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==Background== {{Quote|I did not realize omnics could die. You are machines; I had assumed you could replace parts.<br/>In theory, yes. But replacement parts have yet to be found for a soul, be it human...or omnic.|[[Satya Vaswani]] and [[Zenyatta]]}} [[File:Tomorrow.jpg|thumb|A report on omnics, showing the humanoid model]] Omnics were originally non-sentient.<ref name = "reflections">''[[Ramattra: Reflections]]''</ref> Neuroplasticity allowed them to learn within the limitations of their programming, but they were not sentient beings. True decision making was beyond even the most advanced omnic models, and fail-safes and inbuilt limitations were installed to avoid the possibility of any form of rebellion. The first sentient omnic was [[Aurora]], who granted sentience to other omnics through [[the Awakening]].<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> In the present day, for a robot to be considered an omnic, they must have free will and intelligence.<ref>''[[Overwatch 2]]'', ''[[Communications]]''</ref> It is possible for omnics to go "feral," at least according to ''[[The Legend of the Junker Queen]]''.<ref>''[[Junker Queen Origin Story]]''</ref> Omnics, even humanoid models, have been described as being better, stronger, faster, and smarter than humans.<ref>''[[Rise and Shine]]''</ref> However, they are susceptible to the effects of an EMP<ref name = "Transcript4">2014-11-24, [http://overwatch.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-overwatch-unveiled-panel-transcript/4 BlizzCon 2014 – Overwatch Unveiled Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2015-03-10</ref> and can be hacked.<ref name = "HoN"/> Advanced AI programs known as [[god program]]s, such as [[Anubis]], can forcibly take control of otherwise independent omnics and bend them to their will.<ref>''[[Overwatch: Pharah: Mission Statement]]''</ref> Some omnics, if not all, possess a unique form of energy, dubbed "omnic energy," which has both destructive and restorative properties; [[Zenyatta]]'s orbs were designed to channel this energy.<ref name = "OVSB">''[[Overwatch Visual Source Book]]''</ref> Omnic emotions are hard for humans to read.<ref name = "StoneByStone"/> At least some omnics are capable of dreaming.<ref name = "OW2ZenyattaQuotes">''[[Overwatch 2]]'', ''[[Zenyatta/Quotes|Zenyatta Quotes]]''</ref> Around 90% of currently existing omnics are humanoid in design.<ref name = "ForgingWorlds"/> ===Nomenclature=== The term "omnic" has changed in meaning over time. Prior to the Omnic Crisis, the term had become synonymous with many types of robots. More specifically however, the term was more readily applied to humanoid models produced by Omnica, such as the [[AT301]] and [[Z550]]. In the present day, the term has come to describe the race of sentient people that emerged from [[the Awakening]], the majority of which are humanoid models. Omnics who gained sentience from this event are sometimes referred to as "Awakened."<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> [[Null Sector]] is a case in point of the sentience distinction—the warbots produced by Null Sector in its global invasion were not considered omnics, as they were manufactured after the Omnic Crisis, and had no will nor mind of their own.<ref>''[[Overwatch 2]]'', ''[[Communications]]''</ref> Omnics are sometimes derogatorialy called "tin cans" or "warbots" by humans,<ref>''[[GENESIS Part One: Dawn]]''</ref> though the latter term was used exclusively to refer to omnics specifically designed for war during the Omnic Crisis.<ref name = "OW2Sojourn"/> In the present day, the term "warbot" is generally reserved for non-humanoid omnics when describing the events of the Crisis.<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> ===Culture=== {{Quote|[[Mondatta]] taught us that we are all one. When an omnic dies, the whole of us are that much smaller. When one of us ceases to be, a part of us ceases to be. We hold onto what we have lost. We keep it close to remind us. Of the part of us we have lost. To remind us of what was once, of who we are.|[[Iggy]] during an omnic funeral}} [[File:Omnic Funeral.jpg|thumb|An omnic funeral]] According to the [[Shambali]], omnics possess souls.<ref name = "Zenyatta">[http://us.battle.net/overwatch/en/heroes/zenyatta/ Zenyatta], ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed on 2014-11-24</ref> Whatever the truth of the claim, it is indeed the case that while an omnic can be given replacement parts or repaired, if an omnic is 'killed,' they will not come back.<ref name = "StoneByStone"/> Post-Omnic Crisis, the baseline humanoid omnic can't be built or replaced, so the number of omnics in this category is fated to be reduced over time. Ergo, every loss of this type of omnic is keenly felt. At least in some cases, omnics will conduct funerals for their fallen, and in the ceremony, graft part of the metal of the fallen onto the body of an omnic close to the deceased.<ref>''[[Tracer—London Calling Issue 3]]''</ref><ref name = "RamattraOrigin">''[[Ramattra Origin Story]]''</ref> A number of omnics have attempted to relate to humans. This can be seen in their use of clothing, collection of items, etc.<ref name = "ForgingWorlds"/> Omnics have a written language called [[Omnicode]].<ref>2017-05-16, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrJxyZP4kEg&t Overwatch Lore - Michael Chu Reddit A.M.A Summary! | Hammeh]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2017-05-18</ref> Omnic music also exists, though some omnics possess no interest in (human) music.