Overwatch Director Sets the Record Straight on Long-Standing Tracer Butt Nerf Conspiracy

In the current landscape of Overwatch, where characters like Kiriko and Juno dominate the spotlight with their numerous skins and promotions, it’s easy to forget that Tracer, the time-traveling British hero, was once the face of the franchise. She played a significant role in the game’s lore and marketing, but these days, she seems to have taken a backseat. However, Tracer was no stranger to the limelight and even stirred up some controversy in the early days, particularly when Blizzard adjusted a victory pose that showcased her figure in those snug pants.

It’s been over ten years since that incident, yet fans still recall the uproar over what they believe was Blizzard “nerfing” Tracer’s backside. This has led to a bit of a Mandela Effect, as many fans are convinced that some of her curves were toned down at some point. Jeff Kaplan, the original game director of Overwatch, has since moved on from Blizzard to work on his new project, The Legend of California. During a recent stream, a fan inquired about the supposed nerf to Tracer’s butt, to which Kaplan clarified that it never actually happened.

“We actually didn’t nerf Tracer’s butt,” Kaplan stated. “It stayed exactly the same.”

The internet often enjoys distorting facts and spreading memes without verifying the truth. Tracer’s prominent silhouette has remained a key aspect of her design in Overwatch 2 and across various skins. She simply presents it differently in her victory animations.

As for the game’s future, Overwatch is gearing up to introduce its 51st hero, Sierra, who will join the roster on April 14 with the start of season 2. This new season will also feature an update to Anran’s design, aiming to make her stand out more from characters like Juno and Kiriko, although fan opinions are mixed on whether the changes are sufficient.