View source for Tracer (Overwatch)

{{Short description|Fictional character in 2016 video game Overwatch}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Good article}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Tracer (''Overwatch'')}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Tracer
| image = Tracer Overwatch 2 portrait.png
| image_upright = 0.72
| alt = An illustration of a young, Caucasian woman with spiky, brown hair. She is wearing orange goggles over her eyes, a brown jacket, a blue lamp on her abdomen, brown gloves and orange leggings. There is some augmentation of the arms. She stands slightly angled, but facing the viewer with both of her hands clenched into fists and arms straight down to her sides.
| caption = Tracer in ''[[Overwatch 2]]''
| series = [[Overwatch]]
| designer = Geoff Goodman
| first = [[Overwatch animated media|''Overwatch'' Cinematic Trailer]] (2014)
| firstgame = ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' (2016)
| voice = [[Cara Theobold]]
| class = [[Characters of the Overwatch franchise#Damage heroes|Damage]]
| nationality = British
}}
'''Tracer''' is a character who appears in ''[[Overwatch]]'', a franchise centered around [[first-person shooter|first-person]] [[hero shooter]] video games developed by [[Blizzard Entertainment]]. Tracer was first seen in the 2014 [[Overwatch animated media|''Overwatch'' Cinematic Trailer]] short. She was introduced as a playable character in an April 2016 update for the crossover [[multiplayer online battle arena]] game ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'', nearly a month prior to the release of the first ''[[Overwatch (video game)|Overwatch]]'' game. She appeared again in ''[[Overwatch 2]]'', a 2022 sequel to the original game.

The character, known in-universe as '''Lena Oxton''', is of [[British people|British]] origin and has been noted by video game outlets to be peppy and energetic. In the game, Tracer has low health, but is highly mobile with her skills including a [[teleportation]]-like ability and time-travel. Those abilities were caused by an accident that left her unable to maintain a physical form in the present until her friend and fellow Overwatch agent, [[Winston (Overwatch)|Winston]], invented the chronal accelerator, a device that allows her to control her own time frame.

Prominently featured in the franchise's official media and serving as the first game's [[cover girl]], Tracer is one of the most recognizable ''Overwatch'' characters and one of the more commonly featured in its fan art. Tracer has attracted media coverage related to online controversies surrounding one of her in-game [[victory pose]]s, as well as her prominence in [[Overwatch and pornography|fan-produced pornography]], which Blizzard has tried to remove. The character has appeared in ''Overwatch'' [[Overwatch animated media|animated media]] and a [[Overwatch (digital comic series)|digital comic series]] based on the game. In her comic debut, she is revealed to be a [[lesbian]], a depiction that was positively received by media outlets and players.

==Development and design==

===Gameplay and art===
Tracer was one of the first twelve ''Overwatch'' characters introduced at [[BlizzCon]] in 2014.<ref name=Hall2014>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7175427/overwatch-characters|title=A guide to the first 12 characters in Blizzard's Overwatch|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912230158/http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/7/7175427/overwatch-characters|archive-date=September 12, 2016}}</ref> Her in-game character model notably features tight orange pants, goggles and [[Crocs|Crocs-like]] shoes.<ref name=Braz2019>{{cite web|last=Braz|first=Vitor|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/612942-overwatch-2-character-comparisons-hero-redesigns|title=Overwatch 2 Character Comparisons {{pipe}} What's different in the redesigns?|work=[[Game Revolution]]|date=November 4, 2019|access-date=March 29, 2020|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615083920/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/612942-overwatch-2-character-comparisons-hero-redesigns|url-status=live}}</ref> Her design is based upon an element from Blizzard's canceled project, ''[[Titan (Blizzard Entertainment project)|Titan]]''.<ref name=McDonnell2016>{{cite web|last=McDonnell|first=Ken|url=http://moviepilot.com/posts/3884971|title=Overwatch's Tracer Is Actually A Character From Blizzard's Failed MMO, 'Titan'|work=[[Moviepilot]]|date=April 27, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311200010/https://moviepilot.com/posts/3884971|archive-date=March 11, 2017}}</ref> ''Overwatch''{{'}}s game director [[Jeffrey Kaplan (game designer)|Jeff Kaplan]] said ''Titan'' included a class of character called "Jumper", which developed into Tracer because ''Overwatch'' focuses on creating individual characters instead of generic classes. The Jumper class was depicted as male in most of the concept artwork and its player version.<ref name=GIS2016>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/08/24/designing-overwatch-from-titan-to-torbjorn.aspx|title=Designing Overwatch: From Titan To Torbjorn|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=August 24, 2016|access-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014133803/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/08/24/designing-overwatch-from-titan-to-torbjorn.aspx|archive-date=October 14, 2017}}</ref><ref name=YinPoole2017>{{cite web|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-14-blizzards-jeff-kaplan-traces-line-from-project-titan-to-overwatch|title=Blizzard's Jeff Kaplan traces line from Project Titan to Overwatch|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=March 14, 2017|access-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315001401/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-14-blizzards-jeff-kaplan-traces-line-from-project-titan-to-overwatch|archive-date=March 15, 2017}}</ref> Like Tracer in ''Overwatch'', the Jumper was equipped with the Blink and Recall abilities, as well as a Pulse bomb and dual-wielding machine pistols. The design of Tracer's pistols were influenced by the [[Glock#Glock 18|G18 pistols]] featured in ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2]]''.<ref name=YinPoole2017/>

Tracer's design was influenced by Geoff Goodman, the lead hero designer for ''Overwatch''.<ref name=Whittaker2016a/> Tracer was the first hero designed for the game and was used to test the basic gameplay.<ref name=Whittaker2016a>{{cite web|last=Whittaker|first=Matt|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/02/blizzard-talks-overwatchs-balance-progression-what-makes-tracer-rad/205008/|title=Blizzard Talks Overwatch's Balance, Progression, What Makes Tracer Rad|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=May 2, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311200103/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/02/blizzard-talks-overwatchs-balance-progression-what-makes-tracer-rad/205008/|archive-date=March 11, 2017}}</ref><ref name=Orland2016>{{cite web|last=Orland|first=Kyle|url =https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/05/when-its-done-overwatchs-director-on-the-games-finished-yet-fluid-launch/ | title = "When it's done": How Blizzard dragged ''Overwatch'' across the launch threshold|work=[[Ars Technica]]|date=May 25, 2016|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926203638/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/05/when-its-done-overwatchs-director-on-the-games-finished-yet-fluid-launch/|archive-date=September 26, 2016}}</ref> Kaplan recounted the first ''Overwatch'' playtest, stating, "The entire level was gray and blocky and the only hero was Tracer. We had no visual effects or attachment points on her guns so she just shot laser beams out of her eyes."<ref name=ScottJones2016>{{cite web|last=Scott-Jones |first=Richard |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-prototypes-rough |title=Tracer shooting lasers out of her eyes is why you don't get to play early Overwatch builds |work=[[PCGamesN]] |date=December 19, 2016 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220221126/http://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-prototypes-rough |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Overwatch''{{'}}s assistant game director Aaron Keller has said Temple of Anubis was the first map developed for the game, and that the map and Tracer were worked on concurrently. Keller said, "One day we got both of them in, and just with Tracer running around an unfinished map it was fun".<ref name=Orland2016/> Keller said that, unlike other characters, Tracer's three abilities were maintained throughout [[Development of Overwatch|the game's development]], noting, "from the beginning, she originated as a 'whole' hero".<ref name=Whittaker2016a/> However, her [[health (gaming)|health pool]] was [[nerfing (gaming)|nerfed]] during the game's late closed beta stages.<ref name=Szymborski2016>{{cite web|last=Szymborski|first=Dan|url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/16616751/overwatch-meta-breakdown-offense|title=Overwatch Meta Breakdown - On the Offense|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=June 29, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719212025/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/16616751/overwatch-meta-breakdown-offense|archive-date=July 19, 2016}}</ref> Concerning Tracer's gameplay style, ''[[Kotaku]]''{{'}}s Kirk Hamilton said "she's quick and squishy, designed more to harry the opposing team from behind than to survive a frontal assault".<ref name=Hamilton2016/>

