How did Bastion get his name?
Bastion, the siege automaton from Overwatch, is a fascinating character with a rich backstory. In this article, we will delve into the origins of his name and explore the inspiration behind it.
Early Development
During the early stages of Overwatch’s development, the team was experimenting with different names for the siege automaton. Chris Metzen, the former Vice President of Story and Franchise Development at Blizzard Entertainment, revealed that the team was considering several options, including "Bunker" and "Sentinel". However, these names didn’t quite fit the character’s personality and role in the game.
Inspirations from History
The name "Bastion" was inspired by the concept of a bastion, a fortified structure that provides a safe haven for soldiers. This term has its roots in medieval history, where a bastion was a key defensive structure in a castle or city wall. The Overwatch team was drawn to this concept, as it reflected the siege automaton’s purpose: to provide a secure and formidable defense for its allies.
Mythological Connections
The name "Bastion" also has connections to Greek mythology. In ancient Greek, the word "bastion" (βαστίον) referred to a fortified tower or stronghold. This mythological connection adds depth to the character’s name, suggesting that Bastion is a powerful and imposing figure, capable of withstanding even the most intense battles.
Name Selection
After considering various options, the Overwatch team ultimately chose "Bastion" as the perfect name for the siege automaton. Jeff Kaplan, the game’s director, explained that the name "Bastion" captured the character’s essence: "We wanted a name that was strong, powerful, and evocative of the character’s role in the game." The name "Bastion" met these criteria, conveying a sense of strength, resilience, and protection.
Characterization
Bastion’s name has played a significant role in shaping his character. His persona is rooted in his role as a defensive specialist, and his name reinforces this aspect. Chris Metzen noted that the name "Bastion" influenced the team’s approach to character development: "When we were designing Bastion, we wanted to emphasize his defensive capabilities and make him a formidable opponent in close quarters."
In-Game Significance
In the game, Bastion’s name is referenced in various ways. His ultimate ability, "Deployment", involves calling in a self-destructive mechanism to wipe out enemies. This ability is a testament to his bastion-like qualities, as he becomes a mobile fortress, capable of taking on multiple foes at once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name "Bastion" was chosen for its historical and mythological connections, as well as its ability to convey the character’s defensive capabilities and persona. Through his name, Bastion has become an iconic character in the Overwatch universe, embodying the values of strength, resilience, and protection.