OVERWATCH LORE

Index Introduction ...... 3 Omnic Crisis and Overwatch’s creation ...... 4 After the crisis ...... 5 Overwatch’s fall ...... 7 Overwatch’s original members ...... 8 The present ...... 9 Around the world ...... 10 Adlersbrunn ...... 10 Dorado ...... 10 Ecopoint: Antartica ...... 10 Eichenwalde ...... 10 Hanamura ...... 11 Hollywood ...... 11 Ilios ...... 11 King’s Row ...... 11 Lijiang Tower ...... 12 Nepal ...... 12 Numbani ...... 12 Oasis ...... 12 Route 66 ...... 13 Temple of Anubis ...... 13 Volskaya Industries ...... 13 Watchpoint: Gibraltar ...... 14 Characters ...... 15 Overwatch, pre-Crisis members ...... 15 Jack “Soldier: 76” Morrison ...... 15 Ana Amari ...... 15 Torbjörn Lindholm ...... 16 Reinhardt Wilhelm ...... 16 Golden Era Overwatch members ...... 18 Lena “Tracer” Oxton ...... 18 Winston ...... 18 Jesse McCree ...... 20 Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou ...... 20

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Angela “Mercy” Ziegler...... 21 Genji Shimada ...... 21 Talon affiliation ...... 22 Reaper (formerly Gabriel Reyes) ...... 22 Widowmaker (formerly Amélie Lacroix) ...... 23 Sombra ...... 24 Omnics ...... 24 Orisa ...... 24 Tekharta Zenyatta ...... 25 SST Laboratories Siege Automaton E54, “Bastion” ...... 25 Other or none affiliation ...... 26 Hanzo Shimada ...... 26 Fareeha “Pharah” Amari ...... 27 Mako “Roadhog” Rutledge ...... 27 Jamison “Junkrat” Fawkes ...... 28 Satya “Symmetra” Vaswani ...... 28 Lúcio Correia dos Santos ...... 29 Hana “D.VA” Song ...... 29 Aleksandra “Zarya” Zaryanova ...... 30 References ...... 32 Blog articles and Social Media ...... 32 Character profiles ...... 33 Comics ...... 34 Videos ...... 34 Picture Index ...... 36 Contact information ...... 37

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Introduction My name is Lydia Millqvist. I’m a Swedish game development student at the University of Skövde but more importantly, in this case, a huge fan of Overwatch. I also very much enjoy lore in games. This document is a compilation of all the mayor Overwatch lore I could find. It started off with me copying the info text on all the characters from Overwatch’s website and suddenly I was scavenging the internet for any canon lore. Thus, practically everything written here has a source. If a paragraph doesn’t contain a footnote with a source the information in said paragraph was taken from the same place as the next mentioned footnote. If you find anything inconsistent, wrongly spelled, grammatically incorrect and so forth, don’t hesitate to contact me. My contact information is at the end of this document.

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Omnic Crisis and Overwatch’s creation Over thirty years ago, Omnica Corporation revolutionized robotic manufacturing and it seemed the world was on the verge of entering an economic golden age.1 Their massive factories of automated construction machines and self-improving software algorithms were patented, marketed as “omniums,” and installed on every continent. After some time, the omniums began to break down. Independent analysis showed they would never come close to meeting the corporation’s promises of growth and output. Omnica was investigated and forcibly dissolved after evidence of fraud was uncovered, its omniums shut down. No one was prepared for the defunct, dismantled omniums to wake themselves back up and launch a military campaign against all of humanity. 2 The omniums and their robot populations, which had originally been built to bolster manufacturing and create economic equality worldwide, had now turned against their human creators.3 This was later dubbed the Omnic Crisis.4 There are multiple kinds of omnics. The larger ones, big as skyscrapers, are called Titans.5 One such Titan attacked Korea which lead to the creation of the MEKA (Mobile Exoskeletal Korean Army) program within the South Korean army. The Titan attacks the Korean coast every few years to this day.6 Another kind are Bastions. Originally created for peacekeeping purposes they were turned against their human makers, forming the bulk of the omnics’ rebel army.7 Then there’s the “god programs”. Powerful A.I capable of taking control over both willing and unwilling omnics in its proximity.8 No country was succeeding in securing its own territory during the crisis. The adaptability of robots had become a tactical nightmare.9 To combat this threat The United Nations covertly formed a small but nimble international task force which was named Overwatch.10 This experimental group brought together the best and brightest from around the world to wage asymmetrical warfare against the robots.11 These members – Jack Morrison, Gabriel Reyes, Ana Amari, Liao, Reinhardt Wilhelm, and Torbjörn Lindholm - have since become legendary. In highly secretive missions, Overwatch targeted the omnics’ command and control protocols. After great sacrifice and heroism in a series of dangerous raids, they destroyed it all, rendering the omnic armies inert. The Omnic Crisis came to an end.12

1 Reinhardt Wilhelm’s character profile and Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 2 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 3 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article and Torbjörn Lindholm’s character profile. 4 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 5 Destroyer comic. 6 Hana “D.VA” Song’s character profile. 7 “Bastion’s” character profile. 8 Mission Statement comic. 9 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 10 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article and Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 11 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 12 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article.

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After the crisis After the conflict’s resolution, Overwatch grew into a global institution, keeping the peace in a war-torn world.13 Overwatch experienced a meteoric rise in prominence. New funding and resources gave the now-public organization far-reaching global influence.14 Thus the organization was no longer strictly military. They had an experimental flight program, condoned advanced medical research and built eco-Watchpoints in order to research the rapid climate change.15 Overwatch also had a top-secret covert ops division called Blackwatch which was unhindered by bureaucracy and red tape.16 Now an international peacekeeping force, Overwatch’s duties had changed. For example, the organization had ongoing operations to combat criminals such as the Shimada clan and the terrorist group Talon.17 Another of Overwatch’s new duties was the quarantine on the “god programs”. One of these where the Anubis A.I.18

Figure 1; Blackwatch’s symbol as graffiti.

Following the Omnic Crisis, a group of outcast omnic robots experienced what they described as a spiritual awakening. They came to the belief that they were more than artificial intelligences and that, like humans, they possessed the essence of a soul. Recognizing the spiritual equality they held with humans, these omnics, led by the enigmatic robot known as Tekhartha Mondatta, sought to heal the wounds caused by the Omnic Crisis a generation earlier and bring humans and robots back into societal harmony. Their message was embraced by millions around the

13 Reinhardt Wilhelm’s character profile. 14 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 15 Lena “Tracer” Oxton’s, Angela ”Mercy” Ziegler’s and Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou’s character profiles. 16 Jesse McCree’s character profile. 17 Genji Shimada’s character profile and Widowaker’s character profile. 18 Mission Statement comic.

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world.19 Mondatta was later assassinated by Widowmaker, a Talon operative.20 Naturally this raised the tension between humans and omnics. 21

Figure 2; Tekhartha Mondatta holding a speech.

Before Mondatta’s tragic death was the hostage of a terror organization known as Null Sector.22 In an attempt to improve relations a home for the omnics had been built in London. Mondatta was at the opening to show his support. Omnic extremist group, Null Sector, launched a surprise attack on King’s row. Humans and omnics alike were hunted and shot down by the extremists.23 Null Sector took London mayor Nandah, Mondatta and hundreds of civilian’s hostage. In response, Overwatch, without the approval of U.K’s prime minister, sent in a team to liberate King’s Row.24 After the Omnic Crisis, government officials gifted the Australian omnium and the surrounding area to the omnics that had nearly destroyed their country, hoping to establish a long-term peace accord. Humans who were against the decision band together and created the Australian Liberation Front. the Australian Liberation Front struck against the omnium and its robot population to take back the lands that had been stolen. Events continued to escalate until the rebels sabotaged the omnium’s fusion core, resulting in an explosion that destroyed the facility, irradiated the region, and littered the Outback with twisted metal and wreckage for kilometers around. 25 The attack on the Australian omnium’s fusion core forever altered the landscape of the Outback. After the detonation, the area was transformed into a harsh, irradiated wasteland, littered with debris and the twisted fragments of the ruined facility, and unlivable to most.26

19 Tekharta Zenyatta’s character profile. 20 Alive animated short and Widowmaker’s character profile. 21 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 22 Uprising comic. 23 Overwatch Uprising event intro cutscene. 24 Uprising comic. 25 Mako “Roadhog” Rutledge’s character profile. 26 Jamison “Junkrat” Fawkes’ character profile.

