June 23, 2023
Blizzard’s Overwatch 2 is a thrilling free-to-play, team-based action game for millions of players globally. With the goal of making the future worth fighting for, Overwatch has used its platform to build a game that represents its diverse player community from Tracer, the first LGBTQ+ character, to Baptiste, a Black Bisexual character. To celebrate Pride this year, Activision Blizzard is offering new options to create a customized virtual Pride experience.
In observance of its first-ever Pride event, Overwatch 2 added an array of updates to provide each player with the opportunity to personalize their game experience to celebrate Pride Month in the futuristic game. The developers included its emblematic LGBTQ+ heroes and published new short stories on each player’s identity. A short story released on Overwatch 2’s website, for instance, describes Pharah declaring to Baptiste that she is a lesbian. In addition, the updated Midtown Map is adorned with Pride flags. Beyond the in-game experience, name cards and player icons also received an update to allow players to choose how they identify within the game and offer specific cards for some LGBTQ+ heroes.
Pharah welcoming Baptiste to the Overwatch team
But the celebration of Pride is not limited to the online experience. As a committed advocate for inclusion and representation, Activision Blizzard is celebrating its diverse player community and developing Pride-themed apparel in the Blizzard Gear Store, curated by the Blizzard LGBT+ Employee Network. Blizzard’s net proceeds between May 16 and June 30, 2023 will be donated to the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE).
The video game industry works to elevate the identities of its global player community and build an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, represented and celebrated. For more information on the new updates, visit Overwatch 2’s website here.
