Among the many distinct characters in Blizzard Entertainment's "Overwatch", the character known as D.Va has developed a following and symbolism that reaches far beyond the game. With her backstory as a champion gamer who became a real-life hero, and as the youngest playable character in the game, she embodies defiance of several stereotypes, particularly in the often highly-chauvinistic (or worse) competitive video game community, so much so that her in-game emblems were worn by many protesters at the recent Women's Marches in Korea. The panel will explore D.Va's significance outside of the game, as a symbol and inspiration to girls and women in the gaming community, both in her home country of Korea, and around the world.