Lead artist Arnold Tsang said the character's body size and running pose were considered during character design to make each hero easily identifiable.<ref name=Mulkerin2016>{{cite web|last=Mulkerin|first=Tim|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/secrets-of-overwatch-character-design-2016-6|title=Here's how 'Overwatch' designed each character to feel truly unique|work=[[Business Insider]]|date=June 1, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205182334/http://www.businessinsider.com/secrets-of-overwatch-character-design-2016-6|archive-date=February 5, 2017}}</ref> Tracer has a wild running animation and a unique trail of blue light extending behind her.<ref name=Mulkerin2016/> Nathan Grayson of ''Kotaku'' said her jump animation appears "hyper-exaggerated and kinda goofy looking", a result of the smear frame and [[squash and stretch]] animation techniques used in ''Overwatch''.<ref name="Grayson2016c">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/this-is-not-an-overwatch-glitch-1777612546|title=This Is Not An ''Overwatch'' Glitch|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=May 19, 2016|work=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604025350/http://kotaku.com/this-is-not-an-overwatch-glitch-1777612546|archive-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref> Blizzard senior animator David Gibson pointed out frames from her jump animation: "We're trying to just push it a little further than normal. Something as simple as stretching the torso out, having her hang [in the air] just a little bit longer than normal. Really squashing her when she lands."<ref name=Grayson2016c/>

[[File:Overwatch controversy.png|thumb|left|Comparison between Tracer's original pose (left) and altered replacement (right)<ref name=Good2016/>|alt=A youthful, female, Caucasian, computer-generated character holding automatic firearms and wearing orange leggings stands upright and looks over her left shoulder. In the left image she has both feet on the ground and is viewed from the back while in the right image she stands on her left leg with her right leg raised and placed beneath her buttock.]]

On the return of ''Overwatch''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closed beta in February 2016, victory poses and other cosmetic changes were added to the characters.<ref name=Grayson2016a>{{cite web|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|url=http://kotaku.com/heres-all-the-new-stuff-in-overwatch-today-1758090565|title=Here's All The New Stuff In Overwatch Today|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=February 9, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529180118/http://kotaku.com/heres-all-the-new-stuff-in-overwatch-today-1758090565|archive-date=May 29, 2016}}</ref> In March 2016, a controversy arose about Tracer's "Over the Shoulder" victory pose after a user on the game's forums said it was out of character and "reduces Tracer to just another bland female sex symbol".<ref name=McWhertor2016>{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/28/11321138/overwatch-tracer-pose-removal|title=Blizzard is removing a sexualized pose from Overwatch, citing player feedback (update)|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=March 28, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524150939/http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/28/11321138/overwatch-tracer-pose-removal|archive-date=May 24, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Makuch2016>{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-removing-overwatch-butt-pose-after-fan-cr/1100-6436076/|title=Blizzard Removing Overwatch Butt Pose After Fan Criticism|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=June 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603153207/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-removing-overwatch-butt-pose-after-fan-cr/1100-6436076/|archive-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref> The post generated a discussion on the forums, which gaming outlets noted for its civility; several users added their own critical opinions of the pose while others disagreed with the original poster.<ref name=Mascarenhas2016a>{{cite web|last=Mascarenhas|first=Hyacinth|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/blizzard-pulls-sexualized-overwatch-victory-pose-after-fans-complain-1552250|title=Blizzard pulls sexualized 'Overwatch' victory pose after fans complain|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=March 30, 2016|access-date=June 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608131822/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/blizzard-pulls-sexualized-overwatch-victory-pose-after-fans-complain-1552250|archive-date=June 8, 2016}}</ref> Kaplan posted an apologetic response in which he announced Blizzard's plans to replace the pose because they did not want to "make someone feel uncomfortable, under-appreciated or misrepresented".<ref name=Grayson2016b>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-removing-overwatch-butt-pose-after-fan-complai-1767613551|title=Blizzard Removing Overwatch Butt Pose After Fan Complaint [UPDATE]|first=Nathan|last=Grayson|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=March 30, 2016|access-date=March 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329220234/http://kotaku.com/blizzard-removing-overwatch-butt-pose-after-fan-complai-1767613551|archive-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Kaplan2016>{{cite web|last=Kaplan |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeffrey Kaplan (game designer) |url=http://us.battle.net/forums/en/overwatch/topic/20743015583?page=11 |title=Overwatch's Strong Female Heroes and that one Tracer Pose |work=[[Battle.net|Overwatch Forums]] |date=March 28, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329075136/http://us.battle.net/forums/en/overwatch/topic/20743015583?page=11 |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The decision was met with mixed reactions from the gaming community. Some argued that Blizzard had surrendered its creative control over the game, censoring content to appease an offended user,<ref name=Makuch2016/> while others praised Blizzard's willingness to listen to the community and adhere to standards for portraying characters according to their personalities.<ref name=Lachenal2016a>{{cite web|last=Lachenal|first=Jessica|url=http://www.themarysue.com/tracer-overwatch-pose-removed/|title=Blizzard Responds to Fan Concerns Regarding Oversexualized ''Overwatch'' Character Pose|work=[[Dan Abrams#The Mary Sue|The Mary Sue]]|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=June 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531051453/http://www.themarysue.com/tracer-overwatch-pose-removed/|archive-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref> Kaplan later said the game's development team was not "entirely happy with the original pose" and that internal creative struggles over its inclusion had occurred.<ref name=Makuch2016/><ref name=Grayson2016b/> The following week, a replacement pose was released; one commentator said this was "different, {{Sic|butt}} not by much", referring to the prominent buttocks of the original pose.<ref name=Good2016>{{cite web|last=Good|first=Owen S.|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/6/11376814/overwatch-tracer-pose-butt-replacement|title=Here's Overwatch's replacement for the victory pose that caused such a fuss|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=April 6, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524151012/http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/6/11376814/overwatch-tracer-pose-butt-replacement|archive-date=May 24, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Martin2016>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Matt|url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/04/06/overwatchs-tracer-butt-pose-replaced/|title=Overwatch's Tracer butt pose replaced with cheesecake pin-up stance|work=[[VG247]]|date=April 6, 2016|access-date=May 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406160624/http://www.vg247.com/2016/04/06/overwatchs-tracer-butt-pose-replaced/|archive-date=April 6, 2016}}</ref> According to Jessica Lachenal of ''[[Dan Abrams#The Mary Sue|The Mary Sue]]'' website, the replacement pose was inspired by a [[pin-up model|cheesecake pin-up illustration]] by Billy De Vorss.<ref name=Martin2016/><ref name=Lachenal2016b>{{cite web|last=Lachenal|first=Jessica|url=http://www.themarysue.com/tracer-new-victory-pose/|title=''Overwatch''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Tracer Receives New Victory Pose, Seemingly Inspired by Pin-Up Art|work=[[Dan Abrams#The Mary Sue|The Mary Sue]]|date=April 6, 2016|access-date=May 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601065210/http://www.themarysue.com/tracer-new-victory-pose/|archive-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref> Kaplan called the replacement pose cool, cute, and playful, and said he wished the team had chosen it originally.<ref name=ODwyerHaywald2016/>

The developers of ''Overwatch'' later introduced [[Overwatch seasonal events|seasonal events]], including themed cosmetics such as skins and sprays for players to equip the character with.<ref name=Davenport2016>{{cite web|last=Davenport|first=James|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/take-a-look-at-all-overwatchs-summer-games-2016-skins/|title=Take a look at all of Overwatch's Summer Games 2016 skins|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=August 2, 2016|access-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206185302/http://www.pcgamer.com/take-a-look-at-all-overwatchs-summer-games-2016-skins/|archive-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref> Tracer received two skins during the game's first seasonal event, "Summer Games 2016", which was themed after the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].<ref name=Davenport2016/> In the game's first year of release, she received themed skins during the game's subsequent "Winter Wonderland", "[[Chinese New Year|Year of the Rooster 2017]]", "Uprising", and "Anniversary" events.<ref name=Nunneley2016>{{cite web|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/12/13/heres-a-look-at-the-overwatch-winter-wonderland-skins-maps-and-more/|title=Here's a look at the Overwatch Winter Wonderland skins, maps, emotes and more|work=[[VG247]]|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118061233/https://www.vg247.com/2016/12/13/heres-a-look-at-the-overwatch-winter-wonderland-skins-maps-and-more/|archive-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref><ref name=Gartenberg2017>{{cite web|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/24/14372022/overwatch-year-of-the-rooter-seasonal-event-chinese-new-year-skins|title=Overwatch brings in the Year of the Rooster with a new seasonal event|work=[[The Verge]]|date=January 24, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205131235/http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/24/14372022/overwatch-year-of-the-rooter-seasonal-event-chinese-new-year-skins|archive-date=February 5, 2017}}</ref><ref name=Kozanitis2017>{{cite web|last=Kozanitis|first=James|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/14001-here-is-every-new-skin-from-the-overwatch-insurrection-event|title=Here Is Every New Skin From The Overwatch Uprising Event|work=[[Game Revolution]]|date=April 11, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728135813/http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/14001-here-is-every-new-skin-from-the-overwatch-insurrection-event|archive-date=July 28, 2017}}</ref><ref name=Kim2017>{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Matt|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-anniversary-event-drops-a-ton-of-legendary-skins|title=Overwatch Anniversary Event Drops A Ton of Legendary Skins|work=[[Eurogamer#Subsidiaries|USGamer]]|date=May 23, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711010013/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-anniversary-event-drops-a-ton-of-legendary-skins|archive-date=July 11, 2017}}</ref><!-- Please do not keep listing new events in which Tracer received new skins. Limit this to just those within the game's first year of release. This is to avoid overlisting. Thank you. -->

