This is not the first LGBT+ character revealed in Blizzard’s Overwatch – 2 years ago it was confirmed that character Tracer is gay.

Yesterday in a new short story titled ‘Bastet‘, it is said in passing that Jack Morrison aka Soldier 76, was in a gay relationship. This was confirmed on Twitter by Overwatch writer, Michael Chu.

Thanks for all the messages about “Bastet”!

Jack and Vincent were in a romantic relationship many years ago. Both identify as gay. ❤️

— Michael Chu 瞿華明 (@westofhouse) January 7, 2019

Jack, in his past, was in a relationship with a man named Vincent, who he almost married before the Omnic Crisis.

The most recent story follows Ana as she walks the streets of Cairo after the Switzerland explosion and finds Jack Morrison. Taking him back to her hideout, Ana spots him looking at a photo of himself with a dark-haired man – Vincent.

In this excerpt of the short story, Jack Morrison’s sexuality is confirmed:

“Vincent… I haven’t thought about him in years,” Ana said. “Still keeping a candle lit for him?”
Jack shook his head. “Nothing like that.”
“You’ve never looked in on him? You must have been curious. All the surveillance power in the world. I bet Gabe would have put a Blackwatch agent on him if you asked,” Ana said.
Jack glared at her.
“Okay, touchy subject.”
Jack laughed. “He got married. They’re very happy. I’m happy for him.”

“Vincent deserved a happier life than the one I could give him.” Jack sighed. “We both knew that I could never put anything above my duty. Everything I fought for was to protect people like him… That’s the sacrifice I made.”
“Relationships don’t work out so well for us, do they?” Ana said, unconsciously running her thumb over where her wedding ring used to be.

I, personally, love this. Blizzard did it right. It was not a stereotypical explosive story (not everything in Overwatch is catastrophe!), it was shown to us with such subtlety and emotion. Showing that gay people in these games can already exist with no “coming out” from the character – beautifully quiet and matter of fact. It wasn’t the main point of the story, and I love it.

With this being our first real insight into Jack Morrison’s past, I don’t know about you, but I am delighted to see this, and that we can see Blizzard is following through with their commitment of LGBT+ inclusion in their games. I cannot wait to potentially see some more short stories including Soldier 76 and perhaps more insight into his character!