The new Overwatch hero Sigma has already caused a stir on the internet early on. The core of the discussion about him in many places: his bare feet. These were deliberately chosen, and chief Jeff Kaplan already knew during development that this would spark conversations.
This is what Kaplan says about Sigma’s feet: According to an interview by Polygon with lead writer Michael Chu, many details were planned for the development of Sigma. Among these were the bare feet.
During the creation of Sigma, the idea is said to have come from Jeff Kaplan. Chu believes Kaplan pushed very hard for it. And he had already known in advance that it would become “a thing.” However, what exactly he meant by this was not explained further.
What is so interesting about Sigma’s feet?
This is the story behind it: Sigma was created as a character with severe mental disorders. The core of his behavior is a schizophrenia that resulted from the influence of a black hole on his body and mind.
Players should, according to the developers, feel a somewhat oppressive feeling with Sigma. To this end, some secrets have been woven into Sigma’s story.
He was meant to be a character whose story players would find difficult to process. That he has bare feet was intended to visually highlight his origins and past in a mental institution.
Kaplan came up with this idea because Sigma floats anyway: “He floats. Why should he wear shoes?” This was further developed by writer Alyssa Wong, who researched it. Feet are not used in space like on Earth, which is why things like blisters and calluses fall off. They become “soft,” just like Sigma’s.
This is how the internet picked it up: Sigma’s bare feet quickly became the big topic after his announcement, which Kaplan had anticipated. Various aspects of his feet were discussed:
- There was general confusion – Many were bothered by Sigma’s bare feet
- Players demanded that his feet should become a critical hit zone
- Memes were created like Sigma with Crocs or the fact that only “pure-hearted” people could see his shoes
Another player has been calling for bare feet or emotes where shoes are taken off for years in the US forums. This fan with his fetish has also been picked up by the community, as he is presumably particularly happy about Sigma.