Like the other ''Overwatch'' characters, Tracer underwent a character redesign during the development of ''[[Overwatch 2]]''; the redesign retained her trademark orange pants and goggles, albeit visually tweaked.<ref name=Braz2019/>

===Story and character===
Outside the game, Blizzard's fictional biography for Tracer lists her real name as Lena Oxton, her age as 26, and her base of operations as [[London]], England.<ref name=TracerBio>{{cite web|url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/tracer/|title=Heroes – Tracer|website=[[Battle.net|Play Overwatch]]|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524005002/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/tracer/|archive-date=May 24, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Purchese2016>{{cite web|last=Purchese|first=Robert|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-20-everything-you-need-to-know-about-overwatchs-story|title=Yes, Overwatch has a story. Here's everything you need to know|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=May 23, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613004105/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-20-everything-you-need-to-know-about-overwatchs-story|archive-date=June 13, 2016}}</ref>

Tracer is an adventurer and former agent of the international task force, Overwatch.<ref name=TracerBio/> In ''Overwatch'' lore, Tracer is known for her piloting skills; after being a member of the British [[Royal Air Force]], she became the youngest person ever inducted into Overwatch's experimental flight program.<ref name=Hall2014/><ref name=Donnelly2017>{{cite web|last=Donnelly|first=Joe|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/london-overwatch-league-team-named-london-spitfire-after-ww2-warplane/|title=London Overwatch League team named 'London Spitfire' after WW2 warplane|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=March 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314104704/https://www.pcgamer.com/london-overwatch-league-team-named-london-spitfire-after-ww2-warplane/|archive-date=March 14, 2018}}</ref> She was chosen to test the Slipstream, a prototype of a teleporting fighter; during the test flight, the Slipstream's teleportation matrix malfunctioned and Tracer was pronounced dead.<ref name=Purchese2016/> She later reappeared, having been desynchronized from the flow of time, preventing her from keeping a physical form in the present until a scientist named [[Winston (Overwatch)|Winston]] created the chronal accelerator, which gives Tracer control over her own time.<ref name=Purchese2016/> These events occur during a period in which the Overwatch organization was increasingly protested and criticized by the public.<ref name=Ramos2017/> In an April 2017 patch, the game's "Hero Gallery" was updated to include short biographies for the characters and background information on the skins that the player can equip onto characters.<ref name=Barrett2017b>{{cite web|last=Barrett|first=Ben|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-patch-110-draw-changes|title=Overwatch patch 1.10 notes - massive Lucio changes and Assault map fixes|work=[[PCGamesN]]|date=April 11, 2017|access-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412143422/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-patch-110-draw-changes|archive-date=April 12, 2017}}</ref> Though in the franchise's narrative Overwatch was forcibly dissolved, Tracer's biography notes that she continues "to right wrongs and fight the good fight wherever the opportunity presents itself".<ref name=Hall2014/><ref name=TracerBio/>

Tracer was one of the first characters to have her backstory fleshed out. In an interview with ''[[PC Gamer]]'', the game's creative director, [[Chris Metzen]] likened her to a [[Spider-Man]]–type character and stated, "Tracer [was] one of the first characters we really got to know. And while she wasn't particularly created to be a starring role, if you will, [...] it feels good to leverage her in the front of story ideas."<ref name=Marks2015>{{cite web|last=Marks|first=Tom|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-story-chris-metzen-interview/|title=How Blizzard is making up Overwatch's story as it goes|page=2|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=December 10, 2015|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526131840/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-story-chris-metzen-interview/|archive-date=May 26, 2016}}</ref> Tracer has been called a peppy character;<ref name=Savage2016>{{cite web|last=Savage|first=Phil|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-review/|title=Overwatch review|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=May 27, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529110512/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-review/|archive-date=May 29, 2016}}</ref> ''Hardcore Gamer''{{'}}s Kevin Dunsmore described her as a "spunky [[British people|Brit]] [who is] [...] full of little quips as she zips around the battlefield".<ref name=Dunsmore2016>{{cite web|last=Dunsmore|first=Kevin|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/26/review-overwatch/208761/|title=Review: Overwatch|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=May 26, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529025504/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/26/review-overwatch/208761/|archive-date=May 29, 2016}}</ref> Kaplan described Tracer as cute and playful, noting that she does everything with a wink and a smile.<ref name=ODwyerHaywald2016/> In an interview with ''[[PCGamesN]]'', game designer Michael Chu said he feels Tracer embodies the game's theme of heroism, adding, "she has a personality which is out of the norm for most people. She is incredibly optimistic, she is incredibly bubbly—it's part of her hero persona."<ref name=Barrett2016>{{cite web|last=Barrett|first=Ben|url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-villains|title=Blizzard on the future of the Overwatch cast - "We could definitely use some more villains in the universe"|work=[[PCGamesN]]|date=May 25, 2016|access-date=June 5, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602214357/http://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-villains|archive-date=June 2, 2016}}</ref> Matching her English origin, Tracer is voiced by English actress [[Cara Theobold]].<ref name=BTVA>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Overwatch/Tracer/|title=Voice of Tracer|work=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527120646/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Overwatch/Tracer|archive-date=May 27, 2016}}</ref>

At BlizzCon 2015, Metzen was asked about the presence of gay heroes in the ''Overwatch'' universe; he confirmed there were such characters but elaborated, "we want it to play out organically, we don't want it to be a data point or feel contrived in any way."<ref name=Higgins2015>{{cite web|last=Higgins|first=Chris|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-animated-shorts-and-graphic-novels-to-tell-story-outside-game|title=Overwatch animated shorts and graphic novels to tell story outside game|work=[[PCGamesN]]|date=November 7, 2015|access-date=December 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206021849/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-animated-shorts-and-graphic-novels-to-tell-story-outside-game|archive-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref> A lesbian, Tracer became the first ''Overwatch'' hero to be canonically revealed as [[LGBTQ]] in ''Reflections'', a December 2016 issue of the [[Overwatch (digital comic series)|''Overwatch'' digital comic]].<ref name=Frank2016/><ref name=Chu2016>{{cite tweet|last=Chu|first=Michael|user=westofhouse|number=812110259737137152|title=For those who have asked specifically, Tracer identifies as a lesbian.|date=December 22, 2016|access-date=December 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223055251/https:/twitter.com/westofhouse/status/812110259737137152|archive-date=December 23, 2016}}</ref> She is depicted in the comic as a partner in a romantic relationship with a woman named Emily, who is not part of the Overwatch team.<ref name=Frank2016/> Blizzard noted the importance of variety in character background, which helps deepen and enrich the game's broader fictional universe.<ref name=Serrao2016>{{cite magazine|last=Serrao|first=Nivea|url=https://ew.com/gaming/2016/12/21/overwatch-tracer-confirmed-lesbian/|title=''Overwatch'' comic confirms popular character is a lesbian|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=December 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222211900/http://ew.com/gaming/2016/12/21/overwatch-tracer-confirmed-lesbian/|archive-date=December 22, 2016}}</ref> Blizzard stated about Tracer's development, "As with any aspect of our characters' backgrounds, their sexuality is just one part of what makes our heroes who they are. From the very beginning of our work on Tracer's story, it just felt right to make this an aspect of her character."<ref name=Alexander2016>{{cite web|last=Alexander|first=Heather|url=http://kotaku.com/our-thoughts-on-overwatchs-tracer-being-gay-1790338620|title=Our Thoughts On Overwatch's Tracer Being Gay|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221004943/http://kotaku.com/our-thoughts-on-overwatchs-tracer-being-gay-1790338620|archive-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref>

