The gaming world thrives on its own unique slang and terminology. While some catchphrases, like "Leeroy Jenkins!" evoke immediate recognition, others, such as "C9," remain shrouded in mystery for many. This article delves into the origins and meaning of this enigmatic 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?
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Though prevalent in various team-based shooters, particularly Overwatch 2, "C9" finds its roots in the original Overwatch, specifically during the Apex Season 2 tournament in 2017. A clash between Cloud9 and Afreeca Freecs Blue unfolded. Cloud9, the heavily favored team, inexplicably abandoned strategic objectives, prioritizing individual kills ("kill chasing") on the Lijiang Tower map.
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This shocking display of poor game sense, repeated across multiple maps, resulted in an unexpected victory for Afreeca Freecs Blue. The incident, a testament to Cloud9's surprising lapse in judgment, was quickly dubbed "C9," a shortened version of the team's name, and has since become a common phrase in gaming streams and professional matches.
What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?
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In essence, "C9" signifies a critical strategic blunder, harkening back to the 2017 event. It describes a situation where players become overly focused on eliminating opponents, completely disregarding the primary objective of the map. This often leads to defeat, prompting the sarcastic use of "C9" in chat.
Disagreements on the Definition of C9
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The precise definition of "C9" remains a point of contention. Some players consider any failure to secure a control point as a "C9," even if caused by external factors like an enemy ultimate.
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Others maintain that "C9" specifically refers to a lapse in judgment, a forgetting of the match's objective, mirroring Cloud9's actions. This interpretation aligns most closely with the term's origin.
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Furthermore, "C9" is frequently used ironically or to taunt opponents. Variations exist, including "K9" and "Z9," the latter potentially a "metameme" popularized by streamer xQc, mocking the misuse of "C9."
What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?
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The enduring popularity of "C9" stems from the unexpected nature of Cloud9's defeat in Apex Season 2. Cloud9, a powerhouse esports organization with top-tier teams across various games, was considered a dominant force in Overwatch.
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Their stunning loss to a less prominent team, due to a series of seemingly elementary mistakes, became legendary. This high-profile collapse cemented "C9" in gaming culture, even if its original meaning sometimes gets diluted.
Understanding the context of "C9" adds a fascinating layer to the Overwatch community. Share this knowledge with your fellow gamers!