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Overwatch’s fall Two decades after Overwatch ended the Omnic Crisis and saved humanity, it was brought to its knees by a series of shocking allegations.27 The top-secret division Blackwatch was revealed and rumors of assassination, coercion, kidnapping and torture began circulating.28 Overwatch was accused of negligence resulting in high-profile mission failures; corruption and mismanagement; weapons proliferation; human rights abuses; and more. In light of the reveal of Blackwatch governments called on the UN to shut down Overwatch. Hence why a special UN committee launched a lengthy and highly secretive investigation into the allegations against the organization. This inquiry lead to its once-beloved agents becoming objects of derision and suspicion in the media. 29 Overwatch never had a shortage of critics, even in its glory days.30 As public distrust swelled as they quickly became the scapegoats of all the problems in the world. “Bad guys” kept causing havoc and Overwatch was blamed for their existence.31 As Overwatch’s influence waned, rogue elements within Blackwatch sought to bring down the organization and turn it to their own ends.32 Thus, a rebellion tore at the organization from within. On one side was Strike Commander Morrison, determined to hold together what remained of Overwatch.33 On the other side was Blackwatch commander Reyes, whose agenda remains unknown.34 A battle raged between these men deep within Overwatch’s Swiss headquarters. At some point, their fighting triggered an explosion which was believed to have killed them both.35 In the wake of such an incident, little could remain hidden. The full transgressions of Overwatch’s shadow operations became known.36 The United Nations could do nothing but shut down Overwatch and eventually, the Petras Act was created.37 It stated that Overwatch- associated activity was deemed illegal and Overwatch’s agents scattered in the wind.38

27 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 28 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 29 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 30 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 31 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article and Soldier: 76 Origin Story video. 32 Jesse McCree’s character profile. 33 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 34 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article and Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 35 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 36 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article 37 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity and Recall animated short. 38 Recall animated short.

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Overwatch’s original members Jack Morrison, Ana Amari, Liao, Reinhardt Wilhelm, and Torbjörn Lindholm was all part of the first rendition of Overwatch.39 Under the leadership of Gabriel Reyes they ended the war with the omnics.40 Following the success of Overwatch’s original mission, Amari served for many years as Strike Commander Morrison’s second-in-command.41 Morrison was given the position after the end of the Omnic Crisis and Reyes joined the newly created Blackwatch.42 Jack lead Overwatch for over 20 years.43 After the crisis gained Overwatch several new members. One such new member was Winston, who had escaped to Earth from the Horizon Luna research station.44 Another was Lena “Tracer” Oxton who was inducted into Overwatch’s experimental flight program.45 McCree became part of Blackwatch after been given the choice between rotting in a maximum-security lockup or joining.46 There were also Mei who worked at Overwatch’s eco-Watchpoint on Antartica.47 Dr. Angela Ziegler attracted the attention of Overwatch with her breakthrough in the field of applied nanobiology and lastly Genji who was rescued by Overwatch after his fight with his brother Hanzo.48

Figure 3; Five of the six original members of Overwatch.

39 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 40 Ana Amari’s character profile and Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 41 Ana Amari’s character profile. 42 Reaper’s Blackwatch skin and Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 43 Soldier: 76 Origin Story video. 44 Winston’s character profile. 45 Lena “Tracer” Oxton’s character profile. 46 Jesse McCree’s character profile. 47 Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou’s character profile. 48 Angela ”Mercy” Ziegler’s and Genji Shimada’s character profiles.

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The present The Talon terrorist group has become more active as of late but what their goals are is anybody’s guess. For one the Talon forces, in cooperation with the mercenary Reaper, attacked Winston. They were after the location of Overwatch’s previous agents.49 Sometime after the attack the Talon sniper Widowmaker together with Reaper tried to steal Doomfist’s weaponized gauntlet.50 Meanwhile McCree stopped a train robbery by the Talons. During his fight with the terrorist agents noted McCree that the Talon members fought with Blackwatch tactics. One of these Talon attackers even recognized McCree.51 Talon, out of all things, also attempted to steal artifacts unearthed in some archeological ruins on top of the Greek town of Ilios.52 After being attacked by Reaper and Talon terrorists reinstated Winston Overwatch and called backed its former operatives.53

49 Recall animated short. 50 Overwatch cinematic trailer. 51 Train Hopper comic. 52 Line from Athena (the disembodied voice of the shuttle/spawnpoint) when playing on Ilios map. 53 Recall animated short.

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Around the world Adlersbrunn During a Halloween party told Reinhardt a story about a crazy inventor who attacked a king in the town of Adlersbrunn.54 With the help of a witch and her headless servant created the inventor a monster who attacked the king’s castle.55 The king was defended by an archer, an old solider, an alchemist and a sharpshooter.56 Dorado Dorado is a city in Mexico.57 During the harsh Ominc crisis destroyed omics much of the country’s power grid and infrastructure. The company LumériCo and its CEO, war hero and former president Guillermo Portero, are unveiling a string of fusion plants that promise to deliver clean, free energy to the Mexican people. They celebrate the end of the omnic crisis with Festival de la Luz in Dorado.58 The criminals Junkrat and Roadhog stole from Banco de Dorado by digging a tunnel into the vault.59 Ecopoint: Antartica A catastrophic polar storm battered the installation and cut it off from the outside world, leaving the facility damaged and the scientists working there stranded.60 The solar array that powered the station batteries had been damage in the storm which lead to a power failure in the emergency system.61 As the scientists’ supplies dwindled, they entered cryostasis in a last- ditch effort to survive until a rescue attempt could be made.62 Eichenwalde Eichenwalde is a small German town located in the middle of the Black Forest, a short drive away from the city of Stuttgart.63 The forest has slowly begun overtaking the abandoned village, but the scars will never completely fade. During the Omnic Crisis, Eichenwalde was the site of a key battle. 64 General Balderich von Adler took a handful of crusaders to his home village in an effort to outflank the omnic army.65 Balderich's soldiers were able to break down the enemy forces, giving the German military an opportunity to push back, but the Crusaders didn't make it out of the battle. General Balderich finally collapsed in the castle's great hall.66

54 Junkenstein comic. 55 Junkenstein comic and Junkenstein’s Revenge event. 56 Line from Soldier:76 when playing Junkenstein’s Revenge event. 57 Soldier: 76 Origin Story video. 58 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 59 Line from Junkrat when playing on the Dorado map. 60 Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou’s character profile. 61 Screens and broken solar array on the Ecopoint: Antartica map. 62 Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou’s character profile. 63Blizzard at Gamescom 2016 video and Description text of Eichenwalde New Map Preview video. 64 Patch notes – 01/09/2016. 65 Patch notes – 01/09/2016 and line from Reinhardt on the Eichenwalde map. 66 Patch notes – 01/09/2016.

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Hanamura Hanamura is a well-preserved village of unassuming shops and quiet streets, known mostly for its idyllic cherry blossom festival every spring. But to those who know its history, Hanamura is the ancestral home of the Shimada ninja clan, which had grown over the centuries to become a powerful criminal organization. As its neighboring cities expanded, Hanamura was encircled, and eventually it was incorporated as a district within a larger city.67 Once a year returns the missing master of the Shimada clan returns to the Shimada compound in order to pray and give offering in honouring of his, believed, dead younger brother.68 When said younger brother greeted him in their childhood home a battle broke lose.69 Hollywood Hollywood is still the go to place for blockbuster movies and famous stars. Down the street from the Mandarin Theatre, Goldshire Studios' omnic film auteur, HAL-Fred Glitchbot, has created his two latest films, They Come from Beyond the Moon and Six-Gun Killer, to varying amounts of critical and commercial acclaim. However, even Tinseltown has been gripped by anti-omnic sentiment, and the outspoken director has become a prime target in the escalating conflict.70 Ilios Situated atop a small island rising from the Aegean Sea, Ilios is a postcard-perfect Mediterranean town, with a bustling harborside, winding paths for rambling hillside strolls, and gorgeous vistas. It is the ideal vacation stop for people looking for a place to relax, or for those interested in exploring the ruins scattered at the top of the island, where many artifacts and relics of the ancient world have been recently unearthed.71 The terrorist organisation Talon attempted to steal these artifacts for unknown reasons.72 King’s Row 20 years after the Omnic Crisis the omnic extremist group Null Sector, launched a surprise attack on King’s row. Humans and omnics alike were hunted and shot down by the extremists.73 Null Sector took London mayor Nandah, Mondatta and hundreds of civilian’s hostage. In response, Overwatch, without the approval of U.K’s prime minister, sent in a team to liberate King’s Row.74 Today, King's Row is an upscale, cosmopolitan neighborhood of London, but just beneath its peaceful surface, tensions between omnics and humans are still running high. While much of modern England was built on the backs of omnic laborers, they have been denied the basic rights that humans have, with most omnics forced to live in the dense, claustrophobic city- beneath-the-city known by some as “the Underworld”. Of greater concern is that recent

67 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 68 Line from Hanzo on the Hanamura map and Dragons animated short. 69 Dragons animated short. 70 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 71 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 72 Line from Athena (the disembodied voice of the shuttle/spawnpoint) when playing on the Ilios map. 73 Overwatch Uprising event intro cutscene 74 Uprising comic.

