Overwatch update removes Russian “Z” from Zarya skins

Update for Overwatch, tied to the game’s new Anniversary Remix event, also appears to have made a subtle change to two skins for Zarya, the hero shooter’s Russian soldier. Blizzard has apparently removed the letter “Z” from Zarya’s Arctic and Siberian Front skins, seemingly a reaction to the letter’s mutation into a symbol of Russian nationalism. That single letter, which some have referred to as the “zwastika,” has come to “stand for devotion to the state, murderous rage, and unchecked power,” The New Yorker writes, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Blizzard did not announce the change to Zarya’s pair of legendary skins in patch notes for Tuesday’s update, but the subtle tweak was spotted by members of the Overwatch subreddit. As seen in the images below, the small Z present on the upper left breast of Zarya’s jacket has been removed.

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

This is an insignificant, but necessary change. Zarya appears to be distancing herself from Blizzard. Overwatch’s heroic Russian character, from the letter Z’s association with Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine and homegrown, state propaganda-fueled support for the invasion. The letter was spotted on Russian tanks and other military vehicles when Ukraine was invaded in February, but the Z’s intended meeting was originally unclear. Regardless of its original intent, the letter has morphed into a key symbol to signal support for Russia’s increasingly brutal and violent siege of its neighbor.

Similar content modification has been made by Blizzard OverwatchOver the last six years, Tracer was forced to change his victory pose after being deemed too sexually explicit by the fans. He was also asked to remove a noose and name Jesse McCree. Refunds were offered for premium skins that had been inspired by an Overwatch League member who was charged with sexual assault.

Polygon has reached to Blizzard entertainment for comments and will update the site if it responds.