The recent unveiling of D.Mon, Overwatch 2's latest tank hero and leader of the MEKA squad, has ignited a discussion among fans and critics regarding her seemingly precarious design. Unlike her counterpart D.Va, whose cockpit offers significant enclosure, D.Mon's design features a largely exposed pilot. Social media users and commentators have pointed out the apparent occupational hazard of piloting a mech designed to absorb damage while the pilot's core body remains vulnerable to the elements and enemy fire.
While Blizzard has yet to detail the specific design choices behind D.Mon, several factors may be at play. Overwatch prioritizes clear visual distinction between heroes during fast-paced combat. D.Mon's distinct silhouette, compared to D.Va's, should aid players in immediate threat identification. Additionally, D.Va possesses the ability to exit her mech, necessitating the development of separate character assets. D.Mon, who appears to remain within her mech, potentially simplifies this process, requiring only one set of cosmetic designs for the character and her vehicle.
However, the most prominent critique centers on D.Mon's exposed cockpit, which some observers argue is primarily designed to facilitate the sale of cosmetic skins. The contrast between the perilous nature of mech combat and the exposed pilot, especially within the context of the beloved, idol-like MEKA squad, strikes some as counterintuitive. The notion that a mech's designers would prioritize a design with an exposed pilot, particularly one designed for combat, raises questions about whether the potential for monetizable skins influenced the foundational concept over practical or narrative coherence. While designing characters with cosmetic sales in mind is a common practice in the industry, the execution of D.Mon's design has led to speculation that this consideration may have preceded other design principles.