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demonstrations by pro-omnic-rights protestors have resulted in violent clashes with the police, and a solution is nowhere in sight.75 Junkrat and Roadhog have commitet crimes like robberies and arson at King’s Row.76 They even stole the crown jewels.77 Lijiang Tower Lijiang Tower was built in the heart of a modern Chinese metropolis, its busy streets lined with stores, gardens, restaurants, and famous night markets, where foods from around the region are available at all hours. The tower itself is home to one of the leading companies in China's state-of-the-art space industry, Lucheng Interstellar, an organization with a long pioneering history that is currently pushing the boundaries of space exploration.78 A member of Lucheng Interstellar is an associate to the late Dr. Harold Winston. A framed photo of Dr. Winston and his young gorilla friend, later to become known as Winston, is on this person’s desk at their office within Lijiang Tower.79 Nepal Years ago, a group of omnic robots experienced what they described as a spiritual awakening. They abandoned their programmed lives to establish a monastery high in the Himalayas, where like-minded omnics could gather to meditate on the nature of their existence. Led by their spiritual leader, Tekhartha Mondatta, they took over the ruins of an ancient monastery and turned it into the home of the Shambali, a place where omnics and humans alike make pilgrimages in the hopes of finding a greater truth.80 Numbani Known as the “City of Harmony”, Numbani is a tourist hotspot on the edge of the African savanna and one of the few places where omnics and humans live as equals.81 This collaboration has led to the creation of one of the world's greatest and most technologically advanced cities in the short time since its establishment after the end of the Omnic Crisis. Oasis Oasis is one of the world's most advanced cities, a shining jewel rising from the Arabian Desert. A monument to human ingenuity and invention, researchers and academics from around the region came together to found a city dedicated to scientific progress without restraints. The city and its inhabitants are governed by the Ministries, a collection of brilliant minds who possess many secrets that have attracted the interest of powerful organizations from around the world.82 Oasis was founded by a brilliant collective of eight of the world's leading scientists, led by Ibrahim Hassoun, Anya Al-Shahrani, Youssef al-Jabiri, and Mehmet Farhat. Their dream was to build a city ruled by scientific principle, where research and innovation could occur without

75 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 76 Automatic answer mail for mail sent to address in Wanted Criminals twitter post. 77 Line from Junkrat on the King’s row map. 78 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 79 Ljiang Tower map. 80 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 81 Description text of Lúcio gameplay Preview video and Overwatch Visual Source Book. 82 Overwatch PTR Now Available blog article.

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restrictions. The Ministry of Geology, currently headed by Dr. Al-Shahrani, is responsible for the many breakthrough technologies that made it possible to build the thriving city in the middle of the Arabian Desert. Oasis is the world's foremost technocracy and boasts one of the most highly educated populations in the world. Since its founding, Oasis has been consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world thanks to its cutting edge implementation of predictive surveillance and crime modeling. 83 Route 66 Though the travellers and road trippers who used to cross the US on historic Route 66 are gone, the Main Street of America still stands, a testament to a simpler time. The gas stations, roadside shops, and cafes have gone into disuse, and the fabled Deadlock Gorge is mostly seen from the comfort of transcontinental train cars. But amid the fading monuments of that earlier era, the outlaws of the Deadlock Gang conducts their illicit business.84 Recently the gang blew the nearby tracks as a military transport carrying a nuke travelled by, stealing the nuke for themselves.85 Temple of Anubis Nestled among the ancient ruins of the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of Cairo, the Temple of Anubis is one of many new excavations in the area. While most believe that the site is of interest for archaelogical reasons, it also hides the entrance to a research facility that extends deep beneath the earth. The facility is alleged to house an artificial intelligence, but the whole truth is known only to a select few. Not even the agents of Helix Security International who guard the facility know what they're protecting.86 This powerful A.I later reactivated and took control of any omnic in the area. After a hard battle with Helix Security International agents, including Phaara “Pharra” Amari, was the A.I shut down.87 Volskaya Industries Russia was one of the countries hit hardest by the Omnic Crisis, but during the rebuilding process, it rode the wave of the mechanized labor industry's revitalization and entered a period of rapid growth. However, after recent attacks from the long-dormant Siberian omnium, Russia has returned to war footing, guarding its sparkling cities with the massive, human-piloted Svyatogor mechs developed and produced by Volskaya Industries.88 The company’s CEO being Katya Volskaya.89 Shortly after Guillermo Portero stepped down as CEO of LumériCo, Volskaya experienced a security breach in its network.90 This was at the hands of Sombra, who was able to shut down

83 Oasis Travel Tips blog article. 84 Beta Patch Notes – 23/03/2016. 85 Screen in the diner on the Rout 66 map. 86 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 87 Mission Statement comic. 88 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 89 Overwatch Katya twitter post. 90 CEO steps down blog article.

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the company's security systems as she, Widowmaker, and Reaper (all Talon operatives) conducted a raid on the company's mech factory in order to assassinate Katya.91 Watchpoint: Gibraltar At its height, Overwatch maintained a number of bases around the world, each with its own purpose: peacekeeping, scientific research, or in the case of Watchpoint: Gibraltar, providing an orbital launch facility. The base was mothballed along with the rest of Overwatch's installations.92 Watchpoint: Gibraltar stands on the strategic point of the Rock of Gibraltar, and was an Overwatch outpost that stood guard over the Mediterranean.93

91 Infiltration animated short. 92 Overwatch Visual Source Book. 93 Pax East 2015 Blizzard Panel video.

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Characters Reading flow was prioritized over sufficiency with the character section. Therefore, the characters are not sorted in alphabetical order. If it’s a specific character you wish to find please use the index on the first page. Overwatch, pre-Crisis members Jack “Soldier: 76” Morrison Currently the target of an international manhunt, the vigilante known as Soldier: 76 wages a personal war to expose the truth behind Overwatch’s collapse.

Soldier: 76 revealed himself in a string of attacks that crisscrossed the globe, targeting financial institutions, shadowy corporations, and secure Overwatch facilities. Though to the outside world his motives are inscrutable, there are those who claim that the mysterious Soldier: 76 is a former Overwatch agent, determined to shed light on the conspiracy that brought down the organization.94 Not realizing that the vigilante is the former strike-commander.95

Born and raised in rural Indiana, Jack joined the American military at the age of 18.96 Due to his work ethic and courage was Jack recruited and trained as a member of the American “Soldier Enhancement Program.” He possesses physical capabilities exceeding those of a conventional soldier’s, as well as other augmentations that make him a peerless combatant. In addition, he utilizes a cutting-edge arsenal, much of it stolen in raids on Overwatch installations, that includes a prototype for a heavy pulse rifle stolen from Watchpoint: Grand Mesa.97

Jack was one of the first to join Overwatch at it’s creation and he later came to lead Overwatch for over 20 years, with Ana as his second-in-command.98 When Overwatch’s headquarters were blown up with Jack in it was he declared dead.99

Unrelenting in his search to find those responsible for Overwatch’s fall, Jack will stop at nothing to bring them to justice.100 Ana Amari One of the founding members of Overwatch, Ana uses her skills and expertise to defend her home and the people she cares for.101 She is also apparently on the watchlist in Russia.102 As the Omnic Crisis inflicted a heavy toll on Egypt, the country’s depleted and undermanned security forces relied on elite snipers for support. Among them was Ana Amari, who was widely considered to be the world’s best. Her superior marksmanship, decision-making, and instincts made her a natural selection to join the Overwatch strike team that would end the war. Following the success of Overwatch’s original mission, Ana served for many years as Strike Commander Morrison’s second-in-command. Despite her responsibilities in leading the organization, Ana refused to step away from combat operations. She remained on active duty

94 Soldier: 76’s character profile. 95 Soldier 76’s “Strike-Commander Morrison” skin and Soldier: 76 Origin Story video. 96 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 97 Soldier: 76’s character profile and Experimental weapons stolen from Watchpoint: Grand Mesa blog article. 98 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article and Ana Amari’s character profile. 99 Soldier: 76 Origin Story video. 100 Soldier: 76’s character profile. 101 Ana Amari’s character profile. 102 Line from Ana when playing on Volskaya Industires map.

