Overwatch concept artist reveals why new hero Sigma has bare feet

Olivia Richman Published 27/07/2019

Blizzard revealed Sigma’s back story and abilities but fans were much more interested in the new Overwatch hero’s bare feet.

The publisher responded and revealed the reasons behind his lack of footwear.

“We decided to keep the feet bare to sell the ‘asylum’ look a bit more,” concept artist Qiu Fang revealed to Game Rant. According to Fang, patients are not allowed to have shoes in many institutions since they could end up harming themselves with the laces.

“While Sigma isn’t necessarily in danger of that, we felt that having no shoes helped draw that connection,” Fang said.

New Overwatch hero has dark backstory

Sigma’s origin story was revealed earlier this week. In the video, the tank hero is identified as an astrophysicist fixated on harnessing the power of gravity. Following a tragic accident after experimenting with a black hole, Sigma’s mind is altered forever.

When he awakens from the ordeal, Sigma realizes he’s been imprisoned and doesn’t know where he is. While dealing with his newfound mental instability, terrorist organization Talon recruits the mad scientist to aid in their evil deeds.

Fang explained that having bare feet is one way to distinguish Sigma from the other heroes. Shoes or boots would have made the eccentric genius look more like a “generic combatant.”

Even though Sigma’s signature look is flexing his feet, Fang did announce that certain future skins will see Sigma in shoes. We have a feeling those skins will not be too popular with players.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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