Crafting Overwatch 2's Samoan Hero: A Journey of Cultural Authenticity

The world of video games has few characters of Samoan descent, but Blizzard Entertainment has expanded this list with the introduction of Mauga, Overwatch 2's 39th hero. As one of the rare characters from Oceania in a major AAA title, Mauga's development was a complex and nuanced process. GamesIndustry.biz had the opportunity to speak with Overwatch lead hero producer Kenny Hudson about the steps involved in crafting this new tank character. Mauga's development began in 2018, inspired by concept art and narrative influences that made him an instantly likable character. Hudson explains that the initial planning for Mauga took a different direction, with early abilities focusing on healing, which ultimately led to the creation of Sigma in 2019. However, these abilities did not align with Mauga's personality, prompting a re-evaluation of his character. The importance of proper cultural representation was a key consideration in Mauga's development, particularly given his heritage, which is underrepresented in video games. To ensure authenticity, the development team worked with cultural consultants, including artist Si'i Liufau, a specialist in contemporary Polynesian tattoos and Tataus. Liufau's input was invaluable in creating Mauga's tattoos, which hold significant cultural significance. The collaboration between Liufau and the development team was a back-and-forth process, with both parties working together to create a design that was both authentic and feasible within the game engine. Hudson notes that the team was mindful of avoiding harmful stereotypes and ensuring that Mauga's character was respectful and accurate. The development of Mauga was put on hold as the team focused on Sigma, but the brainstorming sessions ultimately led to the creation of a new character. The pandemic also impacted the development process, causing delays and changes to the work structure. As a result, Mauga's release was pushed back, and the team had to adjust their schedule to accommodate the new timeline. Hudson explains that the team had to get creative with their communication and prototyping processes, which added to the delay. However, this extra time allowed the team to refine Mauga's character and ensure that he met the community's expectations. The Overwatch team made the decision to swap Mauga's release date with that of Ramattra, giving them more time to dedicate to Mauga's development. This move allowed the team to gather feedback from the community and make necessary adjustments to ensure that Mauga fit seamlessly into the game's universe. During Blizzcon 2023, players had the opportunity to try out Mauga, providing valuable feedback that helped the development team fine-tune his character. The feedback revealed areas that needed improvement, such as Mauga's perceived survivability, and the team made balance changes to address these concerns. One of the unexpected reactions to Mauga was the attention to his voiceover work, with players analyzing and discussing the meaning behind his voice lines. Reflecting on the overall process, Hudson notes that the development of Mauga was a learning opportunity, not just for the team but also for himself. By embracing this opportunity, the team was able to create a character that is not only authentic but also respectful and engaging.