Blizzard are hiring an esports observer to improve Overwatch’s spectating

A job listing on Blizzard Entertainment’s website has revealed that the team are looking to hire an “esports observer” for their Overwatch League.

Overwatch has had a shaky week after several teams pulled out of the competitive scene these weeks and rumours surfaced that NFL owners were paying big bucks for slots. However, the job page here still claims that the Overwatch league will be launching in 2017.

Part of Overwatch’s struggle with viewers is relating to how frenetic an experience it is to spectate, and this new role has been created to have a professional in the space to spectate and produce content for Overwatch tournaments, which should drive engagement. They’ll also be working with the Overwatch team to bring improvements to the spectating in the in-game client, in addition to evangelising about the needs of spectators to the team.

The esports observer will be a “key piece in building Overwatch in a top tier esport” and the team are looking for someone with a “demonstrated passion for spectating esports and traditional sports”, experience with overwatch and 3 years of experience in tournament broadcasting experience and production.

In exchange, here are the responsibilities:

-Spectate and produce content for Overwatch tournaments of all tiers

-Work with team to establish and develop team cohesion and group camera work in the game client

-Work with team of observers to continually improve techniques of spectating Overwatch

-Partner with internal stakeholders to brainstorm in-client improvements to the spectator functionality

-Collaborate with internal departments to develop a cohesive vision for Overwatch esports observing

-Recognize and evangelize relevant storylines in Overwatch esports

-Establish needs, requirements and wish list items to improve viewability of Overwatch esports

-Provide feedback on existing systems and processes

-Evangelize best observing practices to internal and external partners

-Develop comprehensive understanding of current esports landscape as it relates to all Blizzard titles

The new hire shows Blizzard’s commitment towards fixing some of the problems with Overwatch’s still-growing esports scene.