==Gameplay==

===''Overwatch'' and ''Overwatch 2''===
At the original game's launch, Tracer was classified as an offense character.<ref name=VG247guide>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/05/24/overwatch-hero-guide-tracer/|title=Overwatch hero guide: Tracer|work=[[VG247]]|date=May 24, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525134226/http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/24/overwatch-hero-guide-tracer/|archive-date=May 25, 2016}}</ref> In a June 2018 patch for the game, Blizzard merged the offense and defense classes into a single one known as "Damage" or "[[Glossary of video game terms#damage per second|damage per second]]" (DPS).<ref>{{cite web|last=Saed|first=Sherif|url=https://www.vg247.com/overwatch-1-25-patch-endorsements-looking-for-group-pc-ps4-xbox-one|title=Overwatch's Endorsement system, Looking for Group, Symmetra rework now live for all|work=[[VG247]]|date=June 27, 2018|accessdate=March 30, 2023|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330105938/https://www.vg247.com/overwatch-1-25-patch-endorsements-looking-for-group-pc-ps4-xbox-one|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the more versatile DPS characters,<ref name=Broadwell2022/> Tracer is listed as a two-star (medium) difficulty character for players.<ref name=TracerBio/> She is equipped with dual pulse pistols that reload quickly and deal damage rapidly at a short range.<ref name=VG247guide/><ref name=Cooper2016>{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Sammy|url=http://www.gamereactor.eu/articles/416253/Overwatch+Character+Guide+-+Offence/|title=Overwatch: Character Guide – Offence|work=[[Gamereactor]]|date=May 24, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528125753/http://www.gamereactor.eu/articles/416253/Overwatch+Character+Guide+-+Offence|archive-date=May 28, 2016}}</ref> She is commonly cited by video game media as one of the fastest characters for both the original game's and sequel's rosters.<ref name=Broadwell2022>{{cite web|last=Broadwell|first=Josh|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-tracer-hero-guide/1100-6508317/|title=Overwatch 2 - Tracer Hero Guide|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=October 19, 2022|accessdate=May 15, 2023|archive-date=May 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515110833/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-2-tracer-hero-guide/1100-6508317/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Stubbsy2016/> Highly mobile and an effective flanker, she is considered an annoyance to the opposing team.<ref name=Toms2022>{{cite web|last=Toms|first=Ollie|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/overwatch-2-characters|title=Overwatch 2 characters list: Every character and their abilities detailed|work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|date=October 13, 2022|accessdate=May 15, 2023|archive-date=May 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515113711/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/overwatch-2-characters|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Tracer has a speed advantage, she has the lowest health pool in the game.<ref name=Stubbsy2016>{{cite web|last=Stubbsy|first=Mike|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/overwatch-beginners-guide-pros-cons-every-character-blizzards-shooter-1561674|title=Overwatch beginner's guide: Pros and cons for every character in Blizzard's shooter|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=May 24, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529133621/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/overwatch-beginners-guide-pros-cons-every-character-blizzards-shooter-1561674|archive-date=May 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Schneider2016>{{cite web|last=Schneider|first=Steven|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/161232/20160528/overwatch-the-ultimate-guide-to-every-character-in-the-game.htm|title='Overwatch': The Ultimate Guide To Every Character In The Game|work=Tech Times|date=May 28, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529135545/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/161232/20160528/overwatch-the-ultimate-guide-to-every-character-in-the-game.htm|archive-date=May 29, 2016}}</ref> Her Blink ability, which comes with three charges, allows her to [[teleportation|teleport]] a short distance in the direction she is traveling.<ref name=Savage2016/> Using this ability she can "zip behind an enemy in an instant for surprise attacks, or dodge completely out of the line of fire".<ref name=VG247guide/> Her Recall ability allows Tracer to return to her position three seconds prior, resetting her health and reloading her gun. Both abilities have a [[cooldown]] period.<ref name=VG247guide/><ref name="Schneider2016" /> Tracer's ultimate ability is Pulse Bomb, a [[sticky bomb]] that clings to the first surface or hero it touches before detonating with [[area of effect]] damage.<ref name=VG247guide/><ref name=Cooper2016/>

[[Jeff Kaplan]] has commented on her harassing gameplay style, noting that:<blockquote> [The game has] characters like Tracer and [[Genji (Overwatch)|Genji]]&nbsp;... who are really unique in how ''Overwatch'' is played, and sometimes the absolute right thing for Tracer to be doing is to be off on her own, completely away from the objective or completely away from the team, harassing other players who are running back from the spawn. And she might not even be killing those players&nbsp;... She's a distracting, ambushing skirmisher. And that doesn't really fit in necessarily with objective time.&nbsp;... You can be the absolute MVP of the match when you're doing some of those things, and there's no way to really score it accurately.<ref name=ODwyerHaywald2016>{{cite web|last1=O'Dwyer|first1=Danny|last2=Haywald|first2=Justin|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-story-of-overwatch-the-complete-jeff-kaplan-in/1100-6439202/|title=The Story of Overwatch: The Complete Jeff Kaplan Interview|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530205229/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-story-of-overwatch-the-complete-jeff-kaplan-in/1100-6439202/|archive-date=May 30, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref></blockquote>

Upon the release of ''Overwatch 2'', ''[[Den of Geek]]'' noted Tracer as "an obvious star of the speedy ''Overwatch 2'' meta," but added that "the fact she spends less time frustrating slow [[Characters of the Overwatch franchise#Tank heroes|tanks]] than she used to means that Tracer players will have to pick on DPS characters a bit more than they used to."<ref name=Byrd2022>{{cite web|last=Byrd|first=Matthew|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/overwatch-2-every-character-hero-ranked-worst-best-meta-tier-list/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006195948/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/overwatch-2-every-character-hero-ranked-worst-best-meta-tier-list/|archive-date=October 6, 2022|title=Overwatch 2: Every Character Ranked Worst to Best|work=[[Den of Geek]]|date=October 12, 2022|orig-date=October 6, 2022|accessdate=October 7, 2022}}</ref>

===''Heroes of the Storm''===

''[[Destructoid]]'' noted that her unconventional design in ''Heroes of the Storm'' is similar to her ''Overwatch'' design, writing that "she has the same basic abilities, and even powers up her Heroic [ability] just like an ultimate—by dealing damage".<ref name=Carter2016/> A Heroic ability in ''Heroes of the Storm'' is player-chosen and is unlocked once the hero reaches level 10.<ref name=Pereira2016a/> In ''Heroes of the Storm'', players have no control over Tracer's Heroic ability, which is unlocked immediately.<ref name=Pereira2016a>{{cite web|last=Pereira|first=Chris|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/heroes-of-the-storms-new-super-mobile-character-st/1100-6437462/|title=Heroes of the Storm's New, Super-Mobile Character Starts Out With Her Heroic Ability|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=April 4, 2016|access-date=October 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007130159/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/heroes-of-the-storms-new-super-mobile-character-st/1100-6437462/|archive-date=October 7, 2016}}</ref> Her core skill-set is teleportation, which includes a quick blink strike and a Recall ability that functions similarly to the one in ''Overwatch''.<ref name=Carter2016>{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|url=https://www.destructoid.com/no-ifs-ands-or-butts-heroes-of-the-storm-s-tracer-is-a-beast-356358.phtml|title=No ifs, ands, or butts: Heroes of the Storm's Tracer is a beast|work=[[Destructoid]]|date=April 19, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524081256/http://www.destructoid.com/no-ifs-ands-or-butts-heroes-of-the-storm-s-tracer-is-a-beast-356358.phtml|archive-date=May 24, 2016}}</ref> Chris Thursten of ''PC Gamer'' wrote that he was impressed by her ''Heroes of the Storm'' design, which defies the normal rules of the game and allows her to "literally [run] circles around certain heroes".<ref name=Thursten2016/> Acknowledging that she can be an "absolute terror to the enemy team", Blizzard rolled out a [[nerfing (gaming)|nerf]]ed version of the character on May 4, 2016, less than a month after her introduction.<ref name=Prescott2016>{{cite web|last=Prescott|first=Shaun|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/heroes-of-the-storms-tracer-is-getting-nerfed/|title=Heroes of the Storm's Tracer is getting nerfed|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519143608/http://www.pcgamer.com/heroes-of-the-storms-tracer-is-getting-nerfed/|archive-date=May 19, 2016}}</ref>

