The World Could Always Use More (Queer) Heroes | An Inqueery into Overwatch ft. @RammyOW
46In 2016, Blizzard made waves in the gaming community when they released Overwatch. They then made even more waves when it was revealed in December 2016’s comic Reflections that Tracer, the character on the box art for the game, is a lesbian. The announcement polarised the community, and has since led to the appearance of more queer characters in online multiplayer FPS games.
In this Inqueery, Daz dives into the world of Overwatch to see just how good the game’s representation of queerness is. They also take a look at the wider community’s response to the characters, and to queer players in the public eye.
TW // homophobia / misogyny / transphobia / gay trauma / lesbophobia, including fetishisation / sexual harassment and abuse / conversion therapy / fascism / neocolonialism
Contents:
0:00 - Intro
04:15 - Spoilers and TWs
04:51 - Key Concepts and Definitions
10:21 - Blizzard’s historic queerphobia
13:47 - Queer representation vs Queer storytelling
18:19 - Queer rep in Overwatch outside of the game
24:10 - Queer rep in Overwatch within the game
30:16 - Fan reactions to Tracer and Soldier: 76
37:11 - Homonationalism
41:15 - Toxic gamer culture and geek masculinity
45:32 - LGBTQ+ personalities in the Overwatch community
47:09 - Interview with Rammy
56:52 - Homophobia and misogyny in esports
1:00:28 - Conclusion
1:03:31 - Outro
Rammy: https://www.twitch.tv/rammy
Rowan Ellis: https://www.youtube.com/user/muppetmadness
Blitzchung scandal: https://www.vox.com/2019/10/8/20904433/blizzard-hong-kong-hearthstone-blitzchung
Links:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GameAssistYT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameAssistYT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameassistyt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GameAssistYT
Merch: https://gameassist.bigcartel.com/
Full list of references: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pqu2lV38qkNj-BXSD-9jsbugaOBTVaw39q2c3mp8Nzg/edit?usp=sharing
Resources:
Font: Poppins
Artwork: Fiona Marchbank @FionaCreates
Media Logos: Wikimedia Commons
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