Why does the 280x get stomped on by the 380x? And gtx960?
The most logical explanation is the game has been optimized for GCN 1.1/1.2 cards, not GCN 1.0. The performance delta between an R9 290X and 7970 is
83% at 1080p, almost unheard of.
"The game is scheduled to be released on May 24, 2016, on Microsoft Windows,
PlayStation 4, and Xbox One."
Either way, 61 fps for 280X at 1080P card that has an additional 10-15% overclocking headroom is more than sufficient for this game. This is just like every other Blizzard game -- focus is 100% on gameplay, not graphics. A stock reference 290 also manages 61 fps at 1440p. In other words, most low-end to mid-range cards will play this game well.
At 1440p, none of the 280X/380X/680/960/770 cards can hit 60 fps either way.
680 = 46 fps
960 2GB = 46 fps
280X = 47 fps
770 = 49 fps
960 4GB = 49 fps
380X = 53 fps
But at the same time this isn't "Gameworks title". Might as well be drivers, as CF isn't even working here..
NV has had a close relationship with Blizzard for a decade or more. In any event 280X gets 60 fps avg at 1080p and 290 gets 60 fps avg at 1440p. AMD needs to allocate its scarce resources towards true next generation demanding titles for which gamers actually
need to buy new graphics cards: Far Cry Primal, The Division, Forza 6: Apex, Hitman 2016, Deus Ex Mankind Divided, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Doom, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Quantum Break, Need for Speed, etc. When you have limited resources, you pick wisely and Overwatch isn't worth spending any time on considering a
4.5-year-old 7970 OC maxes it out at 1080p.