==Appearances==
===Video games===
Tracer debuted as a playable character in the video game ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' in its April 2016 update, nearly a month prior to the release of ''Overwatch''.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzaMOGjKMXw|title=Tracer Spotlight – Heroes of the Storm|via=[[YouTube]]|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=April 15, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421162358/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzaMOGjKMXw|archive-date=April 21, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Pereira2016>{{cite web|last=Pereira|first=Chris|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-heroes-of-the-storm-patch-adds-overwatchs-trac/1100-6438995/|title=New Heroes of the Storm Patch Adds Overwatch's Tracer, Tweaks Maps and Characters|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=April 19, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605101007/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-heroes-of-the-storm-patch-adds-overwatchs-trac/1100-6438995/|archive-date=June 5, 2016}}</ref> ''PC Gamer''{{'s}} Chris Thursten called her inclusion in the game a marketing move but noted that Tracer felt different than other [[Multiplayer online battle arena|MOBA]] characters as a result of her origin in a first-person shooter. He praised her inclusion as a legitimate addition to the roster, writing that she "introduces a bunch of new ideas to ''Heroes of the Storm'' that elevate her above traditional preorder bonus fluff".<ref name=Thursten2016>{{cite web|last=Thursten|first=Chris|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/tracer-brings-genuinely-new-ideas-to-heroes-of-the-storm/|title=Tracer brings genuinely new ideas to Heroes of the Storm|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525042928/http://www.pcgamer.com/tracer-brings-genuinely-new-ideas-to-heroes-of-the-storm/|archive-date=May 25, 2016}}</ref>

The video game ''Overwatch'' lacks a traditional campaign or story mode; its lore and character backgrounds, including Tracer's, are instead shown through its map design and character voice lines.<ref name=Frank2017b>{{cite web|last=Frank|first=Allegra|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/30/15492290/overwatch-story-lore-campaign-tribeca-games-festival-2017|title=How Overwatch still stuffs story into a campaign-less game|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=April 30, 2017|access-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430232304/http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/30/15492290/overwatch-story-lore-campaign-tribeca-games-festival-2017|archive-date=April 30, 2017}}</ref><ref name=Marks2016>{{cite web|last=Marks|first=Tom|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/the-hidden-lore-of-overwatchs-maps/|title=The hidden lore of Overwatch's maps|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=June 1, 2016|access-date=October 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054205/http://www.pcgamer.com/the-hidden-lore-of-overwatchs-maps/|archive-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref>

In April 2017, Blizzard launched Uprising, a [[Overwatch seasonal events|seasonal event]] that included an eponymous [[player versus environment]] [[Cooperative video game|co-op]] game mode.<ref name=Moore2017>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Bo|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-uprising-legendary-guide/|title=Overwatch Uprising legendary guide|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=April 20, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802073537/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-uprising-legendary-guide/|archive-date=August 2, 2017}}</ref> The default version of the mode limits players to four characters; Tracer, [[Torbjörn (Overwatch)|Torbjörn]], [[Reinhardt (Overwatch)|Reinhardt]], and [[Mercy (Overwatch)|Mercy]].<ref name=Moore2017/> The limitation to these characters was due to the mode being a portrayal of the King's Row Uprising event from ''Overwatch''<nowiki/>'s past.<ref name=Barrett2017>{{cite web|last=Barrett|first=Ben|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-kings-row-uprising-event-april-11|title=Jeff Kaplan confirms playable element in Overwatch's April 11 King's Row Uprising|work=[[PCGamesN]]|date=April 4, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503044352/https://www.pcgamesn.com/overwatch/overwatch-kings-row-uprising-event-april-11|archive-date=May 3, 2017}}</ref> In this story element set seven years before the events in the main game, Tracer—then known as Cadet Oxton—works alongside the other three characters in her first mission as a member of Overwatch.<ref name=Amato2017b>{{cite web|last=Amato|first=Peter|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/04/relive-tracers-first-mission-with-overwatchs-upris.html|title=Relive Tracer's First Mission With Overwatch's "Uprising" Event|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|date=April 11, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616075951/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/04/relive-tracers-first-mission-with-overwatchs-upris.html|archive-date=June 16, 2017}}</ref> The strike team is tasked with thwarting an attack on London perpetrated by an extremist group.<ref name=Amato2017b/>

Tracer again appeared in the ''Overwatch 2'',<ref name=Braz2019/> which is set to expand the ''Overwatch'' narrative with a [[player versus environment]] (PvE) mode.<ref>{{cite web|last=Purchese|first=Robert|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/everything-we-learned-about-overwatch-2-at-this-years-blizzcon|title=Everything we learned about Overwatch 2 at this year's BlizzCon|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=November 6, 2019|accessdate=March 31, 2023|archive-date=March 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331170618/https://www.eurogamer.net/everything-we-learned-about-overwatch-2-at-this-years-blizzcon|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Animations and films===
In November 2014, Tracer appeared alongside [[Winston (Overwatch)|Winston]] in a cinematic trailer for ''Overwatch''. The two characters fought against [[Widowmaker (Overwatch)|Widowmaker]] and [[Reaper (Overwatch)|Reaper]], agents of a terrorist group called Talon.<ref name=Ramos2017/><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqnKB22pOC0|title=Overwatch Cinematic Trailer|via=[[YouTube]]|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609072339/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqnKB22pOC0|archive-date=June 9, 2016}}</ref> The trailer, which officially announced ''Overwatch'', debuted at BlizzCon 2014.<ref name=Schreler2014>{{cite web|last=Schreler|first=Jason|url=http://kotaku.com/blizzard-announces-overwatch-1656048978|title=Blizzard Announces ''Overwatch''|work=Kotaku|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121052405/http://kotaku.com/blizzard-announces-overwatch-1656048978|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref> Widowmaker and Reaper invade a museum and try to steal Doomfist's gauntlet; Tracer and Winston thwart the heist.<ref name=Ramos2017/>

In March 2016, Tracer had a voice-only appearance in ''Recall'', the first in a series of [[Overwatch animated media|animated ''Overwatch'' shorts]]. Tracer responds to Winston's recall of Overwatch agents, allowing her voice to be heard.<ref name=Recall2016>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB5zlHMsM7k|title=Overwatch Animated Short {{pipe}} "Recall"|via=[[YouTube]]|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=March 23, 2016|access-date=May 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602041631/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB5zlHMsM7k|archive-date=June 2, 2016}}</ref> The events of ''Recall'' occur prior to those of the 2014 cinematic trailer.<ref name=Purchese2016/> In April, Tracer made a physical appearance in ''Alive'', the second in the series of animated ''Overwatch'' shorts.<ref name=Alive2016>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U130wnpi-C0|title=Overwatch Animated Short {{pipe}} "Alive"|via=[[YouTube]]|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616114733/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U130wnpi-C0|archive-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref> The short is set in London's King's Row, which is the setting one of the game's maps.<ref name=McWhertor2016b>{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/3/11358118/overwatch-alive-animated-short-widowmaker-blizzard-entertainment|title=Overwatch's second animated short sets its sights on Widowmaker|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=April 3, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118191228/http://www.polygon.com/2016/4/3/11358118/overwatch-alive-animated-short-widowmaker-blizzard-entertainment|archive-date=January 18, 2017}}</ref> In the short, Tracer attempts to stop Widowmaker from assassinating [[Characters of the Overwatch franchise#Tekhartha Mondatta|Tekhartha Mondatta]].<ref name=Ramos2017>{{cite web|last=Ramos|first=Jeff|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline|title=The definitive Overwatch timeline|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=April 28, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621114349/http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/24/11722688/overwatch-timeline|archive-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Mascarenhas2016b>{{cite web|last=Mascarenhas|first=Hyacinth|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/watch-widowmaker-tracer-battle-it-out-blizzards-second-overwatch-animated-short-alive-1553013|title=Watch Widowmaker and Tracer battle it out in Blizzard's second Overwatch animated short Alive|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=April 4, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513024737/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/watch-widowmaker-tracer-battle-it-out-blizzards-second-overwatch-animated-short-alive-1553013|archive-date=May 13, 2016}}</ref> Tracer fails to protect Mondatta and is incapacitated by Widowmaker, who damages her chronal accelerator.<ref name=Ramos2017/>

