Special slang and terms have always been an integral part of the gaming community, often becoming iconic within their circles. From the legendary shout of "Leeroy Jenkins!" sparking waves of nostalgia to Keanu Reeves' memorable "Wake up, Samurai" at E3 2019, these phrases have become ingrained in gaming culture. Memes spread like wildfire, but some, like the term "C9," can leave players puzzled about their origins and meanings. In this article, we delve deep into the history and significance of the mysterious "C9" term.
Table of Contents:
- How Did the Term C9 Originate?
- What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?
- Disagreements on the Definition of C9
- What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?
How Did the Term C9 Originate?
Image: ensigame.com
Though "C9" has become a common phrase in various session-based shooters, particularly in Overwatch 2, its roots can be traced back to the original Overwatch game in 2017. During the Apex Season 2 tournament, two teams clashed: Cloud9 and Afreeca Freecs Blue. Cloud9, the stronger team, seemed poised for victory until a critical moment when they inexplicably lost focus and began "chasing kills." They neglected the key objective on the Lijiang Tower map, which was to hold the point for a specific duration.
Image: ensigame.com
The commentators, spectators, and even Afreeca Freecs Blue were taken aback by this unusual turn of events. What made it even more memorable was that Cloud9 repeated this blunder not once but twice on subsequent maps! This bizarre scenario was dubbed "C9," an abbreviation of Cloud9's name, and it has since become a staple in live streams and professional matches.
What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?
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In Overwatch, when you see "C9" pop up in the chat, it signifies that a team has committed a fundamental strategic error. The term harks back to the events of the 2017 tournament, specifically when players become engrossed in combat and completely overlook the map's objectives. By the time they realize their mistake, it's often too late, prompting the chat to erupt with "C9" messages.
Disagreements on the Definition of C9
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The gaming community remains divided on what truly constitutes a "C9." Some argue that any abandonment of the control point qualifies, such as when an enemy Sigma uses "Gravitic Flux" causing a team to lose their position.
Image: mrwallpaper.com
Others believe that the essence of a C9 lies in the human error of forgetting the match's primary objective. Given the origin story, this interpretation seems most accurate, as Cloud9's mistake in 2017 was due to a lapse in focus rather than necessity.
Image: uhdpaper.com
There's also a faction that uses "C9" simply for amusement or to taunt opponents. Additionally, variations like "K9" or "Z9" are sometimes seen. "Z9" is considered a "metameme" by some, popularized by streamer xQc, poking fun at those who misuse "C9."
Also read: Mercy: a detailed analysis of the character from Overwatch 2
What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?
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Understanding the popularity of "C9" requires looking back at the Overwatch Apex Season 2 events. Cloud9 was a powerhouse organization with top-tier esports rosters across multiple competitive games, including Overwatch. They were considered one of the strongest Western teams.
Image: tweakers.net
In contrast, Afreeca Freecs Blue had fewer accolades. The consensus among fans was that Cloud9 would easily triumph. The unexpected outcome, where a few critical errors led to Cloud9's embarrassing exit from the tournament, immortalized their tactical blunder. The incident's notoriety, occurring in a high-stakes match, propelled "C9" into the gaming lexicon, though its original meaning is sometimes lost today.
We hope this article has shed light on what "C9" means in Overwatch. Share this with your friends to spread awareness about this fascinating piece of gaming culture!
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