The gaming community is rich with unique slang and phrases that often become part of its culture. From the iconic "Leeroy Jenkins!" to Keanu Reeves' memorable "Wake up, Samurai" at E3 2019, these expressions and memes spread like wildfire. Yet, some terms, such as "C9," leave many players puzzled about their origins and meanings. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating story behind "C9" and what it represents in the gaming world.
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?
Although the term "C9" is commonly heard in various session-based shooters, particularly in Overwatch 2, its roots trace back to the original Overwatch game during the 2017 Apex Season 2 tournament. The matchup was between the formidable Cloud9 and the underdog Afreeca Freecs Blue. Cloud9, known for their dominance, surprisingly lost their focus and began "chasing kills" rather than holding the objective on the Lijiang Tower map.
Image: ensigame.com
This lapse in strategy stunned commentators, spectators, and AF Blue, who capitalized on the situation to secure an unexpected victory. Astonishingly, Cloud9 repeated this mistake on subsequent maps. The incident was dubbed "C9," an abbreviation of Cloud9's name, and it has since become a staple in gaming culture, often referenced during live streams and professional matches.
Image: ensigame.com
What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?
In the context of Overwatch, "C9" refers to a team committing a fundamental strategic error, reminiscent of Cloud9's blunder in 2017. It typically happens when players become engrossed in combat and neglect the map's objectives. By the time they realize their mistake, it's often too late, prompting others to spam "C9" in the chat as a playful jab.
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Disagreements on the Definition of C9
Within the gaming community, there's ongoing debate about what constitutes a true "C9." Some argue it's any instance where a team abandons the control point, such as when an enemy's ultimate ability forces them off. Others believe it's specifically when players forget the primary objective due to human error, aligning more closely with the original incident.
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There's also a group that uses "C9" for amusement or to taunt opponents. Variations like "K9" or "Z9" appear occasionally, with "Z9" often considered a "metameme" popularized by the streamer xQc, mocking incorrect usage of "C9."
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Also read: Mercy: a detailed analysis of the character from Overwatch 2
What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?
Understanding the popularity of "C9" requires revisiting the Overwatch Apex Season 2 events. Cloud9 was a powerhouse in the esports scene, boasting top-tier teams across multiple games. They were expected to dominate Afreeca Freecs Blue, a team with fewer accolades. However, Cloud9's unexpected tactical errors led to their humiliating exit from the tournament, cementing "C9" as a legendary term in the community.
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The incident's notoriety was amplified because it occurred in a high-stakes match, making "C9" a widely recognized phrase, even if its original meaning sometimes gets lost in translation.
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We hope this article has clarified the meaning and origin of "C9" in Overwatch. Feel free to share this with your fellow gamers to spread the knowledge about this intriguing piece of gaming culture!
