The first of Overwatch 2: Genesis’ three episodes has made its debut, and the project's existence has gotten fans talking. Despite hugely successful animated series like Arcane showing how great the medium can be for video game adaptations, and the Overwatch franchise’s own shorts offering powerful stories and beautiful animation, fans have been waiting a long time for a project like Genesis. While it is just a small taste of what could be a great long-form animated series, it is hopefully just the beginning, as a lot of stories from the series could be adapted for animation.
While a proper animated series should be the end goal, more miniseries content like Genesis would also be a delight. Overwatch 2: Genesis documents the events that trigger the Omnic Crisis, shedding new light on what is arguably the most significant moment in the lore of Blizzard’s hero shooter. Original stories like this are absolutely welcome, but perhaps Blizzard should save them for a proper, full-length animated series. This is because the miniseries format is naturally perfect for retelling short stories and translating comics to animation, with a few in particular deserving to be seen be a wider audience.
The Rise and Fall of the Deadlock Gang Suits The Miniseries Format
Considering that the Deadlock Gang is crucial to two characters’ backstories (three if players count the lovable Omnic B.O.B.), exploring the faction in animation makes sense. Blizzard already has a perfect route to take with the three episodes of the miniseries if it wants to tell a concise version of the gang’s story, with a blend of material from Ashe’s personal lore and the Deadlock Rebels novel sure to result in a memorable project.
Episode one could focus on Ashe’s life prior to becoming an outlaw, showing her poor relationship with her parents despite her privileged upbringing as well as her close bond with B.O.B.. The Omnic butler's disappearance could also be explored briefly, as this remains an interesting gap in the character’s story. At the end of episode 1, Ashe could get locked up in prison, meeting Cassidy as a cliffhanger. Episode 2 could feature the gang’s first job and their rapid rise to the top of the criminal ladder, while the final episode can highlight Cassidy’s separation from the group and Ashe’s response to the betrayal.
A Miniseries Version of Baptiste's Story Could Re-Establish Mauga
As a conflicted Talon member turned confident hero, Baptiste’s story is an important one, with the medic having fair criticisms of Overwatch in his years as a young adult. Seeing him transition from a hopeful orphan to a jaded teenager that joins Talon to an adult who realizes he is fighting for the wrong side would make for a powerful character arc, and it is one that can be told well across three five-minute episodes. While showing Baptiste as he grows into a better person could be the main purpose of a series based on What You Left Behind, it would also be a chance to dive into his friendship with Mauga. Considering that Mauga has been requested for years as a Tank hero, this miniseries could be a perfect way to hype up his eventual debut.
London Calling Has the Depth Needed for a Miniseries
While Overwatch 2’s New Blood may be more recent and is essential for the ongoing narrative, its constant hopping between characters could make it a bit too unfocused for a good miniseries. However, London Calling is another five-issue comic arc that keeps things tightly focused on a small cast of characters, and adapting it would give fans more time with series mascot Tracer. Alongside a close look at a fan favorite, a wider audience can be introduced to the lovable Omnic Iggy. London Calling’s exploration of the oppression that Omnics deal with would be timely as well, as Overwatch 2’s PvE is set to explore Ramattra’s uprising.
Obviously, these are not the only stories that could work for an animated series. An adaptation of Code of Violence could be worthwhile, as the short story does a lot to challenge the notion that Reaper is just an edgy, one-dimensional character. The Searching short story could make a solid miniseries if it were expanded a bit, as it is odd that a clash between Zarya and Sombra was delivered in the comics after being teased in animation. Binary is one other option, as seeing Torbjorn’s hatred for Omnics fade when he meets Bastion could prove entertaining. With so many interesting stories told thus far, Blizzard has no shortage of miniseries opportunities on its hands, so hopefully it makes good use of the format.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
