Kaplan revealed that the team’s focus during development was less on hitting a diversity standard and more about making the game inclusive for anyone who wanted to play. The end result, as he revealed, was a game universe that felt like home to gamers, regardless of their land of origin. Kaplan said:
As Kaplan put it, even though the Overwatch lineup of characters doesn’t include heroes from every possible location, the variety helps gamers feel included. Kaplan said:
What makes Overwatch special when compared to other games from Blizzard is that the game is set on Earth. Where other titles, such as Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo are all set in alternative universes, where creatures and aliens abound, Overwatch represents real humans of many nationalities.
With the success Overwatch has experienced the last year, there’s little doubt Blizzard will continue to release new heroes for the shooter, and add to the diversity already present. Additionally, with events that celebrate worldwide events of different cultures, the game is creating a standard of inclusivity that few other games have achieved.
In his keynote speech, Kaplan also touched on the topic of sexuality, talking openly about the team’s decision to reveal Tracer’s sexuality in the Overwatch comic book, Reflections. Kaplan said:
Kaplan went on to share how many gamers expected other characters to represent the LGBT community, but that the team is proud of her position. In fact, Kaplan continued by revealing how proud he is that while other shooter game covers show grizzled male soldiers, Overwatch has a badass female LGBT character.
There’s little doubt Kaplan and his team will continue to represent the nations and people of the world via Overwatch, and that the diversity and inclusion already present will only deepen.
What do you think about Kaplan’s comments about Overwatch’s diversity and inclusivity?
Overwatch is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
