Overwatch 2 has cut part of its PvE campaign, but is celebrating a different event – and making a character lesbian.
The last few days have certainly been uncomfortable for fans of Overwatch 2. After years of hope, a highly anticipated part of the PvE mode has simply been cut – the hero missions with talent trees will no longer appear. The remaining PvE content will still be released, but will be integrated more into the seasonal structure of Overwatch 2.
Just a few days later, Blizzard releases a short story titled “As You Are” (translated: “How You Are”) which sparks a new controversy. The story sheds some light on the background of Pharah and Baptiste, confirming some community speculations: Pharah is lesbian and Baptiste is bisexual.
Even though both revelations were basically expected – especially the voice lines between Baptiste and Lifeweaver were very obvious – the timing gives many reason for criticism.
This is how the community reacts: In the various comments, whether on community sites or in the subreddit, people are amused by the timing of these two events and write things like:
“If you have devastating news, like the cancellation of the PvE mode, just follow it up with kissing women and it’s not so bad.”
There are also some much harsher comments, referring to “LGBTQ propaganda” or a “woke, misguided company.”
However, most seem to be pleased about the announcement and, as is often the case, since the sexuality of the characters only represents one aspect of the short story, they are happy to receive a little more lore about their favorites.
Aside from that, the short story is highly praised – it is simply interesting.
In fact, these two things, namely the “cancellation” of the PvE mode and the release of the short story, may have relatively little to do with each other – after all, the “Pride Month” is in June and the story is meant to herald the beginning of this time. Moreover, this is not just a small side story, but also a large in-game event begins. For the first time in Overwatch’s history, Blizzard is celebrating Pride Month in the game as well.
Ingame event brings 40 Pride rewards
That Blizzard is taking the Pride Month in June seriously this year will be experienced by all players from June 1st. In total, there are 40 different themed Pride rewards. These include 15 pro icons for gender or sexual identity as well as another 24 name cards with similar symbols. Some of them are even dedicated to specific characters, like a “Tracer: Lesbian” name card or a “Soldier: Gay” card.
As a spray logo, there is also a photo of Lena and Emily, who form a heart with their hands together. That is Tracer with her girlfriend.
The entire Pride rewards are not part of the shop, but every Overwatch fan simply receives them upon logging in after the event begins on June 1st.
Some of the maps are also being updated during the event. For example, the map “Midtown” (New York) is decorated in rainbow colors, there is confetti, and some of the other maps have temporarily put up various Pride banners and flags to celebrate the event.
In the coming years, Blizzard intends to further expand this event, making it a regular, recurring part of Overwatch 2.
Why is this so important to Blizzard?
In some comments, criticism is repeatedly seen. Many ask why the sexual orientation of a character is even important for a shooter. Although many others have already answered that such details define a character’s personality, Blizzard has also provided an answer:
We had a small change in our team and how we want to approach the representation of the queer community and wanted to have that in the game, so it’s important to us. I don’t think we want any doubt about these heroes.
We want people to play this character, maybe hear a voice line in which they talk about who they are and then they should also know who they are. There’s no reason to hide that. It doesn’t help us. We are here to be authentic and honest to these characters for Pride.
Pride yes, but not everywhere
In an interview with PCGamer, Overwatch head Aaron Keller also spoke about the challenges the event poses in some countries. The event cannot take place in some countries, such as Russia, because laws there prohibit “promoting non-traditional relationships.” He stated:
I cannot speak for all of Blizzard. I am currently the Game Director of Overwatch. But we aim to comply with the laws in different countries, and my personal view is that it is better to operate where it is possible than not to reach out to people at all.
What is your opinion on this event?
