Blizzard has cancelled the graphic novel tie-in for its acclaimed shooter. Lead writer Michael Chu released an official cancellation for Overwatch: First Strike on the game’s official forum, saying, “While we are grateful to the team for the fantastic work they put into it, we’ve ultimately decided to take the story in a different direction.” Written by Micky Nielson, Overwatch: First Strike would have served as a prequel to the game. The 100-page graphic novel explored the origins of Overwatch’s formation and its early missions during the Omnic Crisis. Blizzard cancelled Overwatch: First Strike shortly before its November 2017 digital release.
Plans for the graphic novel started during the early stages of Overwatch’s development. However, narrative direction for the game seems to have changed since then. Chu added, “we have done a lot of development on the universe and its stories. While the core of this story remains, we have changed and expanded upon how we see the events that took place during the first days of Overwatch.”But there is still hope for Overwatch fans. Chu explained that Blizzard still intends to release this story in the future. “We know that this is a story that you are excited about, and it’s one we still plan to tell”, said Chu.
Overwatch lacks linear storytelling elements. The game’s narrative uses supplementary content, like its animated shorts, to flesh out its many characters and settings. The release of Ana Amari as a playable character provided some origin story content earlier this year. Her status as a founding member of Overwatch, in fact, generated excitement for the graphic novel. The in-game world’s past is not Overwatch‘s only narrative. The newest hero to join the roster, Sombra, created multiple plot points for the future. Those disappointed by Overwatch: First Strike‘s cancellation can revisit the game’s digital comics by visiting the official Overwatch website.
