Exploring the Development and Backstories of Overwatch Characters

Summary

Michael Chu, the lead writer of Overwatch, shares insights about the development and histories of several characters present in the game. The article covers heroes across different categories such as damage, tank, and support. Chu discusses the origins of the characters, the story behind their development, and their skills and characteristics, making it an intriguing read for both game lovers and writers.

Bastion: The Musical Transformation
Hanzo: The Ninja-Samurai Hybrid
Junkrat: The Definition of Design
Mei: Adding Authenticity to Overwatch
Torbjorn: The Dwarf Who Adds Futuristic Elements
Widowmaker: Ancestral Home in a French Chateau
D.Va and Orisa: Piloting Against the Omnic Crisis
Reinhardt: The Veteran Who Has Seen It All
Roadhog: The Survival of the Fittest
Winston: The Emotional Core of Overwatch
Zarya: From Olympic Weightlifting to Battlefront
Ana: Changing Outlooks and New Skills
Mercy: Healing and Helping People in Conflict Zones
Lucio: Uniting People Through Music
Moira: Science and Aggressiveness as One
Symmetra: Creating Hard-Light Defenses
Zenyatta: The Omnic Monk Who Believes in Iris

Bastion: The Musical Transformation

Bastion, a challenging character, initially had difficulty in the implementation of its abilities because the developers wanted the robot character to sound musical. It took a process of transformation for the team to ensure that it could convey its personality through sound. It was also challenging to discover the character’s background, which required the team to explore various concepts to create an appropriate backstory.

Hanzo: The Ninja-Samurai Hybrid

Hanzo began as a ninja-samurai hybrid, along with Genji, but eventually became separated in design. He is known for his unique ultimate ability called Summon Spirit Dragon. Hanzo’s backstory centers around his relationship with his younger brother Genji, and his belief in atoning for his past sins.

Junkrat: The Definition of Design

Junkrat is known for his character design, with an appearance defined by his explosive personality. His backstory centers around his occupation as a treasure hunter, and his affiliation with other characters in the game like Roadhog.

Mei: Adding Authenticity to Overwatch

Mei was cast in China, creating an authentic Mandarin-speaking character. Her prowess focuses on her ability to freeze targets, and her backstory involves her transformation from a scientist working for eco-watch to a hero fighting for a better world.

Torbjorn: The Dwarf Who Adds Futuristic Elements

Torbjorn was inspired by the dwarves of Warcraft, adding a futuristic element to the game’s world. His backstory involves his role as an engineer who creates weapons and armor to aid in the fight against Omnics.

Widowmaker: Ancestral Home in a French Chateau

Widowmaker comes from an ancestral home in a chateau in France, and her background story involves her transformation from a loving wife to an assassin. Her exceptional abilities in sniping and grappling make her a formidable enemy.

D.Va and Orisa: Piloting Against the Omnic Crisis

D.Va is a pilot of a mecha suit, while Orisa was created by an idealistic young girl. Their backstory focuses on their fight against the Omnic Crisis and how they try to achieve peace. Each character’s unique abilities make them a valuable asset to the Overwatch team.

Reinhardt: The Veteran Who Has Seen It All

Reinhardt is one of the oldest characters in the game, and his background story focuses on his achievements on the battlefield. He is known for his massive hammer and protective shield, which allows him to protect his teammates from harm.

Roadhog: The Survival of the Fittest

Roadhog is known for his unique appearance and ability to heal himself through his inhaler. His backstory highlights his experiences during the apocalypse, where he had to do anything to survive.

Winston: The Emotional Core of Overwatch

Winston, the emotional center of Overwatch, is a gorilla from the moon. He is known for his ability to create barriers between himself and his enemies, and he is also one of the key characters in the game’s story.

Zarya: From Olympic Weightlifting to Battlefront

Zarya, an Olympic weightlifter, gave up competition to join the battlefront after the Omnics destroyed her home in Russia. She is known for her skills in barriers and her impressive athleticism.

Ana: Changing Outlooks and New Skills

Ana, a skilled sniper and healer, is an essential character in the game. Her background story highlights her transformation after a terrible injury and showcases her change in worldview.

Mercy: Healing and Helping People in Conflict Zones

Mercy is a former member of Overwatch and has become a doctor who helps people in conflict zones. Her background story focuses on her pursuit of justice and the rift between her and a former colleague.

Lucio: Uniting People Through Music

Lucio’s enthusiastic personality fills Overwatch with light and positivity. His background story focuses on his passion for music and his goal to bring people together.

Moira: Science and Aggressiveness as One

Moira is one of the most controversial characters in the game, a scientist pushing the boundaries of her field. Her story focuses on her recruitment to Oasis and her desire for knowledge.

Symmetra: Creating Hard-Light Defenses

Symmetra is an engineer who creates hard-light defenses, making her crucial to the game’s objective-based gameplay. Her background story focuses on her moral compass and her role in society.

Zenyatta: The Omnic Monk Who Believes in Iris

Zenyatta is an omnic monk who believes in the concept of the iris, a representation of his belief in unity. His backstory focuses on his journey to enlightenment, and his abilities allow him to offer both healing and damage.

Conclusion

Overwatch is a game that has captured the imaginations of millions of players worldwide. However, behind every great game, there are teams of developers and writers working tirelessly to make it a success. Michael Chu’s insights into the development and backstories of Overwatch characters help to bring the game’s world to life for players and make it an even more immersive experience. With a diverse range of heroes, each with their unique skillsets, the game offers something for everyone to enjoy.