In August, Blizzard announced that Overwatch gunman Jesse McCree would be changing his name as part of his effort to remove in-game references to real people, particularly developers implicated in widespread discrimination and harassment allegations at Activision Blizzard. To accommodate the planned change, he also delayed a new Overwatch story arc that had been planned for September.
McCree got his new name, Cole Cassidy, in October, and today the story arc has started with a new digital comic, written by Ray Fawkes and illustrated by Irene Koh, called Overwatch: New Blood.
Despite the title, Overwatch: New Blood begins with old blood: Cole Cassidy, astride his space helicopter on Route 66, remembers the long, hard years behind him. But he has unfinished business in Egypt. After tracking down Overwatch veteran Ana, the two share a drink and discuss plans for the future, which, of course, eventually turns into a big shootout, followed by a big decision for Cole.
The comic ends with the appearance of Pharah, Ana’s daughter, who seems somewhat ambivalent about her presence, and there is no specific mention of her new (or old) name anywhere. But it’s only the first of five issues, and I have no doubt that the narrative will expand to address all of these issues as it progresses.
Digital comic isn’t the only new thing happening in Overwatch today. Cole Cassidy’s New Blood Challenge is also live in-game, offering a new player icon, spray, and epic Sandstorm Cassidy skin to win games in Quick Play, Competitive, or Arcade. Up to three more sprays can be earned by watching Twitch streamers playing Overwatch from now until November 23: one spray for two hours of cumulative viewing, two more sprays for four hours, and another three sprays for four hours of total viewing.
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Full details on the New Blood Challenge, including a list of partner Twitch streamers, can be found at playoverwatch.com.
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