In April 2017, Tracer appeared in a video showing the events of the King's Row Uprising event, which Blizzard described as "a pivotal moment in history from before the fall of Overwatch".<ref name=Nunneley2017>{{cite web|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/04/11/overwatch-uprising-kicks-off-today-and-runs-through-may-1-heres-the-patch-notes/|title=Overwatch: Uprising is now live and runs through May 1 – here's the patch notes|work=[[VG247]]|date=April 11, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614222551/http://www.vg247.com/2017/04/11/overwatch-uprising-kicks-off-today-and-runs-through-may-1-heres-the-patch-notes/|archive-date=June 14, 2017}}</ref> Tracer narrates the video as Cadet Oxton.<ref name=Nunneley2017/> In July, Blizzard released another animated origin story focusing on the character [[Doomfist]]; in the video, Tracer, Genji and Winston battle Doomfist.<ref name=Marshall2017>{{cite web|last=Marshall|first=Cass|url=https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2017/7/6/15929672/doomfist-overwatch-lore-talon-council-reaper|title=Doomfist is finally here! Here's what we know about his lore|work=[[Polygon (website)|Heroes Never Die]]|date=July 6, 2017|accessdate=May 15, 2023|archive-date=May 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515101558/https://www.heroesneverdie.com/2017/7/6/15929672/doomfist-overwatch-lore-talon-council-reaper|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tracer appears as a background character and avatar in [[Steven Spielberg]]'s 2018 film ''[[Ready Player One (film)|Ready Player One]]'', based on the novel [[Ready Player One|of the same name]] by [[Ernest Cline]].<ref name=Hussain2017>{{cite web|last=Hussain|first=Tamoor|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-ready-player-one-trailer-features-overwatch-an/1100-6455540/|title=New Ready Player One Trailer Features Overwatch And Street Fighter Cameos|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=December 10, 2017|access-date=December 10, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211053413/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-ready-player-one-trailer-features-overwatch-an/1100-6455540/|archive-date=December 11, 2017}}</ref>

In November 2019, Tracer appeared in the ''Zero Hour'' animated cinematic, which functioned as an announcement for ''Overwatch 2''.<ref name=Andreadis2019>{{cite web|last=Andreadis|first=Kosta|url=https://www.redbull.com/za-en/overwatch-2-everything-you-need-to-know|title=Overwatch 2 - Everything you need to know|publisher=[[Red Bull]]|date=December 20, 2019|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-date=March 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325035520/https://www.redbull.com/za-en/overwatch-2-everything-you-need-to-know|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Comics===
[[Overwatch (digital comic series)|''Overwatch''{{'}}s tie-in digital comic series]] featured Tracer in its December 2016 issue, ''Reflections''.<ref name=Frank2016/> ''Reflections'' is a holiday-themed issue written by Michael Chu and featuring art by Miki Montlló.<ref name=Riesman2016>{{cite web|last=Rieseman|first=Abraham|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/12/overwatch-tracer-queer.html|title=''Overwatch'' Character Tracer Revealed As Queer|work=[[New York (magazine)#Digital|Vulture]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221171909/http://www.vulture.com/2016/12/overwatch-tracer-queer.html|archive-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref> Tracer is depicted in a romantic relationship with a woman named Emily, who is not on the Overwatch team.<ref name=Serrao2016/> This confirmed Tracer as the first of several characters that Blizzard noted have diverse sexuality.<ref name=Frank2016>{{cite web|last=Frank|first=Allegra|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/12/20/14028604/overwatch-gay-tracer|title=Overwatch's new comic confirms game's first queer character|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221091432/http://www.polygon.com/2016/12/20/14028604/overwatch-gay-tracer|archive-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref> To avoid legal conflict with [[Russian gay propaganda law|Russia's ban against gay propaganda]], Blizzard blocked access to this comic from the [[Russia|Russian Federation]].<ref name=Matulef2016b>{{cite web|last=Matulef|first=Jeffrey|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-12-20-overwatch-webcomic-blocked-in-russia-over-gay-character|title=Overwatch webcomic blocked in Russia over gay character|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221092605/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-12-20-overwatch-webcomic-blocked-in-russia-over-gay-character|archive-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref> Tracer is depicted with her chronal accelerator removed; the game's Twitter account confirmed the accelerator still works if removed as long as it is charging nearby.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=PlayOverwatch|number=811296958178529281|title=@RedWolfStudiosx It's on the floor charging near her. As long as it's near by it still works.|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=February 3, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213003653/https://twitter.com/PlayOverwatch/status/811296958178529281|archive-date=February 13, 2017}}</ref>

Tracer appears in the April 2017 issue, ''Uprising''.<ref name=Frank2017>{{cite web|last=Frank|first=Allegra|url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/5/15194036/overwatch-kings-row-uprising-event-comic|title=Overwatch's new comic sets the stage for its next big event|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=April 5, 2017|access-date=April 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406110235/http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/5/15194036/overwatch-kings-row-uprising-event-comic|archive-date=April 6, 2017}}</ref> The issue, set seven years before the game, is about a terrorist attack by an extremist group on King's Row in London.<ref name=Frank2017/> In the comic, Overwatch is forbidden from operating in England but [[Characters of the Overwatch franchise#Soldier: 76|Strike Commander Jack Morrison]], also known as Soldier: 76, sends Tracer—then new to the Overwatch team—along with Reinhardt, Torbjörn, and Mercy to assist with the situation in London.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=Chu, Micheal|artist=Shuko, Gray|letterer=Comicraft|editor=Gary, Cate; Simpson, Robert|story=Uprising|title=[[Overwatch (digital comic series)|Overwatch]]|issue=12|date=April 5, 2017|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]}}</ref> Tracer's catchphrase, "Cheers love, the cavalry's here!" is derived from a comment made by Torbjörn when they first meet.<ref>{{cite comic|writer=Chu, Micheal|artist=Shuko, Gray|letterer=Comicraft|editor=Gary, Cate; Simpson, Robert|story=Uprising|title=[[Overwatch (digital comic series)|Overwatch]]|issue=12|date=April 5, 2017|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|pages=11–12}}</ref>

In September 2020, Blizzard began publishing ''Tracer—London Calling'', a five-issue comic series.<ref name=Martinez2020>{{cite web|last=Martinez|first=Phillip|url=https://www.newsweek.com/overwatch-tracer-comic-challenge-event-unlocks-epic-skin-how-1532096|title='Overwatch' Tracer Comic Challenge Event is Live! Here's How to Unlock Everything|work=[[Newsweek]]|date=September 15, 2020|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615083923/https://www.newsweek.com/overwatch-tracer-comic-challenge-event-unlocks-epic-skin-how-1532096|url-status=live}}</ref> The comic served as a tie-in for an [[Overwatch seasonal events|in-game seasonal event]].<ref name=Martinez2020/> The comic series delves into Tracer's interactions with the omnics of the London Underground, as well as human–omnic relations.<ref name=DevUp2020>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDBi6pMime4|title=Developer Update {{pipe}} Tracer Comic and Challenge {{pipe}} Overwatch|via=[[YouTube]]|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=September 14, 2020|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615083922/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDBi6pMime4|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Merchandising and promotion===
Tracer has appeared in ''Overwatch'' merchandising. In 2017, Japanese manufacturer [[Good Smile Company]] partnered with Blizzard to release ''Overwatch'' action figures in their [[Nendoroid]] and [[Figma (toy)|Figma]] lines, which included figures of Tracer.<ref name=Osborn2017>{{cite web|last=Osborn|first=Alex|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/15/overwatch-tracer-nendoroid-figure-announced|title=Overwatch: Tracer Nendoroid Figure Announced|work=[[IGN]]|date=February 14, 2017|access-date=July 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320040516/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/15/overwatch-tracer-nendoroid-figure-announced|archive-date=March 20, 2017}}</ref><ref name=Duwe2017>{{cite web|last=Duwe|first=Scott|url=https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/tracer-figma-action-figure-blizzard-15122|title=This customizable Tracer action figure is $70|work=[[Dot Esports]]|date=June 9, 2017|accessdate=October 7, 2022|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006180613/https://dotesports.com/overwatch/news/tracer-figma-action-figure-blizzard-15122|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, [[Lego]] announced an ''Overwatch'' set featuring Tracer.<ref name=Radulovic2018>{{cite web|last=Radulovic|first=Petrana|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/2/17928380/overwatch-lego-line-tracer-heroes|title=Overwatch's Lego line teaser introduces first tiny, blocky hero|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=October 2, 2018|access-date=January 12, 2019|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615083922/https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/2/17928380/overwatch-lego-line-tracer-heroes|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2022, Blizzard and [[McDonald's]] entered a promotional partnership, which packaged Tracer's "Lightning" skin for a limited-time with certain combo meal orders. Customers were granted the skin for use in ''Overwatch 2''.<ref name=Dinsdale>{{cite web|last=Dinsdale|first=Ryan|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/an-overwatch-2-tracer-skin-is-being-given-away-by-mcdonalds|title=An Overwatch 2 Tracer Skin Is Being Given Away by McDonalds|date=October 19, 2022|accessdate=May 30, 2023|archive-date=May 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522110550/https://www.ign.com/articles/an-overwatch-2-tracer-skin-is-being-given-away-by-mcdonalds|url-status=live}}</ref> 