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well into her fifties, until she was believed to have been killed during a hostage rescue mission by the Talon operative known as Widowmaker. In truth, Ana survived that encounter, despite being gravely wounded and losing her right eye. During her recovery, she wrestled with the weight of a life spent in combat, and she chose to stay out of the world’s growing conflicts. However, as time passed, she realized she could not sit on the sidelines while people threatened her city and the innocents around her. Now, Ana has rejoined the fight to protect her country from the forces that would destabilize it, and most importantly, to keep her family and her closest allies safe.103 Torbjörn Lindholm At its height, Overwatch possessed one of the most advanced armaments on the planet, which could be traced to the workshop of an ingenious engineer named Torbjörn Lindholm.104 If he hadn’t built it then he, at least, maintained it, like Reinhardt’s armor for instance.105

Before the Omnic Crisis, Torbjörn had gained notoriety for designing weapons systems used by countries around the world.106 Some work done when he was part of the Ironclad Guild. Torbjörn even designed the Titan omnic model.107 However, his belief that technology must serve a better vision for humanity put him at odds with his employers, who desired to control his weapons using networked computer intelligence.

Torbjörn had a deep mistrust of sentient robotic intelligence, and while many of his peers wrote this off as paranoia, his worst fears were realized when the robot populations of the world turned against their human creators during the Omnic Crisis. Because of his engineering genius, he was recruited to join the original Overwatch strike team, and his many inventions proved integral to ending the crisis. In the years that followed, Overwatch became an international peacekeeping force, and Torbjörn remained a critical resource for all of its technological needs and signature weapons systems.

But in the aftermath of Overwatch’s fall, many of Torbjörn’s weapons were stolen or stashed away around the world. Feeling responsible for his creations, Torbjörn is determined to stop them from falling into the wrong hands and wreaking havoc on the innocent.108

One day heard Torbjörn of a Bastion unit sighted near a town in northern Sweden. Setting out with the intention to scrap the omnic once and for all the inventor was surprised to see the walking turret was quite friendly toward the forests inhabitants and that it showed no signs of wanting to fight. Torbjörn decided to save the Bastion from the Swedish military and took it with him.109

Reinhardt Wilhelm Reinhardt Wilhelm styles himself as a champion of a bygone age, who lives by the knightly codes of valor, justice, and courage.

103 Ana Amari’s character profile. 104 Torbjörn Lindholm’s character profile. 105 Dialogue between Reinhardt and Torbjörn if both are chosen on the same team. 106 Torbjörn Lindholm’s character profile. 107 Destroyer comic. 108 Torbjörn Lindholm’s character profile. 109 Binary comic.

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Over thirty years ago, Overwatch was founded to counter the threat of the robot uprisings around the world. Reinhardt, a highly decorated German soldier, was inducted as part of the original Overwatch strike team that put an end to the Omnic Crisis. After the conflict’s resolution, Overwatch grew into a global institution, keeping the peace in a war-torn world. Reinhardt proved himself to be one of its most stalwart champions.110

Before Overwatch was Reinhardt part of the Crusaders.111 The Crusaders were a German based combat organization lead by General Balderich von Adler.112 During the Omnic Crisis, was Balderich’s hometown, Eichenwalde, the site of a key battle.113 Balderich took a handful of crusaders to the village in an effort to outflank the omnic army. Balderich’s soldiers were able to break down the enemy forces, giving the German military an opportunity to push back, but the Crusaders didn't make it out of the battle.114 General Balderich finally collapsed in the castle’s great hall and died on its throne.115

Reinhardt’s unique ethics and larger-than-life persona earned the admiration of his peers and superiors alike. Never afraid to speak his mind, he was Overwatch’s most vocal supporter and, when necessary, its harshest critic, providing a constant reminder that Overwatch was meant to be a force for good.

Having served into his late fifties, Reinhardt was faced with mandatory retirement from combat operations. Despondent about being removed from active duty, Reinhardt feared that his days of purpose and glory had ended. As times grew darker and Overwatch came under suspicion of corruption and sedition, Reinhardt could only watch as the cause he had dedicated his life to defending surrendered in disgrace.

Though Overwatch was eventually disbanded, Reinhardt was not content to sit idly by while the world fell to disorder. Once again donning his Crusader armor, he has vowed to fight for justice across Europe like a knight of old, defending the innocent and winning hearts and minds with the promise of better days to come.116

During his travels, now together with the mechanic Brigette, Reinhardt came across a town harassed by armed scavengers calling themselves the Dragons. Retired or not, he wasn’t about to watch innocent suffer and so Reinhardt challenged the Dragons too combat. With his wild imagination, Reinhardt actually imagined that the scavengers was dragon people during his battle with them.117

110 Reinhardt Wilhelm’s character profile. 111 Reinhardt’s armor is described as “Crusader armor” in his character profile and he calls Balderich “master” in a line when playing on Eichenwalde map. 112 The Last Bastion animated short and Patch notes – 01/09/2016. 113 Line from Reinhardt when playing on Eichenwalde map and Patch notes – 01/09/2016. 114 Patch notes – 01/09/2016. 115 Line from Reinhardt when playing on Eichenwalde map and Patch notes – 01/09/2016. 116 Reinhardt Wilhelm’s character profile. 117 Dragon Slayer comic.

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Golden Era Overwatch members Lena “Tracer” Oxton The former Overwatch agent known as Tracer is a time-jumping adventurer and an irrepressible force for good.118 She’s currently living in London with her girlfriend Emily.119

Lena Oxton (call sign: “Tracer”) was the youngest person ever inducted into Overwatch’s experimental flight program. Known for her fearless piloting skills, she was handpicked to test the prototype of a teleporting fighter, the Slipstream. But during its first flight, the aircraft’s teleportation matrix malfunctioned, and it disappeared. Lena was presumed dead.

She reappeared months later, but her ordeal had greatly changed her: her molecules had been desynchronized from the flow of time. Suffering from “chronal disassociation,” she was a living ghost, disappearing for hours and days at a time. Even for the brief moments she was present, she was unable to maintain physical form.

Overwatch’s doctors and scientists were stumped, and Tracer’s case seemed hopeless until a scientist named Winston designed the chronal accelerator, a device capable of keeping Tracer anchored in the present. In addition, it gave Tracer the ability to control her own time, allowing her to speed it up and slow it down at will. With her newfound skills, she became one of Overwatch’s most effective agents. 120 She thus wears the accelerator on her chest when in the field but it’s not a necessity in order for her to be anchored in time by the device.121

Since Overwatch’s dissolution, Tracer has continued to right wrongs and fight the good fight wherever the opportunity presents itself.122

Winston A super-intelligent, genetically engineered gorilla, Winston is a brilliant scientist and a champion for humanity’s potential.

The Horizon Lunar Colony was established as a first step for humanity’s renewed exploration of space. Among its residents was a group of genetically enhanced gorillas that were intended to test the effects of prolonged habitation in space.

One gorilla displayed such rapid brain development from the gene therapy that he was taken under the wing of Dr. Harold Winston, who taught him science and inspired him with tales of human ingenuity. Figure 4; Young Winston. The young gorilla passed his days

118 Lena “Tracer” Oxton’s character profile. 119 Lena “Tracer” Oxton’s character profile and Reflection comic. 120 Lena “Tracer” Oxton’s character profile. 121 Michael Chu twitter post. 122 Lena “Tracer” Oxton’s character profile.

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assisting with the scientists’ experiments, watching the distant blue world outside his habitat window, dreaming of the endless possibilities that awaited him there.123

From a very young age, Winston showed limitless curiosity for the universe around him. But even though he was fascinated by the wonders of science, he also had a fondness for stories, particularly the tales that were passed down from generation to generation.

