Overwatch Developers Discuss Early Engine Tests Where Tracer Shot Lasers From Her Eyes

Early iterations of characters in Overwatch could have looked very different if they survived the development process. Speaking to GameSpot at BlizzCon 2026, game director Aaron Keller mentioned playing the game since 2013, back when Tracer was shooting lasers from her eyes. Keller explained that this bizarre version of the hero originated during the first days of Overwatch engine development in late 2013.

When the development team first brought Tracer into the build, a proper projectile system did not exist yet. Weapons fired straight out of the camera position, which created two red lines without proper visual effects. Developers had a blast running around and shooting lasers at each other during those initial tests before the team eventually implemented her familiar pulse pistols.

Although that specific mechanic was replaced, the idea may not be gone for good. When asked if the team might ever bring back a hero capable of shooting lasers from their eyes, associate game director Alec Dawson responded positively. Dawson stated that shooting lasers from your eyes is cool and that the team can figure something out. While Blizzard has not announced a laser-eyed hero, developers did not seem opposed to the concept during the interview.