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Blizzard Explores Anran Redesign as Overwatch China Urges Caution

The studio is evaluating in-season changes after criticism of the hero’s in-game look.

Overview

  • Game director Aaron Keller said the team is discussing how to adjust Anran’s appearance and hopes to deliver an update during Season 1, pending technical testing.
  • Keller cautioned that hero models are highly complex, requiring validation across hitboxes, animations, and cosmetics before any changes can ship.
  • The NetEase-run Overwatch China account said Chinese players cherish Anran’s current image and stated its operations team will actively participate in any appearance adjustments.
  • Anran’s English voice actor, Fareeha Andersen, publicly voiced disappointment with the final model and urged feedback, citing expectations set by earlier comics and a cinematic.
  • Players and reporting criticized the in-game face as resembling Kiriko and Juno rather than earlier promotional art, as Anran launched on February 10 with Season 1: Conquest during the franchise’s soft reboot.