Why is Mei so “Thick” in Overwatch? Unpacking the Character’s Design and Gameplay

The question of why Mei is perceived as “thick” in Overwatch and Overwatch 2 is multifaceted, encompassing visual design, gameplay mechanics, and a bit of community perception. The short answer? It’s a combination of clothing, character design intended to portray strength and resilience, and gameplay mechanics that position her as a surprisingly durable character, further enhanced in the community perception due to how characters are styled and perceived.

Deciphering the Visual Design

Clothing as a Key Factor

One of the most immediate reasons for Mei’s perceived “thickness” is her clothing. She’s consistently depicted wearing heavy winter gear, including a large parka, thick pants, and boots. This is because of her backstory as a climatologist stationed in Antarctica. These layers naturally add bulk to her appearance. It’s critical to distinguish between the added volume from clothing and actual body size.

Body Type and Character Portrayal

Beyond the clothing, Mei’s body type is deliberately designed. She’s not portrayed as a slender, waif-like figure. Instead, her build suggests strength, resilience, and an ability to withstand harsh conditions. This design choice aligns with her role as a scientist who has spent years in extreme environments. The aim is to present her as someone capable, robust, and able to handle herself – a stark contrast to stereotypical frail depictions of scientists.

The Overwatch 2 Redesign Controversy

The shift in Mei’s appearance in Overwatch 2 sparked controversy. Many players felt that her redesign made her appear slimmer, with a less bulky coat that accentuated a smaller waist. While Blizzard claimed this was due to a bug in the skin’s code, it touched a nerve within the community. For many, Mei represented a departure from the standard slim and slender female character tropes often seen in video games. This perceived slimming felt like a betrayal of that representation.

Understanding Mei’s Gameplay Role

A Surprisingly “Tanky” Damage Dealer

Mei’s gameplay mechanics contribute to her perception as a “thick” or durable character. While classified as a damage dealer, her kit allows her to sustain damage and control space in a way that resembles a tank.

• Ice Wall: This ability is crucial for blocking off areas, creating chokepoints, and isolating enemies. It’s a key skill for controlling the flow of battle, a role typically associated with tanks.

• Cryo-Freeze: This ability allows Mei to encase herself in ice, making her invulnerable and healing her. It’s an excellent survival tool that allows her to withstand significant amounts of damage and recover in the middle of a fight.

• Blizzard (Ultimate): Her ultimate ability, Blizzard, freezes enemies in a wide area, providing significant crowd control. This further cements her role as a character who can disrupt enemy formations and control the battlefield.

Community Perception and Gameplay

The combination of her visual design and gameplay mechanics has led to a community perception of Mei as a surprisingly tough and resilient character. This reinforces the idea that she’s not just a damage dealer but also a character who can take a beating and keep fighting.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

Height and Weight Considerations

The article snippet mentions that Mei is potentially close to or over 6 feet tall. This is unsubstantiated in official sources, and the only height mentioned is that in a forum post, it lists her as 5’3”. Assuming a height around the average for women, even with a muscular build, would translate to a reasonable weight of approximately 160 pounds. However, such figures are secondary to her overall designed visual impact and gameplay role. The implication that characters are genetically enhanced is also not officially backed.

The Impact of Representation

Ultimately, the perception of Mei as “thick” is a positive one for many players. She represents a more diverse range of body types in video games, challenging the often-narrow definitions of beauty and strength. Her character design, gameplay mechanics, and the resulting community perception create a unique and compelling hero in the Overwatch universe. By examining these factors, we can understand why Mei is viewed as such a beloved character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Mei fat?

No, Mei isn’t fat. Her appearance is largely due to her heavy winter clothing. She is better described as being built in a way to look strong and healthy.

2. Why is Mei considered “tanky” despite being a damage hero?

Her abilities, such as Ice Wall and Cryo-Freeze, allow her to block off areas, heal herself, and sustain damage, similar to a tank character. This is not necessarily a statement about her weight or appearance.

3. Was Mei’s appearance changed in Overwatch 2?

Many players believe that her appearance was slimmed down in Overwatch 2, although this is not officially confirmed by Blizzard beyond claims that it was due to a bug.

4. Is Mei disabled in Overwatch 2? Why?

Yes, Mei has been disabled in Overwatch 2 on several occasions due to bugs related to her Ice Wall ability.

5. What is Mei’s nationality?

Mei is Chinese, originating from Xi’an.

6. How old is Mei?

Mei is 31 years old biologically, but chronologically she is around 40 due to being cryogenically frozen for nine years.

7. What is Mei’s height?

While some sources suggest she’s close to 6 feet tall, official sources indicate she is 5’3’’.

8. Why did Blizzard remove Mei’s freeze effect?

The freeze effect on her primary weapon was removed in Overwatch 2 to make her less frustrating to play against.

9. Is Mei still a viable hero in Overwatch 2?

Yes, despite the changes, Mei is still a viable hero in Overwatch 2, but requires a different playstyle.

10. Who are some good counters to Mei?

Mobile and self-sufficient tanks like D.Va and Wrecking Ball are good counters to Mei.

11. What is Mei’s role in the Overwatch lore?

Mei is a climatologist who joined Overwatch to protect the environment.

12. Why did Mei get frozen?

She was frozen in Antarctica along with other scientists due to an unexpected crisis at their research station.

13. What is Mei’s ultimate ability?

Mei’s ultimate ability is Blizzard, which freezes enemies in a wide area.

14. What is Mei’s primary weapon?

Mei’s primary weapon is the Endothermic Blaster, which fires a stream of frost that slows enemies.

15. What is the impact of Mei’s representation in Overwatch?

Mei’s character design provides a more diverse range of body types in video games. The Games Learning Society has studied the impacts of representation in video games extensively. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more!

In conclusion, the answer to “Why is Mei so thick Overwatch?” is a complex mix of deliberately crafted visual design, strategic gameplay mechanics, and enthusiastic community perception. Mei stands out as a beloved and unique character that defies gaming stereotypes.