==Reception==
Tracer is often cited as the "poster girl" for the ''Overwatch'' franchise, with many publications referring to her as the original game's mascot or noting that she essentially fills that role.{{NoteTag|Sources that cite Tracer as such, or share similar sentiments like calling her the game's "cover girl" or "cover woman" include:<ref name=McWhertor2016/><ref name=Dunsmore2016/><ref name=VG247guide/><ref name=Cooper2016/><ref name=Duwe2017/><ref name=PolygonStaff2019/><ref name=MinottiGrubb2016>{{cite web|last1=Minotti|first1=Mike|last2=Grubb|first2=Jeff|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/24/why-we-already-love-overwatch/|title=Why we already love Overwatch|work=[[VentureBeat]]|date=May 24, 2016|access-date=May 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602050603/http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/24/why-we-already-love-overwatch/|archive-date=June 2, 2016}}</ref>}} Similarly, video game media writers have described her as one of, if not the most "iconic" character in the franchise,<ref name=Hamilton2016>{{cite web|last=Hamilton|first=Kirk|url=http://kotaku.com/overwatchs-tracer-is-the-best-and-i-love-her-1783365049|title=''Overwatch''{{'}}s Tracer Is The Best And I Love Her|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=July 8, 2016|access-date=July 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708214742/http://kotaku.com/overwatchs-tracer-is-the-best-and-i-love-her-1783365049|archive-date=July 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Whittaker2016b>{{cite web|last=Whittaker|first=Matt|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/24/overwatch-character-guide-tracer-roadhog-junkrat/208345/|title=Overwatch Character Guide: Tracer, Roadhog, Junkrat|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=May 24, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525182411/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/05/24/overwatch-character-guide-tracer-roadhog-junkrat/208345/|archive-date=May 25, 2016}}</ref> with some including her among the best or most iconic video game characters in general.{{NoteTag|Sources that share such an opinion about Tracer include:
*''[[Glixel]]''{{'}}s "50 Most Iconic Video Game Characters of the 21s Century" list (2016):<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Rolling Stone#Glixel|''Glixel'' Staff]]|url=http://www.glixel.com/news/lists/50-most-iconic-video-game-characters-of-the-21st-century-w449203/tracer-w449258|title=50 Most Iconic Video Game Characters of the 21st Century|website=[[Rolling Stone#Glixel|Glixel]]|date=November 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122055215/http://www.glixel.com/news/lists/50-most-iconic-video-game-characters-of-the-21st-century-w449203/tracer-w449258|archive-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
*''[[PC Gamer]]''{{'}}s "50 most iconic characters in PC gaming" list (2021):<ref name=Lane2021>{{Cite web|last=Lane|first=Rick|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-50-most-iconic-characters-in-pc-gaming/|title=The 50 most iconic characters in PC gaming|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=November 12, 2021|accessdate=December 22, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126052026/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-50-most-iconic-characters-in-pc-gaming/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''{{'}}s "70 best video game characters of the 2010s" list (2019):<ref name=PolygonStaff2019>{{cite web|author=''Polygon'' Staff|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon|title=The 70 best video game characters of the decade|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=November 27, 2019|access-date=December 30, 2019|archive-date=January 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101231120/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon|url-status=live}}</ref>}} ''[[The Daily Dot]]''{{'}}s Joseph Knoop ranked her as the second-best ''Overwatch'' character, writing "Tracer is at many times the heart and soul of ''Overwatch''{{'}}s unerring optimism" and calling her the "indisputable face" of the franchise.<ref name=Knoop2018>{{cite web|last=Knoop|first=Joseph|url=https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/best-overwatch-character/|title=Every Overwatch character, ranked|work=[[The Daily Dot]]|date=May 21, 2021|accessdate=October 7, 2022|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419045956/https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/best-overwatch-character/|url-status=live}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' in 2019, Nicole Carpenter called Tracer one of the best video game characters of the decade, stating, "not only is she the cover woman of a competitive shooter, but she's a gay woman — and that's been important for a lot of fans who may not have otherwise seen queer characters in blockbuster video games."<ref name=PolygonStaff2019/> 

Jeff Grubb of ''[[VentureBeat]]'' noted that Tracer seemed "especially popular" within the game's early fan culture.<ref name=Grubb2016>{{cite web|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/07/overwatch-pornhub-searches-jumped-817-during-the-shooters-open-beta/|title='Overwatch' Pornhub searches jumped 817% during the shooter's open beta|work=[[VentureBeat]]|date=May 7, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616110219/http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/07/overwatch-pornhub-searches-jumped-817-during-the-shooters-open-beta/|archive-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref> Having gained a following among players even prior to ''Overwatch''{{'}}s official release, Tracer has appeared in much fan art and cosplay.<ref name=Ashcraft2016/><ref name=Plunkett2016>{{cite web|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/04/oh-man-this-overwatch-cosplay/|title=Oh Man, This Overwatch Cosplay|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=April 13, 2016|access-date=May 14, 2023|archive-date=May 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515023046/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/04/oh-man-this-overwatch-cosplay/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Kotaku''{{'}}s Nathan Grayson described her as "peppy and fun, but also courageous and badass", adding that, "In creating their own works involving Tracer, fans have turned those characteristics up to 11. Some depict her as childlike, naive and carefree. She can even be kind of a doof, a punchline."<ref name=Grayson2016d>{{cite web|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|url=http://kotaku.com/overwatch-fans-have-turned-tracer-into-a-completely-dif-1781783411|work=[[Kotaku]]|title=''Overwatch'' Fans Have Turned Tracer Into A Completely Different Character|date=June 20, 2016|access-date=October 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011055153/http://kotaku.com/overwatch-fans-have-turned-tracer-into-a-completely-dif-1781783411|archive-date=October 11, 2016}}</ref> ''Kotaku'' noted that Japanese gamers received ''Overwatch'' positively, finding the characters of Tracer and [[Mei (Overwatch)|Mei]] especially cute.<ref name="Ashcraft2016">{{cite web|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|url=http://kotaku.com/let-the-japanese-overwatch-fan-art-begin-1779104073|title=Let ''Overwatch''{{'}}s Japanese Fan Art Begin!|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=May 27, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2016|archive-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618134958/http://kotaku.com/let-the-japanese-overwatch-fan-art-begin-1779104073|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' noted that Tracer's popularity amongst fans hadn't "waned in the slightest" through the expansion of the game's character roster.<ref name=Lane2021/> Tracer's popularity had unintended consequences; ''Overwatch''-related searches increased by 817% on [[Pornhub]] after the game's open beta went live, making "Overwatch Tracer" the top search term related to the game.<ref name=Yenisey2016>{{cite web|last=Yenisey|first=Zeynep|url=http://www.maxim.com/entertainment/overwatch-pornhub-2016-5|title=How the Bizarre 'Overwatch' Fetish is Getting Gamers Hot and Bothered|work=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]|date=May 11, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601230240/http://www.maxim.com/entertainment/overwatch-pornhub-2016-5|archive-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Matulef2016a>{{cite web|last=Matulef|first=Jeffrey|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-27-is-blizzard-scrubbing-the-internet-of-overwatch-porn|title=Is Blizzard scrubbing the internet of Overwatch porn?|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=May 27, 2016|access-date=May 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612003912/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-27-is-blizzard-scrubbing-the-internet-of-overwatch-porn|archive-date=June 12, 2016}}</ref> Discontent with this fan-generated porn, Blizzard made efforts to have it removed.<ref name=BBC2016>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/36416420/overwatch-animated-porn-is-being-taken-offline-by-video-game-maker-blizzard|title=Overwatch animated porn is being taken offline by video game maker Blizzard|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=June 2, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601204946/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/36416420/overwatch-animated-porn-is-being-taken-offline-by-video-game-maker-blizzard|archive-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Chalk2016a>{{cite web|last=Chalk|first=Andy|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-porn-is-being-forced-offline/|title=Overwatch porn is being forced offline|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=May 27, 2016|access-date=June 2, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601152755/http://www.pcgamer.com/overwatch-porn-is-being-forced-offline/|archive-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref> Nonetheless, Tracer porn remained popular after the game's release, as she was the third-most-searched video game character on Pornhub in 2017, after fellow ''Overwatch'' characters [[D.Va]] and [[Mercy (Overwatch)|Mercy]].<ref name=Phillips2018>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-01-10-overwatch-pokemon-dominate-pornhubs-most-popular-game-characters-list-in-2017|title=Overwatch, Pokémon dominated Pornhub's most popular game characters of 2017|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830023800/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-01-10-overwatch-pokemon-dominate-pornhubs-most-popular-game-characters-list-in-2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Tracer & Emily kissing comic panel.png|thumb|right|Panel of the ''Reflections'' issue, in which Tracer is seen kissing her girlfriend, Emily (art by Miki Montlló). Tracer's depiction as a lesbian in the comic was generally well received by media outlets.<ref name=Hurley2016/>|alt=Artwork from a comic showing two young, Caucasian women with short, red hair kissing each other.]]