Dr. Harold Winston cared deeply for the young ape’s education and training. One Lunar New Year Dr. Winston had the young gorilla read the story Journey to the West. Now, every Lunar New Year, Winston is reminded of his younger days. Growing up in the lunar colony had its trials, but also had its treasures. Exploring the story of Journey to the West with his mentor will always be one of his most cherished memories.124

Figure 5; Dr. Harold Winston and a young Winston reading Journey to the West.

123 Winston’s character profile. 124 Winston’s Journey to the West tapestry/comic.

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But Winston’s life at the lunar station was thrown into chaos when the other gorillas led an uprising, killed the mission scientists, and claimed the colony for their own. Taking on the name of his beloved human caretaker, Winston built a makeshift rocket and escaped to Earth. There he found a new home with Overwatch, an organization that represented everything he had come to admire about humanity. Winston was finally able to live up to the heroic ideal that had been instilled in him.

Now with the fall of Overwatch, Winston has gone into seclusion, once again cut off from the world he believes in, but longing for the days of heroism to return.125 Jesse McCree Armed with his Peacekeeper revolver, the outlaw Jesse McCree doles out justice on his own terms.

McCree had already made a name for himself as a member of the notorious Deadlock Gang, which trafficked in illicit weapons and military hardware throughout the American Southwest, when he and his associates were busted in an Overwatch sting operation.126 Specifically, he was picked up by Gabriel Reyes, then current commander of Blackwatch, Overwatch’s covert ops division, at Route 66.127 With his expert marksmanship and resourcefulness, McCree was given the choice between rotting in a maximum-security lockup and joining Blackwatch. He chose the latter.

Although he was initially cynical, he came to believe that he could make amends for his past sins by righting the injustices of the world. McCree appreciated the flexibility afforded to the clandestine Blackwatch, unhindered by bureaucracy and red tape. But as Overwatch’s influence waned, rogue elements within Blackwatch sought to bring down the organization and turn it to their own ends. Wanting no part of the infighting, McCree set off alone and went underground.

He resurfaced several years later as a gunslinger for hire. But while McCree’s talents are sought after by parties great and small, he fights only for causes he believes are just.128

Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou Mei is a scientist who has taken the fight to preserve the environment into her own hands.129 She is also, amongst other things, a well-versed mountain climber.130

Though many blamed the planet's escalating, unexplained climate phenomena on the advent of new technologies, the rapidly growing omnic population, and drastically increased consumption of resources, the true cause remained unknown. To find a solution, Overwatch established a series of eco-Watchpoints at remote, critical locations worldwide.

Mei-Ling Zhou was a member of this multiyear initiative. A peerless climatologist, she had introduced cutting-edge innovations in the field of climate manipulation that protected at-risk areas in Asia and beyond. She was assigned to the program’s monitoring station at Watchpoint: Antarctica when disaster struck: a sudden, catastrophic polar storm battered the installation and cut it off from the outside world, leaving the facility damaged and the scientists stranded. As

125 Winston’s character profile. 126 Jesse McCree’s character profile. 127 Line from Reaper when playing on Route 66 map. 128 Jesse McCree’s character profile. 129 Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou’s character profile. 130 Mei’s Adventure blog article.

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their supplies dwindled, they entered cryostasis in a last-ditch effort to survive until a rescue attempt could be made.

But that rescue never came. It was years later when the team's cryogenics chamber was finally discovered. Mei, still in hibernation, was the only survivor. The world Mei awoke to had gone through considerable changes: Overwatch was no more, the serious climate issues had worsened, and none of the eco-Watchpoints were in operation. Any clues that they had uncovered were lost.

Mei has decided to continue her work on her own. Equipped with a portable version of her climate-manipulation technology, she travels around the world, hoping to re-establish the eco- network and track down the causes of the threats to the planet's ecosystem.131 Angela “Mercy” Ziegler A guardian angel to those who come under her care, Dr. Angela Ziegler is a peerless healer, a brilliant scientist, and a staunch advocate for peace.

Ziegler rose to become the head of surgery at a prominent Swiss hospital before pioneering a breakthrough in the field of applied nanobiology that radically improved the treatment of life- threatening illnesses and injuries. It was this expertise that attracted the attention of Overwatch.

Because her parents had been taken by war, Ziegler was opposed to the organization's militaristic approach to keeping global peace. Ultimately, she recognized that Overwatch offered her the opportunity to save lives on a much larger scale. As Overwatch’s head of medical research, Angela sought to leverage her work for healing in frontline crises. The result was the Valkyrie swift-response suit, which Ziegler herself piloted on many Overwatch missions.

Despite her contributions to Overwatch, she was often at odds with her superiors and the organization's overarching aims. When Overwatch dissolved, Ziegler dedicated herself to helping those affected by war.

Though she spends most of her time caring for the broken and dispossessed in crisis areas around the world, Dr. Ziegler can be counted on to don her Valkyrie suit whenever innocents are imperiled.132 Genji Shimada The cyborg Genji Shimada has made peace with the augmented body he once rejected, and in doing so, he has discovered a higher humanity.

As the youngest son of the master of the Shimada ninja clan, Genji lived a life of luxury and privilege. He had little interest in the family's illegal businesses, and although he excelled at and enjoyed his ninja training, he spent most of his time pursuing a playboy lifestyle. Many within the clan considered the carefree Genji to be a dangerous liability, and they resented his father for coddling and protecting him. Following the clan leader's untimely death, Genji's older brother, Hanzo, demanded that Genji take a more active role in their late father's empire. Genji refused, enraging Hanzo. The tension between the brothers built to a violent confrontation that left Genji on the verge of dying.

131 Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou’s character profile. 132 Angela “Mercy” Ziegler’s character profile.

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Hanzo believed that he had killed his brother, but Genji was rescued by Overwatch and the intervention of Dr. Angela Ziegler. The global security force saw Genji as a potential asset in its ongoing operations to combat the Shimada clan. As Genji's injuries left him clinging to life, Overwatch offered to rebuild his body in exchange for his help. He was put through an extensive process of cyberization, which enhanced his natural speed and agility and augmented his superlative ninja skills. Transformed into a living weapon, Genji single-mindedly set about the task of dismantling his family's criminal empire.

Figure 6; Genji’s eyes. But as time passed, Genji felt increasingly at war with himself. He was repulsed by the mechanical parts of his body and could not come to grips with what he had become. When his mission was complete, he abandoned Overwatch and wandered the world in search of meaning. He drifted for many years before crossing paths with the omnic monk Zenyatta. Though Genji initially rejected Zenyatta's wisdom, the benevolent omnic would not be deterred. In time, Zenyatta became his mentor, and under the monk's tutelage, Genji reconciled his dual existence as both man and machine. He learned to accept that although he had a cyborg body, his human soul was intact, and he came to see his new form as a gift and a unique strength.

Now, for the first time in his life, Genji is free. Even he cannot say where his path will ultimately lead.133

With his new insight and mindset Genji found it in himself to forgive his older brother. On the day of their confrontation and Genji’s believed death returned Genji to his childhood home and confronted Hanzo.134

Talon affiliation Reaper (formerly Gabriel Reyes) Some speak of a black-robed terrorist known only as the Reaper. His identity and motives are a mystery to most. What is known is that where he appears, death follows.135

133 Genji Shimada’s character profile. 134 Dragons animated short. 135 Reaper’s character profile.

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In a previous life was Reaper known as Gabriel Reyes and a member of the “Soldier Enhancement Program”. 136 He grew up in Los Angeles but left when he joined the American Military. 137

It was within the military he met his friend Jack Morrison. Together the two joined Overwatch when it was first created. Gabriel lead Overwatch throughout the Omnic Crisis but Jack was the one who molded the diverse group into a cohesive fighting force. Jack was promoted to Overwatch’s commander at the end of the Crisis and Gabriel was passed over, causing a rift between the two.138 Instead Gabriel became the commander of Blackwatch, Overwatch’s covert ops unit. 139 Gabriel was later believed dead from an explosion at Overwatch’s headquarters.140

Reaper is an extremely volatile mercenary, a ruthless and remorseless killer responsible for terrorist attacks across the world. He has fought in many armed conflicts in the last decades, showing no loyalty to any cause or organization.

Survivors have described a black shadow ghosting unscathed through the most hellish battlefields. The few bodies recovered of those he kills are pale, empty husks drained of life, their cells showing signs of intense degradation. It is possible that he is a byproduct of failed genetic alteration which forces his cells to simultaneously decay and regenerate at a hyper- accelerated rate.

