Discover the touching tribute to Soldier 76’s Italian voice actor on Overwatch’s new Malevento map with practical gaming insights
Malevento Map Introduction and Tribute Reveal
Blizzard has created a moving homage to the late Italian voice actor behind Soldier 76, embedding a special memorial within the freshly launched Malevento terrain.
After extensive anticipation, Overwatch’s Malevento map has debuted on the Public Test Realm, featuring an emotional tribute recognizing Soldier 76’s departed voice artist.
This deathmatch arena becomes the second Italian-themed battlefield, complementing existing locations like Rialto. Interestingly, while none of Overwatch’s 32 playable characters originate from Italy, the Italian vocal performer for Soldier 76 had strong connections to the region.
Roberto Draghetti’s Legacy and Career
Voice actor Roberto Draghetti tragically died on July 24, 2020 due to cardiac arrest. Beyond his work as Soldier 76, he maintained an impressive portfolio spanning film and television projects. His notable roles included portraying Celebrimbor in Middle Earth: Shadow of War, providing Jonah Hex’s voice in the同名 film, and serving as Jamie Foxx’s Italian dubber across numerous productions.
Overwatch community members identified the developers’ tribute to the voice actor through a commemorative plaque. After translating the inscription, users confirmed it specifically referenced Draghetti’s contributions.
In-Game Memorial Details and Significance
“In memory of ROBERTO an extraordinary talent and an incomparable voice,” the plaque inscription states. “Old soldiers never die.”
The “old soldiers” reference appears multiple times through Soldier 76’s dialogue and character interactions within Overwatch, making this memorial particularly meaningful for dedicated players.
For players exploring Malevento, locating this memorial provides not only an emotional moment but also strategic vantage points. The plaque’s placement offers sightlines to key choke points, making it valuable for defensive positioning during deathmatch scenarios.
Blizzard’s History of Community Tributes
This memorial continues Overwatch developers’ tradition of honoring community figures within game maps. Most famously, during 2017 they incorporated a small tribute to German professional player and coach Dennis ‘INTERNETHULK’ Hawelka.
Seeking fresh exploration opportunities? Discover Malevento’s hidden corners.
✅ Breezy cliffside views
✅ Cobblestone streets
✅ Secret Talon base
Experience Overwatch’s new Deathmatch map, now testing on the PTR. pic.twitter.com/9RMIfpt0ok
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) September 1, 2021
Speculation arises whether Blizzard will similarly commemorate Mercy’s Brazilian voice performer Christiane Louise when Overwatch 2 introduces its Rio de Janeiro map.
Gameplay Experience and Map Features
Presently, Malevento remains accessible only through the PTR, limiting availability to PC gamers temporarily, though console versions will arrive in a forthcoming update.
Although not designated as an official competitive ladder map, players can thoroughly experience it during Damage role queue waits as effective practice sessions.
Strategic Tip: Utilize Malevento’s vertical spaces and narrow corridors to practice hero mobility and positioning. The map’s design favors heroes with vertical movement abilities, making it ideal for testing characters like Pharah, Echo, or Genji while waiting for competitive matches.
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No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Overwatch Malevento map Easter egg pays tribute to late voice actor Discover the touching tribute to Soldier 76's Italian voice actor on Overwatch's new Malevento map with practical gaming insights