Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan explains the 3 things Blizzard takes into consideration when balancing a hero
Blizzard's balance triangle approach for Overwatch ensures all data is represented before making a change.
Blizzard's job of balancing Overwatch heroes is one that's never easy, but there's a particular way it likes to approach this seemingly impossible task.
Speaking to Eurogamer, game director Jeff Kaplan revealed what he called the 'balance triangles'. Basically, this means balance decisions are made based on three sets of data.
This can be broken down to actual game stats, players' perception of the hero, and Blizzard's own idea of how things should be. When these align, the decision is made easier. However, when they do not, as is often the case, there are no right or wrong answers. "It's more art than science," he explains.
Elsewhere in the interview, Kaplan touches on how balancing heroes in Overwatch is different than in a MOBA, particularly considering the fact you don't pay for Overwatch heroes. In Kaplan's words, it's not as important to instantly make a new hero stand out the same way you would in a MOBA, given the sheer character count difference.
You can watch the rest of the interview above, or listen to a longer version at the link.