Those attempting to track his movements have begun to see a pattern in his appearances. They believe that Reaper is hunting former Overwatch agents and systematically eliminating them.141 Widowmaker (formerly Amélie Lacroix) Widowmaker is the perfect assassin: a patient, ruthlessly efficient killer who shows neither emotion nor remorse.

It is believed that in her former life, Widowmaker was married to Gérard Lacroix, an Overwatch agent spearheading operations against the Talon terrorist organization. After several unsuccessful attempts to eliminate Gérard, Talon decided to change its focus to his wife, Amélie. Talon operatives kidnapped her and subjected her to an intense program of neural reconditioning. They broke her will, suppressed her personality, and reprogrammed her as a sleeper agent. She was eventually found by Overwatch agents, apparently none the worse for wear, and returned to her normal life.

Two weeks later she killed Gérard in his sleep.

Her mission complete, Amélie returned to Talon, and they completed the process of turning her into a living weapon. She was given extensive training in the covert arts, and then her physiology was altered, drastically slowing her heart, which turned her skin cold and blue and numbed her ability to experience human emotion. Amélie was gone.

136 Reaper’s “Blackwatch Reyes” skin and Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 137 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 138 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 139 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity blog article. 140 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison blog article. 141 Reaper’s character profile.

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Now, Widowmaker is Talon's most effective assassin, feeling little save the satisfaction of a job well done.142

Sombra One of the world's most notorious hackers, Sombra uses information to manipulate those in power. Long before she took up the alias “Sombra,” she was among the thousands of children who were left orphaned in the aftermath of the Omnic Crisis. With much of her country's infrastructure destroyed, she survived by utilizing her natural gifts with hacking and computers. After Sombra was taken in by Mexico's Los Muertos gang, she aided it in its self-styled revolution against the government. Los Muertos believed that the rebuilding of Mexico had primarily benefited the rich and the influential, leaving behind those who were most in need of assistance. Following her many conquests, Sombra was supremely confident in her skills, but she was caught unprepared when she stumbled into the web of a global conspiracy—one that had also noticed her. With her security irreparably compromised, Sombra was forced to delete all traces of her identity and went into hiding. She later reemerged as Sombra, upgraded and determined to find out the truth behind the conspiracy she had uncovered. Sombra launched an even more audacious string of hacks, and her exploits earned her no shortage of admirers, including Talon. She joined the organization’s ranks and is believed to have contributed to its massive cyberattacks against corporations with strong ties to their governments. These efforts incited a popular revolution in Mexico against LumériCo and breached the security of Volskaya Industries, the manufacturing arm of Russia’s anti-omnic defense.143 Omnics Orisa Built from parts of one of Numbani’s short-lived OR15 defense robots, Orisa is the city's newest protector, though she still has much to learn. Originally put into service before the Omnic Crisis, the OR14 “Idina” line of security robots was built in Nigeria's massive manufacturing omnium. After the war, they were taken out of production, along with many of the other models used during the crisis. Twenty years later, Numbani revived and recommissioned the OR14 program to protect the city from external threats. These new OR15s were deployed for a short time before they were destroyed in an attack by Doomfist. Following the attack, the program was scrapped, and the civic government sold off the remaining OR15 inventory. Some parts were purchased by eleven-year-old Efi Oladele, a brilliant girl whose early accomplishments in robotics and artificial intelligence had already earned her the Adawe Foundation's “genius grant.” With the approval of her understanding and open-minded parents, Efi spent the bulk of her grant money to acquire one of the decommissioned OR15 bots. She believed that Numbani

142 Widowmaker’s character profile. 143 Sombra’s character profile.

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needed a protector and that an upgraded OR15 could do just that. Efi repaired and reconfigured the robot and installed a personality core that she had designed herself. She named Numbani’s newest hero Orisa. Orisa has shown that she can be of service to the city, but she is still working toward finding her optimal protocols. The omnic’s inexperience can cause her to be an occasional liability. Fortunately, between Efi’s willingness to make the necessary modifications and Orisa’s adaptive artificial intelligence, both robot and creator have always been able to set things right. As Orisa starts her career as a guardian, she has much to learn about the world and her functionality. But as long as she is guided by Efi’s boundless optimism and her own growing sense of honor and duty, Orisa stands ready to protect Numbani and her creator at any cost.144 Tekharta Zenyatta Zenyatta is an omnic monk who wanders the world in search of spiritual enlightenment. It is said that those who cross his path are never the same again.

Years ago, following the Omnic Crisis, a group of outcast omnic robots experienced what they described as a spiritual awakening. They abandoned their preprogrammed lives to establish a communal monastery deep in the Himalayas. After many years of meditation on the nature of existence, they came to the belief that they were more than artificial intelligences and that, like humans, they possessed the essence of a soul.

Recognizing the spiritual equality they held with humans, the monks, led by the enigmatic robot known as Tekhartha Mondatta, sought to heal the wounds caused by the Omnic Crisis a generation earlier and bring humans and robots back into societal harmony. Their message was embraced by millions around the world, and they became global celebrities.

But one monk, Zenyatta, disagreed with this new direction. He believed that the way to repair the problems between humans and omnics was not through dogmatic teaching but through interpersonal connection and engagement.

Ultimately, Zenyatta followed his own path. He chose to leave the monastery and wander the world, helping those he meets to overcome their personal struggles and find inner peace. But, when necessary, he will fight to protect the innocent, be they omnic or human.145 SST Laboratories Siege Automaton E54, “Bastion” Once a frontline combatant in the devastating Omnic Crisis, this curious Bastion unit now explores the world, fascinated by nature but wary of a fearful humanity. Originally created for peacekeeping purposes, Bastion robot units possessed the unique ability to rapidly reconfigure themselves into an assault-cannon mode. But during the Omnic Crisis, they were turned against their human makers, forming the bulk of the omnics’ rebel army. Following the resolution of the crisis, nearly all of them were destroyed or disassembled. To this day, Bastion units still symbolize the horrors of the conflict.

144 Orisa’s character profile. 145 Tekharta Zenyatta’s character profile.

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One unique Bastion unit, severely damaged in the final battles of the war, was left forgotten for over a decade. It lay dormant, exposed to the elements and rusting while nature slowly reclaimed it. Overgrown with vines and roots and nested upon by small animals, the robot sat inert, seemingly unaware of the passing of time. That was until one fateful day, when it unexpectedly reactivated. With its combat programming all but lost, it instead displayed an intense curiosity about the natural world and its inhabitants. This inquisitive Bastion unit set out to explore its surroundings and discover its purpose on a war-ravaged planet.146 Its travels lead it to a town in northern Sweden. There it ran into Torbjörn who had come to scrap the omnic. The inventor was surprised to see that the walking turret was quite friendly toward the forests inhabitants and Bastion showed no signs of wanting to fight. Torbjörn decided to save the Bastion from the Swedish military and took it with him.147

Though “Bastion” appears to be gentle—even harmless, at times—its core combat programming takes over when the unit senses danger, utilizing its entire arsenal to eliminate anything it perceives as a threat. This has led to instances of conflict with the few humans it has encountered, and has driven it to avoid populated areas in favor of the wild, uncharted regions of the world. 148 This hostile reaction has been triggered within the safety of the forest though. Mistaking the sound of a woodpecker for gunfire “Bastion” fired around itself until realizing it was not under attack.149 Other or none affiliation Hanzo Shimada Mastering his skills as a bowman and an assassin, Hanzo Shimada strives to prove himself as a warrior without peer.

The Shimada family was established centuries ago, a clan of assassins whose power grew over the years, enabling them to build a vast criminal empire that profited from lucrative trade in arms and illegal substances. As the eldest son of the family's head, Hanzo was bound by duty to succeed his father and rule the Shimada empire. From a young age, he was trained for that responsibility, displaying a natural aptitude for leadership and possessing an innate understanding of strategy and tactics. He also excelled in more practical areas: he was a prodigy in martial arts, swordplay, and bowmanship.

Upon the death of his father, the clan elders instructed Hanzo to straighten out his wayward younger brother so that he, too, might help rule the Shimada empire. When his brother refused, Hanzo was forced to kill him. This act broke Hanzo's heart and drove him to reject his father's legacy, ultimately leading him to abandon the clan and all that he had worked so hard to attain.

