What is Overwatch? And what is the Omnic Crisis? We summarize the background story of the shooter for you.
Blizzard’s latest game, Overwatch, completely refrains from telling the story of the game world within the game. Nevertheless, the story writers have made an effort to create a coherent vision of the future of our world. We have summarized the key points and reveal to you what Overwatch actually is – and why its glory has faded.
The Omnics – Robots with Personality
Although Overwatch takes place about 60 years in the future, the biggest changes begin in 30 years – calculated from our time.
Mankind makes massive advances in technology. Teleportation is developed, flying cars, laser weapons – all the gadgets one would wish for in such a future scenario. The most significant advances occur in the field of artificial intelligence. Humans manage to create thinking machines. These “Omnics” are more than just robots: they have their own personalities.
In factories around the world, known as “Omniums”, they work in service to humans and ensure that economic justice prevails in the world. In summary, it was a peaceful time and is often regarded in hindsight as the “golden age” of humanity.
The Omnic Crisis
Because everything else would be boring, this peace did not last forever. For unknown reasons, the Omnics turned against humanity. The once helpful Omniums became breeding grounds for deadly machines. Around the world, the Omnics began a rebellion and sought to overthrow humans, leading to chaotic conditions on the planet.
As countries were unable to contain the Omnics, the United Nations decided to establish a special organization composed of the best (and craziest) heroes from all countries: Overwatch.
The unit was led by Gabriel Reyes, a former soldier, with John Morrison as his deputy – both originated from a program for “enhanced soldiers”. Under their leadership, this elite force fulfilled exactly the purpose for which they were needed – the Omnics were pushed back and the crisis ended.
Overwatch was celebrated worldwide for its achievements, was popular in all countries, and stood for the great things humanity could achieve when working together. In the coming years, Overwatch transformed into a sort of “global police force” combating terrorists and corruption wherever it found them. At the same time, it also took care of preserving the Earth, exploring our ecosystem, and focusing on space exploration. Everything that was generally considered “good”, “right”, and “important” was covered by Overwatch.
The Fall of Overwatch
Once again, peace was only short-lived. An internal conflict arose when Morrison was appointed the new leader of Overwatch. Reyes felt sidelined by this decision, and the agents of the unit split into two factions, leading to initial disputes.
To this were added wild accusations that Overwatch had succumbed to corruption, was conducting secret weapon deliveries, and had repeatedly violated human rights. These allegations – fueled by the media, which loves such stories – led to worldwide protests against Overwatch.
The United Nations had just launched an investigation to verify the accusations when a tragic incident occurred. In an alleged accident, the Swiss headquarters of Overwatch was destroyed, and both Reyes and Morrison lost their lives.
Due to the deaths of the two leaders, the accusations, and the ongoing investigations, Overwatch was disbanded about 30 years after its founding.
Summoning – Old Heroes Gather
Many agents fondly remember the time and without Overwatch, several terrorist units are on the rise again – this is where the video with Winston comes in.
After this summoning, some agents have come together again to once again be a pillar of hope and confidence and to save the world once more from the many shadows that currently threaten it.
Lore of the Individual Heroes
In the coming days and weeks, we will take a closer look at the background stories of the individual heroes (and villains) of Overwatch and explain how they relate to each other – because not all are real “heroes”.
- Lore of Reaper, Soldier: 76, and Mercy
- Lore of Widowmaker, Tracer, and Winston
- Lore of Reinhardt, McCree, and Torbjörn
For more news and articles about Blizzard’s hero shooter, check out our Overwatch game page.
