In the ever expanding world of Overwatch, their character list keeps adding inclusivity! In the last 8 years of Overwatch we have seen Latinx representation with the release of: musical support hero Lucio (2015), damage hacker Sombra (2016), and support warrior Illari (May 2023). Watch the ground beneath your feet, as the first trans non-binary archaeologist Sloan Cameron AKA Venture (they/them) pops out with their drill and a dream.
Overwatch includes other queer characters like Tracer and Soldier: 76. The creation of Venture pushes the boundary even further by being both trans and non-binary, a representation not often seen in mainstream games.
Venture’s Character Sheet.
Venture’s story comes from the Wayfinder Society archeological group (established 2022 in one of the books) that is excavating information in Petra. Their character abilities bring amazing firepower to the game. Whether they’re digging deep to unearth their enemies, charging up for an earth-shattering attack, or coming up from the deep underground with their drill to defeat the enemy, they are creating new exciting ways to take out the team.
The creators of Venture all started with the idea of a giant drill (what better way to make an entrance!). They went through various concept arts to finally narrow Venture down to their look today.
The team looked at what a fun spin on what an archaeologist could represent, someone with a charismatic personality, passion, and drive and always looking for the next dust off. This whirlwind of energy and creativity unearthed Venture, and players can’t help but feel their excitement radiating from the screen.
This personality comes from Mexican voice actor Valeria Rodriguez who worked with the narrative team on Venture’s background and mannerisms. Venture’s voice lines are filled with playful, relatable Spanish sayings that may feel like home to Latinx players. Players believe that Rodriguez’s enthusiasm really shines through the character, some comment, “I love their energy and I honestly can't imagine anyone else voicing this role, really brings Tracer vibes to Venture” and,” The love of the game really shines through”. Players commend Overwatch for giving a nonbinary voice actor the space to play someone who also aligns with their identity. Rodriguez has been playing the game since 2016 and has had a huge love for it as they enter the voice acting space. This shows Overwatch’s due diligence in creating accurate representation to the community.
From their taglines, one of Venture’s Hellos from their communication wheel is "Que onda" and a casual, Goodbye line is "Nos vemos". When they eliminate Sombra they can say "Disculpa, amiga" (Sorry, pal) showing a nice connection between these latinx entities. They also have a line in Dorado spawn along the lines of "gotta show my abuelita pictures from my last dig" (who wouldn’t want to show their abueltia their greatest accomplishments).
Overwatch’s duties are not over yet as they continue to expand their futuristic world to reflect our own with various cultural, historical, and inclusive characters.
Venture is the hero we have always needed and Latinx players cannot imagine the game without them. ¡Viva Venture!
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