Overwatch adds reference to Tracer’s girlfriend in-game
The girlfriend of a female Overwatch character has been featured in an in-game reference for the first time.
The first LGBT+ character was in December revealed in Overwatch after the game’s makers said that there are “multiple” such characters in the game.
It was later banned in Russia.
Tracer’s girlfriend Emily is referenced in a voicenote by the character in the latest update to the PTR (Public Test Region).
Tracer says: “Wonder if I have time to visit Emily? No, better stay focused.”
The lead writer for the game, Michael Chu back in November confirmed that in an upcoming update characters will be revealed as LGBT.
And in December the comic revealed that Tracer is the first LGBT+ character.
In a Christmas comic, Tracer was shown in her London home trying to choose a gift for her partner. Later in the comic her relationship with Emily is revealed.
Needless to say, Emily is thrilled with the gift Tracer gets for her, sort of by accident.
You can read the whole comic ‘Reflections’ here.
Chu said to fans in a Q&A session earlier this year: “It’s very important for us to have diversity and inclusiveness of all types, and that includes LGBT characters. There are definitely LGBT heroes in Overwatch. That’s multiple heroes.
“We want the stories about characters relationships – not just romantic, but familial relationships and stuff like that — to come out in the course of stories that we feel really do them justice. It’s something that absolutely is important to us.”
Fans hoped the Russian character Zarya will be one of many to come out.
The game was initially released in May 2016, but writers decided to hold of on revealing which characters are LGBT so as players can get to know them without bias.
The update has cause huge excitement in the community, and is challenging perceptions of video games not representing LGBT people.
Curtis Free, from London Gaymers, told GSN: “By having a visible LGBTI character in such a popular title, Blizzard is sending the gaming community a message that its games are for everyone.
“There are a growing number of games that feature LGBTI characters as part of their storytelling, and plenty of role playing games now enable you to choose the partners you wish to romance.
“The very important distinction with Overwatch is that a main, playable character is being defined as LGBTI… and it really highlights the commitment Blizzard have to opening minds and normalising LGBTI characters and heroes,” he added.
Overwatch joins the leagues with over production companies that are beginning to portray more LGBT characters after popular demand.
The move came after fans of the Marvel universe put pressure on the company to give Captain America a boyfriend.
Disney are also being pressured, with fans of Frozen wanting the company to give princess Elsa a girlfriend.