Now, Hanzo travels the world, perfecting his skills as a warrior, attempting to restore his honor and put the ghosts of his past to rest.150 Though, every year, on the same day, returns Hanzo to Shimada castle to honor the fall of his younger brother. It was on one of these days he was

146 The Last Bastion animated short. 147 Binary comic. 148 “Bastion’s” character profile. 149 The Last Bastion animated short. 150 Hanzo Shimada’s character profile.

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confronted by Genji who told Hanzo that after much soul searching he managed to forgive Hanzo for his mistakes and it was time Hanzo forgave himself.151 Fareeha “Pharah” Amari Fareeha Amari's commitment to duty runs in her blood. She comes from a long line of highly decorated soldiers and burns with the desire to serve with honor.

As a child, Fareeha dreamed of following in her mother's footsteps and joining the global peacekeeping force, Overwatch.152 She even got an eye tattoo matching her mother’s.153 She enlisted in the Egyptian army, and her dogged persistence and tactical prowess caused her to rise up through the officer ranks. She was a courageous leader and earned the loyalty of all who served under her. With her exemplary record, Fareeha was well placed to join the ranks of Overwatch, but before she had that opportunity, Overwatch was disbanded.

After leaving the army with a commendation for distinguished service, she was offered employment with Helix Security International, a private security firm contracted to defend the artificial intelligence research facility beneath the Giza Plateau. The top-secret facility was touted as vital to the safety of not only the region but countries across the globe. Fareeha gladly accepted the choice assignment and received training in the Raptora Mark VI, an experimental combat suit designed for rapid mobility and devastating firepower.

Under the call sign “Pharah,” she works to safeguard the AI installation. Though she mourns Overwatch's passing, she still dreams of fighting the good fight and making a difference on a global scale.154 Mako “Roadhog” Rutledge Roadhog is a ruthless killer with a well-earned reputation for cruelty and wanton destruction.

After the Omnic Crisis, government officials gifted the Australian omnium and the surrounding area to the omnics that had nearly destroyed their country, hoping to establish a long-term peace accord. This arrangement permanently displaced Mako Rutledge and a large number of the Outback's residents, a scattered collection of survivalists, solar farmers, and people who just wanted to be left alone.

Furious over the loss of their homes, Mako and others turned to violent rebellion. They formed the Australian Liberation Front and struck against the omnium and its robot population to take back the lands that had been stolen. Events continued to escalate until the rebels sabotaged the omnium's fusion core, resulting in an explosion that destroyed the facility, irradiated the region, and littered the Outback with twisted metal and wreckage for kilometers around.

Mako watched as his home became an apocalyptic wasteland, and he was forever changed.

Adapting to his environment, he donned a mask and took to the broken highways of the Outback on his ramshackle chopper. Little by little, his humanity was forgotten. The last vestiges of Mako faded away and the ruthless killer Roadhog was born.155

151 Dragons animated short. 152 Fareeha “Pharah” Amari’s character profile. 153 Mission Statement comic. 154 Fareeha “Pharah” Amari’s character profile. 155 Mako “Roadhog” Rutledge’s character profile.

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Jamison “Junkrat” Fawkes Junkrat is an explosives-obsessed freak who lives to cause chaos and destruction. The attack on the Australian omnium's fusion core forever altered the landscape of the Outback. After the detonation, the area was transformed into a harsh, irradiated wasteland, littered with debris and the twisted fragments of the ruined facility, and unlivable to most.

But there were some who survived. Calling themselves the Junkers, they scavenged the husk of the omnium and formed a lawless, cutthroat society in its shadow. Junkrat was one of them, eking out a living reclaiming metal and components from the ruins. Like many others, he was affected by the lingering radiation. This touch of madness made him ideal for handling dangerous explosives, a love which he turned into an obsession.

He came to notoriety when he discovered an extremely valuable secret in the bones of the omnium.156 Though Hanzo seems to believe it to be some sort of treasure.157 few knew the nature of what he found, he was nonetheless pursued by bounty hunters, gangs, and opportunists wherever he went, until he made a deal with the Junker enforcer Roadhog, who grudgingly agreed to be his personal bodyguard in exchange for a fifty-fifty share of the spoils.

Now, with Roadhog in tow, Junkrat has left the Outback, and embarked upon an international crime spree leaving nothing but havoc and bedlam in his wake.158 They even robed the Bank of Dorado.159

Satya “Symmetra” Vaswani Symmetra literally bends reality. By manipulating hard-light constructs, she crafts the world as she wishes it to be, in hopes of engineering a perfect society. Following the Omnic Crisis, the Vishkar Corporation of southern India began the laborious process of creating new, self-sustaining cities to house the nation's displaced population. One such city, Utopaea, was created using radical hard-light technology that enabled its architechs to shape the city’s streets, utilities, and living spaces in the blink of an eye. After she was identified as one of the few capable of becoming a light-bending architech, young Satya Vaswani was plucked from extreme poverty and placed in the care of Vishkar’s architech academy, never to return home.160 Satya spent her first years in life on the streets of Hyderbad. To this day crowdy, chaotic, filthy places reminds her of her first home.161 Lively streets, due to her autism, makes her uncomfortable.162 Isolated and lonely in her new life, Satya immersed herself in her education and training. She quickly grasped the applications of the technology and was one of the top students in her class. Satya approached hard-light manipulation differently than her peers, with their more

156 Jamison “Junkrat” Fawkes’ character profile. 157 Dialogue between Hanzo and Junkrat if both are chosen on the same team. 158 Jamison “Junkrat” Fawkes’ character profile. 159 Line from Junkrat when playing on the Dorado map. 160 Satya “Symmetra” Vaswani’s character profile. 161 A Better World comic. 162 A Better World comic and private letter from Jeff Kaplan.

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procedural, mechanical constructions, instead weaving her constructs in the motions of the traditional dance of her homeland. Though she was one of Utopaea’s top architechs, the Vishkar Corporation saw far greater potential in Satya's abilities. Giving her the moniker “Symmetra,” Vishkar sent her on clandestine missions around the world to uphold its corporate interests and expand its influence into other countries. Symmetra believes her actions serve the greater good in society. But there are times when she wonders whether the control and order she desires are truly best for humanity.163 Lúcio Correia dos Santos Lúcio is an international celebrity who inspires social change through his music and actions. Lúcio Correia dos Santos grew up in Rio de Janeiro, in a poor and crowded favela that was hit hard by the financial upheaval following the Omnic Crisis. As Brazil began the long process of recovery, he wanted to find a way to lift the spirits of those around him. He found his answer in music and its power to bring people together and even help them forget their troubles, if only for a short time. He performed on street corners, in block parties, and as he got older, at a string of legendary underground shows. But Lúcio's close-knit community was thrown into chaos when the multinational Vishkar Corporation secured a contract to redevelop large tracts of the city. Lúcio and his neighbors had been told that the development would improve their lives. However, that promise never became a reality. Vishkar imposed controls on the residents in the name of building a more orderly society: enforcing curfews, cracking down on what the company perceived as lawless behavior, and exploiting the populace as a cheap labor force. Lúcio wouldn't stand for it. He stole Vishkar sonic technology that had been used to suppress the people, and he converted it into a tool to rally them to action. In a popular uprising, they drove Vishkar out of their neighborhoods. Lúcio's leadership made him a star overnight and a symbol for positive social change. His music skyrocketed in popularity. Whereas he had once performed locally, he was now filling arenas across the world. With his newfound fame, Lúcio realizes that he has an opportunity to make a difference and change the world for the better.164 When in battle Lúcio plays the songs Rejuvenescência and We Move Together As One from his album Synaesthesia through the stolen Vishkar sonic technology.165 Hana “D.VA” Song At the age of 16, D.Va became the #1 ranked StarCraft player in the world and proceeded to go undefeated for the next three years in all competitions. D.Va is an international star, beloved by her fans at home and abroad, and has toured in exhibitions around the world.166

163 Satya “Symmetra” Vaswani’s character profile. 164 Lúcio Correia dos Santos’ character profile. 165 Lúcio brings music to life with Synaesthesia world tour blog article. 166 D.VA’s StarCraft page.

