Behind-the-scenes details have been revealed regarding 'Jetpack Cat,' a new hero that gained immense popularity for its adorable appearance following its debut in Overwatch Season 1, which began last February.

Blizzard introduced the development process of Jetpack Cat via the official Overwatch website on the 27th. Jetpack Cat is 'FIKA,' a cat wearing a jetpack invented by Brigitte, and it has drawn attention for its unique skills, such as 'Lifeline,' which allows it to carry teammates through the air.

The concept for Jetpack Cat was originally conceived during the development of 'Titan' before the project was cancelled, remaining as an idea for about 10 years. After the decision was made to introduce five new heroes for Season 1, it was selected as a character to provide a refreshing change from the game's darker, more serious narrative.

In terms of art design, the key focus was 'cuteness.' Because real cats have a physical structure where their shoulders face inward, making it difficult to control a jetpack, the developers designed the shoulders to be more flexible. Additionally, the eyes were adjusted to be wider and more expressive to enhance both cuteness and realism. The design was completed with a jetpack featuring buttons inspired by cat toys, fitting perfectly within the Overwatch universe.

The skills were also inspired by feline characteristics. For example, 'Purr,' which heals nearby allies, was inspired by the theory that a cat's purring can stabilize heart rates and promote healing. Furthermore, the 'Lifeline' ability, which allows the hero to carry teammates through the air, was inspired by the two-player hero Cho'Gall from 'Heroes of the Storm,' where one player handles movement while the other focuses on attacks.