Overwatchis a hugely popular team-based shooter that has managed to attract an audience with its interesting characters and satisfying mechanics. While many have enjoyedthe critically acclaimed game, it has become evident in recent months that titles likeOverwatchcan inspire people in the most serious of circumstances. Blizzard has now honored a real-life hero after they usedOverwatchas inspiration and entertainment in incredible circumstances.
Weiwei is a doctor who is battling the coronavirus pandemic head-on by treating patients in the Hubei province. The doctor was asked to go into the area on February 7th and left to do her duty the very next day. The keenOverwatchplayer has used the mantra of some of the stories from the game to inspire, and Blizzard has responded by writing up her story and by introducing her to some of her favorite professionalOverwatchplayers.
RELATED:Overwatch Update Adds Echo, Competitive Open Queues
The 27-year-old doctor has said about her experience, “Soldiers go to war. Police catch criminals. Firefighters fight fires. I’m a doctor and it’s my duty. I should not run away from it, I have been called, so I must answer. Always.” Since the pandemic doctors have taken to writing messages on their white uniforms and Weiwei wrote “Heroes Never Die” on hers. The character Mercy says the line in-game and the slogan has become synonymous with heroic acts after the death of a student, Hongyu Wu, who died chasing down a suspected motorcycle thief. In a time when people are being encouraged to stay indoors, it seems thatgaming is having a positive effect on those who are isolatingand those who are outside helping the sick.
Weiwei also got to talk with the Chengdu Hunters who after the call went on to win their game against Titans on the now onlineOverwatchleague. The work of Weiwei is admirable and her story is truly inspiring. Blizzard has not always been on the right side of the news, but drawing attention to a fan of the products the developer produces has been a heart-warming decision. Many commentators stated how moved they were by the story of Weiwei and have commended her for her hard work in these challenging times.
While many are aware that games inspire their players, there is added gravity in real stories such as this one. The gaming industry is responding to the coronavirus andmany developers are donating to charities, yet it is rare for someone on the front-lines of a dangerous global pandemic to openly use their inspiration from video games to help others.
Overwatchis available now for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
