Overwatch developer Blizzard Entertainment has confirmed its latest hero, Anran, will be redesigned, following days of criticism about her appearance and similarity to other existing heroes in the game.
In an update posted to social media, game director Aaron Keller confirmed developers had heard feedback loudly, and would be working on a character overhaul likely to be released after the launch of Overwatch‘s upcoming season.
Overwatch’s Anran set for redesign – quick links
Why Overwatch’s Anran deserves a redesign
As confirmed by Keller, while much of the feedback to Overwatch‘s recently-announced revamp was positive, there was enough criticism about Anran having a similar face to heroes D.Va, Juno and Kiriko that Blizzard felt the need to address it.
‘The team is currently discussing what it will take for Anran to look and feel more like the fierce older sister that we all envision her to be,’ Keller confirmed.
‘We’re so proud of the work that our team has put into Anran and the rest of the five heroes launching in Season One, and we agree that she can be even better if we get this aspect of her right, in-game.’
Read: Overwatch 2 undergoes major revamp, with a new focus on narrative
What’s more notable about Anran’s appearance – and what much of the discourse centres on – is that the hero previously appeared in an animated spotlight video with an entirely different appearance. In animated form, she had a longer nose, angled eyebrows and a more pointed chin.
The version of Anran revealed in 3D form has a much rounder, softer face, with chubbier cheeks and an overall younger, traditionally ‘prettier’ look.
Per Keller, Anran will be overhauled after a careful redesign process, with a new model arriving alongside a raft of other features and new content landing from February.
What else to expect in Overwatch’s upcoming season
Recently, Blizzard Entertainment confirmed a renewed push to revitalise Overwatch, with five new heroes on the way, as well as a new, overarching narrative detailing the rise of the organisation known as Talon.
There will also be a significant menu and UI overhaul to freshen up the gameplay experience, as well as various other tweaks and changes to reintroduce Overwatch to new and returning players.
Given the scale of changes on the way, it’s likely Anran’s redesign will take some time – but as Keller said, it is a priority for the team, and they will announce more details as soon as possible.
Also on ScreenHub: Overwatch 2 undergoes major revamp, with a new focus on narrative
Overwatch 2 is being rebranded and revamped at Blizzard Entertainment, in an effort to revitalise interest, and provide new reasons for players to return.
While the game was once a shining star of the online multiplayer first-person shooter genre, decisions made over a number of years eventually led to significant downturn. Following the official launch in August 2023 of Overwatch 2 there seemed to be flagging interest in the game, and a low-key exit from the mainstream. Now, Overwatch 2 is being rebranded, and Blizzard has announced a new narrative focus, new heroes and an overall new direction, which will redefine gameplay.
The renewed version of the game will be defined by a year-long narrative arc, kicking off on 10 February. The storyline, known as ‘The Reign of Talon’, will see new and old heroes gathering together to contend with the rise of the shadowy group known as Talon.
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