Overwatch’s recreation director has responded to requires the looks of latest hero Anran to be modified, following fan criticism and a public declaration of assist by the character’s English-language voice actress.
Over the weekend, Anran voice actress Fareeha took to social media to handle “the elephant within the room” surrounding her character’s in-game look — which she and lots of different followers have known as out as being a sufferer of the so-called “Similar Face Syndrome”, and completely different to her earlier appearances in a comic book and cinematic. These appearances set a “precedent” for Anran, Fareeha stated, leaving her to now “mourn” the ultimate in-game design made obtainable to play in early entry on the weekend.
“There was an unstated promise that stated ‘we’ll problem the sweetness requirements which might be plaguing and ransacking media nowadays’,” Fareeha said. “The Ozempic stylish, the ‘contour your nostril,’ ‘you haven’t any nostril,’ ‘the tiniest nostril.’ And I feel due to that precedent, individuals really feel understandably let down.”
Now, Overwatch recreation director Aaron Keller has launched his personal assertion, and stated that Blizzard hoped to make adjustments to Anran’s in-game design to make her “appear and feel extra just like the fierce older sister” she was initially proven to be.
With out exhibiting a brand new search for the character or offering any additional specifics, Keller prompt Blizzard was working actively on the change, which might be seen by gamers later within the recreation’s new Season 1.
“Thanks all for the unimaginable reception to final week’s Highlight occasion,” Keller stated in a video posted to recreation’s official social media account. “We’re sorting by all of the questions, feedback, pleasure and suggestions that you just guys shared, and I needed to take a second to handle one factor particularly.
“The staff is presently discussing what it can take to make Anran appear and feel extra just like the fierce older sister that all of us envision her to be. We’re so happy with the work that our staff has put into Anran and the remainder of the 5 heroes launching in Season 1, and we agree that she might be even higher if we get this side of her proper in-game.
Overwatch Highlight reception and an Anran replace from Sport Director Aaron Keller pic.twitter.com/mxh0C0IpIj
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) February 10, 2026
“We mentioned sharing this with all of you final week however needed to attend till we had affirmation of precisely what we are able to do. We’re hoping to make this replace in Season 1 however I haven’t got specifics to share simply but. Our hero fashions are extremely difficult and we actually want to check out what we are able to do.
“We’re at all times striving to make Overwatch higher and I feel Season 1 is a good instance of the dedication and tireless work that our staff places into this recreation, its universe and finally, our gamers. We’re so excited to share it with all of you when Season 1 launches tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestions and assist, we could not do it with out all of you. Please maintain it coming.”
1000’s of gamers flocked again to Overwatch over the weekend following the announcement that the sport was dropping its “2” and including 10 new heroes in future. This 12 months will see Overwatch enter a “new, story-driven period” with a year-long narrative and a significant overhaul — starting with the launch of Season 1 later right this moment, February 10.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You may attain Tom at [email protected] or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social