks to our Diamond Patrons:

RcCrispy: https://www.twitch.tv/rccrispy
Magic: twitter.com/aBitLikeMagic
Ben W., MILK, Zampano, Cody K, IceWeasel & Mikey
New Patrons this week (4 NEW):
- Sketchy Nonsense (Diamond)
- Travis S
- Matai M
- Cody J

Omnic Lab Links:

45 - Omnic Lab: Going Deep Mercy Mar 16, 2017

Show notes

In the Lab today we have a special guest, Jeff “Little Menace” to help us out on our Going Deep show on Mercy! He is a top 500 and GM regular Mercy player and support main! We also want to cover a few adjustments we saw right after last week’s show to the PTR!

Going Deep Mercy ANNOUNCEMENTS: