Arcane Creator Discusses Game Influences on Vi and Caitlyn’s Relationship

Highlights

Fans celebrate Arcane’s portrayal of Vi and Caitlyn’s LGBTQ+ relationship.
Amanda Overton, a key writer for Arcane, drew from various video game narratives to craft Caitlyn and Vi’s romance.
Season 2 of Arcane sees the couple’s relationship thrive, culminating in a positive resolution.

Arcane, a Netflix animated series set in the vibrant world of League of Legends, has earned accolades for its authentic depiction of the queer relationship between main characters Vi and Caitlyn. The dynamic between these characters has garnered significant attention, especially as Overton, the series writer, revealed that prior video game narratives significantly influenced their portrayal.

Behind the Scenes: Influences on Caitlyn and Vi’s Relationship

Amanda Overton shared insights with The Gamer regarding the creative journey behind Caitlyn and Vi’s relationship. Although the original game hints at their partnership, the adaptation delves deeper, establishing their bond as romantic. Overton indicated that the creative team always envisioned Caitlyn and Vi as the series’ central couple, or “OTP.”Overton’s experiences gaming, particularly with titles such as Tomb Raider, Mass Effect, and The Last of Us: Left Behind, served as a springboard for crafting their story.

“Tomb Raider was perhaps the first game where I saw a female hero wielding guns and solving puzzles, even if she was often sexualized for the male gaze. Then playing Mass Effect and witnessing how players could create their own queer relationships, especially with Liara, was revolutionary for me. I was profoundly moved by the depth of its characters and storytelling. Additionally, I was deeply affected by The Last of Us: Left Behind.”

The Influence of The Last of Us: Left Behind

The impactful narrative from The Last of Us: Left Behind left a lasting impression on Overton, igniting her desire to portray similar heartfelt relationships in Arcane. “This is the type of storytelling we need more of! When I got the chance to work on Arcane, it felt both like an honor and a significant responsibility,” she shared. With support from creators Alex Yee and Christian Linke, Overton was empowered to explore Caitlyn and Vi’s romantic journey, which was driven by her aspiration to increase queer representation in various storytelling mediums. “I adore video games and expansive sci-fi narratives, yet I often found a lack of representation for myself in those spaces,” Overton lamented.

Despite initial concerns regarding queerbaiting in Seasons 1, viewers ultimately embraced Vi and Caitlyn’s relationship as it developed, particularly flourishing in Season 2. The series concluded their journey on a hopeful note, highlighting the couple’s emotional growth.

Arcane: League of Legends is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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