Blizzard Release New Overwatch Lore: Soldier 76 Confirmed LGBTQ
By Zac Cameron ·
The former commander of Overwatch had a bit more backstory added today, with confirmation from Blizzard that Soldier 76 identifies as a gay man.
Blizzard have released a new piece of Overwatch lore today, much to the delight of fans. This particular offering comes in the form of a new short story depicting a small adventure between Soldier 76 and former Overwatch sniper turned healer Ana. It’s the first time these two characters have spent any real time together since the collapse of Overwatch and the faked deaths of both characters, and it offers a bit more insight into their characters that is otherwise missing from the game itself.
BASTET: A fierce protector arises from the shadows . . .
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) January 7, 2019
? https://t.co/YLLH1vb5XB pic.twitter.com/OcA6mceQP1
In the story itself, both Soldier and Ana go through some old documents as they discuss what has happened to them since they last worked together, including some old photos of the team in their prime. However, it’s another particular photo that has caught most of the attention of the community, coming with a bit of unexpected backstory for Soldier 76. The photo depicts a young Commander Jack Morrison (Soldier 76’s real name) and a man known only as Vincent.
“Vincent… I haven’t thought about him in years,” Ana said. “Still keeping a candle lit for him?”
Jack shook his head. “Nothing like that.”
“You’ve never looked in on him? You must have been curious. All the surveillance power in the world. I bet Gabe would have put a Blackwatch agent on him if you asked,” Ana said.
Jack glared at her.
“Okay, touchy subject.”
Jack laughed. “He got married. They’re very happy. I’m happy for him.”
“Vincent deserved a happier life than the one I could give him.” Jack sighed. “We both knew that I could never put anything above my duty. Everything I fought for was to protect people like him… That’s the sacrifice I made.”
“Relationships don’t work out so well for us, do they?” Ana said, unconsciously running her thumb over where her wedding ring used to be.
While something of a subtle hint to the past of Morrison, lead writer Michael Chu took to Twitter after the release of the story to confirm what many thought, that Soldier 76 is in fact a gay man.
Thanks for all the messages about “Bastet”!
— Michael Chu ?? (@westofhouse) January 7, 2019
Jack and Vincent were in a romantic relationship many years ago. Both identify as gay. ❤️
What does this mean for Overwatch and the world Blizzard is building? Not a lot for the game itself, Soldier 76 is still a very capable DPS choice in the right hands after all, but this is a step towards a more inclusive world that Blizzard is building. After all, not everyone in our world is white, or straight, or American, so why should our video-game characters be that way too?