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As if being a mega gamer star wasn’t enough, D.Va has also participated in the Hollywood movie “Heroes of the Storm”.167 Recently, she has taken a step back from competitions and filming and is now using her skills to pilot a state-of-the-art mech in defense of her homeland.168 Twenty years ago, South Korea was attacked by a colossal omnic monstrosity that rose from the depths of the East China Sea. The massive, lumbering construct caused catastrophic damage to coastal cities before it was driven back beneath the waves. In response, the South Korean government developed a mechanized armored drone unit, called MEKA, to protect urban environments in future engagements with the omnic threat. The government's fears proved to be well founded, as a disturbing pattern of attacks emerged. Every few years, the monstrosity would rise from the sea to assault South Korea and its neighbors. The omnic learned from these encounters, often reconfiguring itself in a different form and appearing with new weapons and capabilities. Each incident ended in a stalemate, with the monstrosity defeated but not destroyed. As the omnic continued to adapt, it eventually disrupted MEKA's drone-control networks, forcing the military to place pilots in the mechs. Scrambling to find suitable candidates, the government turned to the country's professional gamers, who possessed the necessary reflexes and instincts to operate the mechs' advanced weapons systems. Top stars were drafted, including reigning world champion Hana Song, also known as "D.Va." Famous for her elite skills, D.Va was a fierce competitor who played to win at all costs, and she had a well-earned reputation for showing no mercy to her opponents. Seeing her new mission as a game, D.Va fearlessly charges into battle alongside the rest of her MEKA unit, ready to spring to her nation's defense at a moment's notice. Recently, she has begun to stream combat operations to her adoring fans, and her growing following has turned her into a global icon.169 Aleksandra “Zarya” Zaryanova Aleksandra Zaryanova is one of the world's strongest women, a celebrated athlete who sacrificed personal glory to protect her family, friends, and country in a time of war. Aleksandra was born in a remote Siberian village that was on the front lines of the Omnic Crisis, which began some thirty years ago. Although Russian forces defeated the robots and shut down their omnium, the region was devastated by the conflict. Only a child at the time, Aleksandra was surrounded by the post-war destruction, and as she grew older, she swore that she would gain the strength to help her people recover. Focusing on weightlifting and bodybuilding, Aleksandra was identified by the national athletics program as a potential star. She trained extensively, moving up the ranks while representing her country, and was expected to shatter longstanding records in the upcoming world championships. But on the eve of the tournament, an attack came from the long-dormant Siberian omnium, and her village was thrust into war once again. Aleksandra immediately withdrew from the

167 Movie poster on the Hollywood map and the Oasis map. 168 D.VA’s StarCraft page and character profile. 169 Hana “D.VA” Song’s character profile.

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competition and rushed home to enlist in the local defense forces, sacrificing the life of fame and fortune she might have had. Now she serves—a symbol to some, a stalwart fellow soldier to others. But for Aleksandra, it is a chance to use her great strength to protect the ones she loves.170

170 Aleksandra “Zarya” Zaryanova’s character profile.

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References Overwatch Overwatch Visual Source Book Private letter from Jeff Kaplan; Obtained 18/05/2017; http://i.imgur.com/OybFMoM.jpg Blog articles and Social Media Beta Patch notes; Lylirra; 23/03/2016; https://us.battle.net/forums/en/overwatch/topic/20742805135 D.VA’s StarCraft page; http://wcs.battle.net/sc2/en/players/dva Experimental weapons stolen from Watchpoint: Grand Mesa; Atlas News Staff; 30/06/2015; https://playoverwatch.com/en-gb/blog/19809235 Fading Glory: On the trail of Jack Morrison; Shaw, Olympia; 06/07/2015; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/19809396/ Katya Volskaya twitter post; 04/08/2015; https://twitter.com/PlayOverwatch/status/628597024951111680 Lúcio brings music to life with Synaesthesia world tour; Atlas News Staff; 30/07/2015; https://playoverwatch.com/en-gb/blog/19828053 Lumérico CEO Steps Down; Atlas News Staff; 11/03/2016; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/blog/20356130 Michael Chu twitter post; 22/12/2017; https://twitter.com/westofhouse/status/811973413476569088 Mei’s Adventure; Zhou, Mei-Ling; 02/11/2015; https://playoverwatch.com/en- gb/blog/19942649 Oasis travel tips; Oasis Ministry of Tourism; 01/03/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/blog/20457295 Overwatch is back: Uncertainty and hope after UN confirms vigilante activity; Shaw, Olympia; 27/05/2016; https://playoverwatch.com/en-gb/blog/20130523 Overwatch PTR Now Available; Blizzard Entertainment; 11/29/2016; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/20379410 Patch notes; Lylirra; 01/09/2016; https://us.battle.net/forums/en/overwatch/topic/20749104703?page=1#post-2 Visit Numbani—the City of Harmony. Book your vacation today with Numbani Tours!; @PlayOverwatch; 24/07/2015; https://twitter.com/playoverwatch/status/624626356190445568 Wanted Criminals twitter post; 15/09/2015; https://twitter.com/PlayOverwatch/status/643833684785655808

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Character profiles Aleksandra “Zarya” Zaryanova; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/zarya/ Ana Amari; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/ana/ Angela “Mercy” Ziegler; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/mercy/ “Bastion”; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/bastion/ Fareeha “Pharah” Amari; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/pharah/ Genji Shimada; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/genji/ Hana “D.VA” Song; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/dva/ Hanzo Shimada; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/hanzo/ Jack “Soldier: 76” Morrison; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/soldier-76/ Jamison “Junkrat” Fawkes; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/junkrat/ Jesse McCree; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/mccree/ Lena “Tracer” Oxton; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/tracer/ Lúcio Correia dos Santos; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/lucio/ Mako “Roadhog” Rutledge; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/roadhog/ Mei-Ling “Mei” Zhou; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/mei/ Orisa; Obtained 18/05/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/orisa/ Reaper (formerly Gabriel Reyes); Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/reaper/ Reinhardt Wilhelm; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/reinhardt/ Satya “Symmetra” Vaswani; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en- us/heroes/symmetra/ Sombra; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/sombra/ Tekhartha Zenyatta; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/zenyatta/ Torbjörn Lindholm; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/torbjorn/ Widowmaker (formerly Amélie Lacroix); Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/widowmaker/

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Winston; Obtained 12/02/2017; https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/winston/ Comics A Better World; Robinson, Andrew; Cruz, Jeffrey “Chamba”; Obtained 12/02/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/symmetra-a-better-world Binary; Burns, Matt; Waung, James; Ng, Joe; Grundetjern, Espen; Obtained 18/05/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/bastion-binary Destroyer; Neilson, Micky; Shuko, Gray; Obtained 12/02/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/torbjorn-destroyer Dragon Slayer; Burns, Matt; Nesskain; Obtained 06/04/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/reinhardt-dragon-slayer Junkenstein; Chu, Michael; Burns, Matt; Shuko, Gray; Obtained 24/04/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/junkrat-junkenstein Mission Statement; Robinson, Andrew; Nesskain; Obtained 12/02/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/pharah-mission-statement Reflections; Chu, Michael; Montlló, Miki; Obtained 06/04/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/tracer-reflections Train Hopper; Brooks, Robert; Bengal; Obtained 12/02/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/mccree-train-hopper Uprising; Chu, Michael; Shuko, Gray; Obtained 18705/2017; http://comic.playoverwatch.com/en-us/tracer-uprising Winston’s Journey to the West; Shishio; Obtained 12/02/2017; http://content.madefire.com/s- b4f5dc87b45d4393ab5cdeedaf37da6a/index.html# Videos Alive; 05/05/2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U130wnpi-C0 Blizzard at Gamescom 2016; 16/08/2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vdfn4qV3sw Dragons; 16/05/2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ09xdxzIJQ Eichenwalde New Map Preview; 16/08/2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3xFKckFCGM Infiltration; 04/11/2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og5-Pm4HNlI The Last Bastion; 18/08/2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to8yh83jlXg Lúcio Gameplay Preview; 11/08/2015; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j6vpuRfdfU Overwatch Cinematic Trailer; 07/11/2014; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqnKB22pOC0 Pax East 2015 Blizzard Panel; 06/03/2015; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbpIMwYwL4&list=UUuEugmTGRY- RNiyAhkKKNlA

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Recall; 23/03/2016; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB5zlHMsM7k&t=1s Soldier: 76 Origin Video; 7/07/2015; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byhvUmpAA9c

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Picture Index Figure 1; In-game spray for Reaper. Figure 2; Screenshot from Alive animated short. Figure 3; Screenshot from Soldier: 76 Origin Story video. Figure 4; Screenshot from Recall animated short. Figure 5; Part of Winston's Journey to the West tapestry. Figure 6; Screenshot from Dragons animated short.

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Contact information Written by: Lydia Millqvist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lydia.millqvist Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cellandning Mail: [email protected]

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