<ref>''[[Tracer—London Calling Issue 1]]''</ref> Others however, are wary of embracing human culture, fearing that they'll lose what makes them omnic.<ref>''[[Tracer—London Calling Issue 2]]''</ref> Some omnics have trouble understanding humans at all.<ref name = "StoneByStone">''[[Stone By Stone]]''</ref> {{clear}} ===History=== ====Pre-Crisis==== The concept of an automated machine existed long before it was actually realized. In the 21st century however, innovations in robotics manufacturing, automation, and self-improving software gave the [[Omnica Corporation]] a monopoly over the market.<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> Omnics were in used by 2030.<ref>''[[Overwatch]]'', ''[[Numbani]]''</ref> The term "omnic" was used as a blanket term to describe the many types of robots Omnica produced, and over time, omnics became increasingly ubiquitous in human society.<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> The proliferation of omnics met resistance in some corners. The strongest resistance came from the [[Ironclad Guild]], and most specifically from [[Torbjörn Lindholm]]. He argued that any creature made by humanity would accumulate humanity's worst attributes. He asked what would happen when machines became advanced enough to make their own choices and enact their own repairs. Omnica responded by pointing out that their machines were not sentient, and it was unlikely they ever would be. True decision making and rebellion were beyond even their most advanced models, and fail-safes had been put in place, along with inbuilt limitations. With their critics placated, however temporarily, the use of omnics continued to increase.<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> The omnics of this period were not sentient, and were regarded as property.<ref name = "reflections"/> In the [[United States]], omnics could be wagered and sold between humans.<Ref name = "DeadlockRebels">''[[Overwatch: Deadlock Rebels]]''</ref> A number of people lost their jobs to omnics.<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> As Omnica continued to grow, Omnica took the next step by commissioning the [[omnium]]s. Domestic robots were in high demand, but factories staffed by human workers were prone to delays, not to mention that humans required sleep. Omniums would streamline the process, leading to better supply and lower overhead.<ref name="OverwatchDeclassified" /> The omniums were later shut down after investigations uncovered evidence of corporate fraud.<ref name="Vigilante" /><ref name="FadingGlory">2015-07-07, [http://us.battle.net/overwatch/en/blog/19809396/ Fading Glory: On the Trail of Jack Morrison]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2015-07-07</ref> However, omnics remained in use by humans even after the omniums were shut down.<ref name="reflections" /> ====The Omnic Crisis==== [[File:Sydney.jpg|thumb|The Omnic Crisis]] Nearly thirty years before the present day, the defunct omniums went rogue and churned out legions of militarized robots which attacked human cities in an event called the [[Omnic Crisis]].<ref name = "Unveiled">2015-11-24, [http://overwatch.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2014-overwatch-unveiled-panel-transcript BlizzCon 2014 – Overwatch Unveiled Panel Transcript]. ''Blizzplanet'', accessed on 2015-03-03</ref> [[Anubis]] took control of omnics<ref name = "reflections"/> on a global scale, directing them to attack their human creators. After this was done, the majority of the omnics' forces consisted of war machines.<ref name = "OW2Sojourn">''[[Overwatch 2: Sojourn]]''</ref> Ultimately the omnics were defeated.<ref name = "Vigilante">2015-05-27, [https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/20130523 Overwatch is Back: Uncertainty and Hope After UN Confirms Vigilante Activity]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'', accessed on 2016-5-27</ref> {{Stub}} ====Post-Crisis==== {{Quote|The fact that we exist...is a miracle unto itself. We have studied the ways of peace and harmony. We have meditated on the universe and our place within it. We have tried to coexist with humanity, but humanity is not interested in sharing their world. How many more omnics should perish to fuel mankind's dreams? No more. Our race is only a single generation - finite, and dying all too quickly.|[[Ramattra]]}} [[File:Omnic Oppression.png|thumb|Omnic treatment in the United Kingdom]] After the Crisis, and because of Aurora's actions, omnics (or more specifically, humanoid models) were now sentient.<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> Omnics and humans alike advocated for omnic civil rights, and sometime after the war's end, the United Nations granted omnics legal personhood.<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified">''[[Overwatch: Declassified]]''</ref> They were declared as independent beings, and it was forbidden to treat them as property.<ref name = "reflections"/> However, legal battles within countries continued to persist.<ref name = "OverwatchDeclassified"/> In the years after the Crisis, human-omnic relations continued to deteriorate. Doctor [[Mina Liao]] noted that people were as scared of omnics as ever, in a time when they seemed more human than ever. Violence against omnics increased in frequency, and more governments cut down on omnic rights and freedoms.