[2020] Replay Sharing Feedback

Hey everyone!

Since the introduction of the replay system, players have consistently asked for the ability to share those replays. We’re excited to bring that functionality to you!

A replay is shared via an alphanumeric code typically 6 characters long. The code can be shared however you want : in game, on forums, over social media. Another player can input that code and watch your replay. Codes are valid until the next patch.

We have also made some improvements to the replay system.

• You can pin up to 10 replays to keep until the next patch. You can unpin a replay to make room for a different replay.
• We track your 10 most recently imported replay codes. This allows you to watch the same imported replay again without retyping the code.
• There is a new note field for each replay entry. Add descriptions or notes for yourself.

We eagerly await your feedback on this feature. Leave any you may have below!

Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback!

Regarding chat logs - In order to respect players’ privacy and observe related policies, we do not include these in replays.

Your instincts are good about the version number and how this would affect the replay, so code sharing should be functionally similar!

Hey!

We recommend continuing to use the standard in-game report features for best results when reporting a player. If a particular replay would serve as evidence, you can feel free to include the replay code in your report.

Reporting a replay itself should primarily be used in cases of vulgarity or other inappropriate content in a custom game.

As constructive feedback, I think it will be important to make sure there is a written reminder in the Report Replay dialog to specifically state its only for vulgar content. Right now the only thing that shows is just the code field to report that code without any real instructions. That or make sure the report code only works for a game that took place in Custom Games. Otherwise, I feel this report replay feature is going to be used for the wrong reasons making it difficult for the Blizzard Customer Service team and Global Insights team to filter out false, inaccurate, and/or inappropriate reports.

This is just my outside perspective of the whole thing. For as far as I know you guys got things like this well in hand. I could go a long way into expressing ideas of refining the reporting tools for overall, but I think that is feedback for a different topic sometime. Thanks for hearing me out.

Hey Kierkegaard, there is no embedded video export options for full-fledged replays at this time. You can share the import code so that a different person can log onto Overwatch and watch the replay from their game client.

As always you can record and export gameplay from the replays to video by using software such as GeForce Experience Shadowplay (for NVidia GTX/RTX graphic card owners), ReLive (for AMD Radeon Graphic Card owners), or Open Broadcasting Software (a free streaming recording software that is available).