Overwatch pro Coolmatt retires for new role

Ahead of the upcoming third Overwatch League, team Houston Outlaws announced Off-Tank player Coolmatt will be retiring as a player and won’t play in the next season. 

The player, who joined the team when it was formed back in 2017, will instead be moving to a new unknown role within the organisation. 

Coolmatt is a renowned player within the Overwatch scene, having played for Fnatic and FNRGFE before signing with Houston Outlaws.  

While it’s unclear what his new role will involve, judging by follow-up tweets following the announcement, it seems like he’ll still be an integral part of the team moving forwards.  

It’s the second player to have retired from the playing team in recent months, with DPS player Jacob "JAKE" Lyons announcing his retirement from professional Overwatch in December 2019.  

The number of players retiring and casters not returning has cast some concern for the Overwatch League 2020, with some citing poor management as a reason for their departure. 

Host Malik Forte was the latest to announce he wouldn’t return, writing on Twitter: “I’m not returning to the OWL broadcast team for 2020, for those who’ve asked.  

“It’s been a long journey with the OW community so it saddens me to say. A HUGE thanks to all the fans, the amazing production crew, my talent team family and most importantly, the players!” 

Christopher "Montecristo" Mykles was the first to confirm he wouldn’t return, followed by Chris Puckett who decided to go freelance after moving to New York.  

Erik "DoA" announced he wouldn’t return earlier this month, explaining: “Due to some of the League’s decisions over the last year in terms of creative direction, management, and resistance to input from veteran esports personal, I felt it was time for change.” 

Auguste "Semmler" Massonnat also announced he wouldn’t return, with many expecting him to return full-time to casting CS:GO.  

So who is casting this year’s League? Brennon "Bren" Hook and Josh "Sideshow" Wilkinson have confirmed they will be stepping up, along with former pro Jake "JAKE" Lyon and Andrew "ZP" Rush.  

The Overwatch League’s third season begins on 8 February.