Juno, Overwatch 2's Enigmatic Space Ranger, Debuts

Overwatch 2 has welcomed a new support hero, Juno, the "Space Ranger" hailing from Mars. Juno's arrival has generated excitement within the gaming community, as she not only possesses a unique skillset but also boasts a rich backstory that intertwines with existing Overwatch lore. In an exclusive interview, Polygon spoke with Blizzard Entertainment's art director Dion Rogers and narrative designer Joshi Zhang to uncover the creative process behind Juno's development and her place within the Overwatch universe.

Uncovering the Captivating Origins of Overwatch 2's Newest Hero

The Convergence of Space and Support: Juno's Unique Design Origins

The creation of Juno as a playable character in Overwatch 2 was a meticulous and iterative process. According to art director Dion Rogers, the initial concept stemmed from the game design team's desire to incorporate a "fighter pilot" or "space-ranger-style" hero, with abilities that evoked the thrill of aerial combat. However, as a support hero, the team faced the challenge of striking the right balance between this dynamic concept and the more supportive role expected of the character.Through various experiments and discussions, the team ultimately decided to embrace the idea of an "alien" character, but with a twist. As Joshi Zhang, the narrative designer, explains, "We figured out a way to truly have an alien in the universe of Overwatch, but not have it be a [literal] alien, you know?" This decision paved the way for Juno's unique backstory and her connection to the existing Overwatch lore.

Juno's Narrative Integration: Expanding the Overwatch Universe

Narratively, Juno's character was carefully crafted to seamlessly integrate with the Overwatch universe. The team drew inspiration from Mei's brief mention of her graduate school friend, Jiayi, who had ventured to the Martian colony. This connection provided a natural entry point for Juno, as Jiayi's daughter, to be introduced into the Overwatch world.Zhang elaborates on the significance of this link, stating, "Jiayi and Mei were close during grad school, and it's a pretty major thing in East Asian culture that if you're very close to somebody, you consider them like family, and you're gonna want to do everything you can for their kid. Mei sees herself almost as like a godmother. She sees it as her responsibility to take care of her best friend's daughter while she's on Earth."This familial bond between Mei and Juno serves as a powerful narrative thread, allowing players to witness the emotional interactions and shared experiences between the two characters. Zhang promises that these interactions will showcase the "emotional sides of both of them," as Mei navigates the challenges faced by her friend's daughter on Mars while also grappling with her own traumatic past.

Juno's Unique Perspective: A "Fish Out of Water" in the Overwatch Universe

Juno's status as a newcomer to the Overwatch team and Earth itself presents a unique opportunity for the developers to explore her "fish out of water" perspective. Hailing from the Martian colony, Juno is confronted with a world vastly different from the one she has known, and this is reflected in her dialogue and interactions with her teammates.As Zhang explains, "You can hear her talking about various areas in the world where she has surprising experiences. She's, like, shocked by all the water in Rialto. Or there is the conversation that has made its rounds from her hero trial where she sees Ashe and she's like, 'Wow, a real cow-person!'" These moments of wonder and bewilderment serve to highlight Juno's unfamiliarity with the customs and wonders of Earth, providing a fresh and endearing dimension to her character.At the same time, the team has carefully considered the extent to which Juno is acclimated to her new surroundings. Zhang notes, "It's an interesting space that she's in, because there's probably some things she takes more for granted than others. I think that she's probably not as surprised that Hammond is in a mech, compared to something mundane like a school bus." This nuanced approach ensures that Juno's reactions and interactions remain authentic and relatable to players.

Juno's Abilities and Narrative Significance

Juno's unique abilities as a support hero are not merely gameplay mechanics, but rather are deeply rooted in her narrative origins. As art director Dion Rogers explains, the team's initial concept of a "fighter pilot" or "space-ranger-style" hero was carefully woven into Juno's supportive kit, allowing players to experience the thrill of aerial combat while still fulfilling a crucial role within the team.One of Juno's most distinctive abilities is her "orbital healing beam," which hovers above Earth and provides a constant stream of support to her allies. This unique feature is not merely a gameplay element, but rather a testament to the ingenuity and care of Juno's Martian community. As Joshi Zhang describes, "When she escapes Mars, there's only enough room for one person [on this ship]. When she reaches Earth, it's similar to what we do with current space exploration: A part of the ship detaches, that lands on earth, and what remains is left up in space. This is what generates her ultimate."This narrative-driven approach to Juno's abilities serves to deepen the player's connection to the character and her journey, imbuing her kit with a sense of purpose and emotional resonance that extends beyond the battlefield.

Juno's Connections and the Future of the Overwatch Universe

The reveal of Juno has also sparked speculation about her potential connections to future Overwatch heroes. While art director Dion Rogers maintains that it's "too early to say how closely connected these two are with each other, if they are at all," the team's desire to explore the Martian colony and its narrative implications suggests that Juno's story is far from over.Zhang teases that the team is interested in delving deeper into the "open-ended questions" surrounding the Martian colony, including the "aggressive storms" and the loss of contact between the colony and Lucheng Interstellar on Earth. These narrative threads hint at a larger, more complex story waiting to unfold, one that may involve not only Juno but also potentially the next Overwatch hero.As the Overwatch universe continues to evolve, the introduction of Juno serves as a testament to the team's commitment to crafting cohesive and compelling narratives that enrich the overall experience for players. With her captivating backstory, unique abilities, and intriguing connections to the greater Overwatch lore, Juno's arrival promises to be a significant and impactful addition to the game's ever-expanding roster of heroes.