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From Meme to Mainstream:⁣ The⁤ Long Journey of ‘Jetpack Cat’ to Overwatch 2

For years, the Overwatch community ⁢has clamored ‌for a‍ seemingly​ impossible hero: a ​cat with a​ jetpack.⁣ What ‌began as an internal joke at Blizzard Entertainment and a fan-fueled obsession has ⁤finally become a ‌reality with⁣ the introduction of Fika, a new Support hero in Overwatch⁣ 2. This article details the fascinating history of “Jetpack Cat,” from its​ initial conception to its ⁢eventual arrival in the game.

The Origins of a ‌Viral Idea

The concept of⁣ a feline⁤ hero equipped with a jetpack ‌dates back to the early development‍ stages of Overwatch in 2017.​ Then-Game Director ⁢Jeff Kaplan⁤ revealed that the team had‌ seriously⁤ considered the idea, but ultimately dismissed it as being “too ‌far”‍ even for a game ⁤featuring a talking gorilla [[1]]. Though, this⁤ rejection inadvertently sparked‍ a​ dedicated following within ‍the Overwatch community.

Teases and disappointment

Blizzard continued to playfully tease the possibility of a cat hero. In 2018, hints surrounding the release of Brigitte Lindholm ⁣included mechanical blueprints depicting a cat paw and a small harness. This led ​fans to believe that Mitzi, the lindholm‌ family’s pet, ⁤might ⁢be the next hero. While brigitte ‌did ⁢receive⁤ a jetpack-like device as part of her lore,it was for Mitzi‍ and not a playable character. ⁤‍ The disappointment grew further when Hero 28 was revealed to be Hammond, a hamster in a mech, seemingly claiming the “animal slot” and