Tracer's canonical depiction as a lesbian was generally well received by media outlets and players alike.<ref name=Hurley2016>{{cite web|last=Hurley|first=Leon|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-best-reactions-to-tracer-being-gay-in-overwatch/|title=The best reactions to Tracer being gay in Overwatch|work=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206022246/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-best-reactions-to-tracer-being-gay-in-overwatch/|archive-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref><ref name=Moser2016>{{cite web|last=Moser|first=AJ|url=http://www.dailydot.com/parsec/overwatch-tracer-reactions/|title=Overwatch's historic openly gay character draws (mostly) praise from gamers|work=[[The Daily Dot]]|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206022241/http://www.dailydot.com/parsec/overwatch-tracer-reactions/|archive-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref> ''[[Eurogamer#Subsidiaries|USgamer]]'' called it "an impressive move for Blizzard, given that Tracer is their flagship character".<ref name=Williams2016>{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Mike|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-comic-highlights-holiday-spirit-oh-and-tracer-is-gay|title=Overwatch Comic Highlights Holiday Spirit; Oh, And Tracer is Gay|work=[[Eurogamer#Subsidiaries|USgamer]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206022223/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/overwatch-comic-highlights-holiday-spirit-oh-and-tracer-is-gay|archive-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref> ''Polygon''{{'}}s Allegra Frank described the revelation as one "that fans have waited a long, long time for".<ref name=Frank2016/> Peter Amato of ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' commented that, with the exception of a vocal minority, most fan reactions "ranged from indifferent to cheering".<ref name=Amato2017a>{{cite web|last=Amato|first=Peter|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/01/overwatchs-roadhog-is-getting-nerfed-soon.html|title=''Overwatch''{{'}}s Roadhog is Getting Nerfed Soon|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|date=January 4, 2017|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205182702/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/01/overwatchs-roadhog-is-getting-nerfed-soon.html|archive-date=February 5, 2017}}</ref> Several ''Kotaku'' writers discussed the revelation, leading to a positive consensus.<ref name=Alexandra2016>{{cite web|last=Alexandra|first=Heather|url=http://kotaku.com/our-thoughts-on-overwatchs-tracer-being-gay-1790338620|title=Our Thoughts On ''Overwatch''{{'}}s Tracer Being Gay|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221004943/http://kotaku.com/our-thoughts-on-overwatchs-tracer-being-gay-1790338620|archive-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref> ''Kotaku''{{'s}} Cecilia D'Anastasio pointed to a previous statement from Blizzard that clarified the developers' intention to have an LGBT character revelation play out organically, commenting: "I feel that the comic did that. Tracer buys her partner a scarf. Her partner likes it. They kiss. The comic moves on. I think it was handled quite well, although the idea of Blizzard announcing a queer character feels sort of&nbsp;... gimmicky."<ref name=Alexandra2016/> Gita Jackson concurred with D'Anastasio, noting she "was definitely concerned that revealing a queer character would come off as a gimmick, and [was] very pleased at how they pulled this off. This doesn't feel [[Tokenism|tokenized]]."<ref name="Alexandra2016" /> Fellow ''Kotaku'' writer Heather Alexandra commented, "I think having something explicit was necessary&nbsp;... Having something definite gives queer players a proper [[Media portrayal of LGBT people|point of contact]]".<ref name=Alexandra2016/> Andy Chalk of ''PC Gamer'' wrote:

<blockquote> ...the comic itself is a fairly straightforward heartwarming tale of what really matters during the most hectic season of all. But the reaction to Tracer's identity has been anything but. Messages decrying Blizzard's "mistake" have cropped up all over the ''Overwatch'' forums and other social media, countered by others praising the studio for explicitly stating—in a low-key fashion—that the face of one of the biggest games of the year is gay.<ref name=Chalk2016b>{{cite web|last=Chalk|first=Andy|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-overwatch-comic-celebrates-the-holidays-and-establishes-that-tracer-is-gay/|title=A new Overwatch comic celebrates the holidays and establishes that Tracer is gay|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206022249/http://www.pcgamer.com/a-new-overwatch-comic-celebrates-the-holidays-and-establishes-that-tracer-is-gay/|archive-date=February 6, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref></blockquote>

On her gameplay mechanics, [[ESPN]] described her as "the classic in-and-out harasser", referring to her speed and ability to blink around the map.<ref name=Szymborski2016/> Mike Minotti of ''VentureBeat'' said; "Tracer [is] a lot of fun to play. Her whole teleporting/rewinding mechanics [are] so unique and fast-paced. I feel like [Blizzard's] done a great job making a varied, relatively balanced cast."<ref name=MinottiGrubb2016/> Shortly before the game's five-year release anniversary, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' wrote that despite her Pulse Bomb not carrying "the same 'boom' it did in the old days," players still consistently picked Tracer for competitive matches.<ref name=AmenabarElker2021>{{cite news|last1=Amenabar|first1=Teddy|last2=Elker|first2=Jhaan|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/video-games/tips/overwatch-tips-tracer-hero/|title=How to excel at Tracer, 'Overwatch's' teleporting agent, according to two pros|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=May 7, 2021|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727093731/https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/video-games/tips/overwatch-tips-tracer-hero/|url-status=live}}</ref> The publication cited Yaki, a professional [[Overwatch League]] player who attributed Tracer's in-game appeal to her consistency, as she has the ability to perform well on any map.<ref name=AmenabarElker2021/> 

==See also==
* [[Characters of the Overwatch franchise|Characters of ''Overwatch'']]
* [[List of video games with LGBT characters: 2010s]]

==Notes==
{{notefoot}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|}}
* [http://media.blizzard.com/overwatch/media/reference/tracer_reference.pdf Official design reference guide] by Blizzard Entertainment.
{{Overwatch|state=expanded}}
{{Heroes of the Storm}}
{{Portal bar|LGBTQ|Video games}}
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 2016]]
[[Category:Female characters in animated films]]
[[Category:Female characters in comics]]
[[Category:Female characters in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional soldiers in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional British people in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional characters introduced in 2014]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can manipulate time]]
[[Category:Fictional female corporals]]
[[Category:Fictional fighter pilots]]
[[Category:Fictional people from London]]
[[Category:Fictional Royal Air Force personnel]]
[[Category:Fictional United Nations personnel]]
[[Category:Lesbian characters in video games]]
[[Category:Overwatch characters]]
[[Category:Time travelers]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 2016]]
[[Category:Video game characters who can teleport]]
[[Category:Video game controversies]]
[[Category:Video game mascots]]
[[Category:Vigilante characters in video games]]