<ref name="hero32Teaser"/> Despite laws existing to protect omnics, many humans did not see them as true beings, and treated them as slaves. In this time period, the [[Shambali]] were formed, and manufacturing omnics walked off the job in [[London]], claiming they "heard the music" and seeking to find meaning in life.<ref name="hero32Teaser">2020-03-16, [https://twitter.com/PlayOverwatch/status/1239597502887673867 PlayOverwatch Twitter], ''Twitter''. Accessed on 2020-03-16</ref> By the time period after the Crisis, the US had outlawed wagering and selling omnics, though the practice continued in criminal circles.<ref name = "DeadlockRebels"/> ====Growing Tensions==== [[File:Omnic-shot.jpg|thumb|left|Anti-omnic violence]] Even a generation after the conflict, tensions between humans and omnics remained,<ref name = "Zenyatta"/> though other types of robots remained common.<ref name = "Unveiled"/> Because of the inability to create new omnics, their numbers dropped steadily, in part due to human violence against them.<ref name = "RamattraOrigin"/> Many omnics fought back in secret, but this did little to change their fortunes.<ref name = "RamattraOW2">[https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/heroes/ramattra/ Ramattra], ''PlayOverwatch''. Accessed on 2022-12-16</ref> Many omnics pinned their hopes on the Shambali in getting them better treatment from humans. Human-omnic relations were a hot topic in the world, with questions existing as to whether omnics actually possessed rights, and what would happen if they received the right to vote;<ref>2015-11-07, [http://overwatch.blizzpro.com/2015/11/07/the-world-of-overwatch/ THE WORLD OF OVERWATCH]. ''Blizzpro'', accessed on 2015-11-17</ref> omnic voting rights varied by country.<ref>2018-11-06, [https://twitter.com/westofhouse/status/1059911707374616578 Michael Chu's Twitter], ''Twitter''. Accessed on 2018-11-06.</ref> Places where omnics enjoyed equality with humans were the exception rather than the rule. Aside from [[Numbani]], omnics were generally regulated to blue collar work at best.<ref name = "NewNovel">2020-06-18, [https://blizzardwatch.com/2020/06/18/overwatch-novel-hero-of-numbani/ The new Overwatch novel puts Efi, Orisa, and Numbani on center stage]. ''Blizzard Watch'', accessed on 2020-07-19</ref> In some, if not all countries and/or establishments, omnics were forbidden from taking part in games of chance (e.g. gambling), due to their ability to easily gauge probabilities.<ref>''[[Doomfist: Masquerade]]''</ref> In the [[United Kingdom]], omnics were denied basic human rights,<ref name = "OVSB"/> and riots flared up in [[King's Row]].<ref>2016-02-05, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwFu8kEsUW4 Overwatch Cinematic Teaser | "Are You With Us?"]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2016-05-04</ref> In [[Junkertown]], [[Australia]], omnics were thrown into the [[Scrapyard]], to be destroyed for the amusement of the crowds.<ref name = "Junkertown">2017-08-21, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcPDd16_9dI Junkertown | New Escort Map | Overwatch]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2017-08-22</ref> [[Null Sector]] was formed with the goal of creating a better future for omnics,<ref name = "RamattraOrigin"/> though resorted to violence, such as the [[King's Row Uprising]].<Ref name = "Uprising">''[[Tracer: Uprising]]''</ref> [[File:Omnic gang.jpg|thumb|An anti-human omnic gang]] In the five year period following the disbandment of [[Overwatch (group)|Overwatch]], tensions between humans and omnics had never been higher, particularly after the assassination of the omnic spiritual leader [[Tekhartha Mondatta]],<ref name = "Vigilante"/> whose death set off a wave of human-omnic violence across the globe.<ref name = "HoN">''[[Overwatch: The Hero of Numbani]]''</ref> At the same time, in [[Russia]], omnics continued to wage against humans, in what was called a "[[Second Omnic Crisis]]."<ref>''[[Recall (animation)|Recall]]''</ref> [[Numbani]] was an exception to the omnics' global woes, as they lived peacefully with humans in the city<ref name = "Livestream">2015-08-08, [http://overwatch.blizzpro.com/2015/08/08/gamescom-livestream-panel-w-the-devs/ GAMESCOM LIVESTREAM PANEL W/ THE DEVS]. ''Blizzpro'', accessed on 2015-08-22</ref> where they enjoy equal rights and have access to the same kinds of roles available for humans.<ref name = "NewNovel"/> ====Null Sector==== One year after the death of Mondatta,<ref name = "Overwatch2TimeGap">2019-11-16, [https://youtu.be/Zwq1FtM_WVE?t=48 110 Rapid-Fire Questions With Overwatch 2's Jeff Kaplan]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2022-10-31</ref> [[Null Sector]] launched a global assault. A number of omnics went rogue (it is unclear if this was voluntary or coerced), though regardless, a number of omnics strove to remain neutral. Null Sector launched an assault on [[Toronto]], where they attacked the humans living there, and began to abduct the city's omnics, "liberating" them. Toronto was intended to be a demonstration to the world that humans had treated omnics as servants as far too long, and now, the whirlwind was being reaped.<ref name = "ExperiencePvE">2023-06-12, [https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2023/06/12/exclusive-first-hands-on-with-the-pve-story-missions Exclusive First Hands-On With The PvE Story Missions]. ''Game Informer'', accessed on 2023-06-19</ref> {{clear}}
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