BlizzCon 2017 kicked off the festivities with a bang today at their opening ceremony. From StarCraft II to Overwatch, announcements were aplenty for everyone’s favorite Blizzard titles. When the theoretical baton was handed off to game directer Jeff Kaplan, anybody who was expecting a reveal or two was not disappointed. Both a new map and hero were introduced to those in attendance and watching via live stream. Among the glorious unveiling of new things, Reinhardt voice actor Darin De Paul joined Kaplan on stage, offering Halloween candy to the audience. What many did not know, however, is that he brought a new Overwatch animated short with him.

With an appropriately emotional speech, Darin offered his gratitude to Kaplan and Blizzard for the opportunity to be a part of the game. If this wasn’t enough to get fans a little misty-eyed, the Overwatch animated short would surely do the trick. That’s because it focuses on Reinhardt and his origin story. You can check out “Honor and Glory” below, but beware as it may cause all of the feels:

Players know that Reinhardt is the rocket-powered-hammer wielding, shield-holding tank that wins the hearts of all he encounters with his precision German engineered romanticism. His enthusiasm for glorious battle is unmatched, and thanks to his origin story, we see the moment that solidified his position in the Overwatch-verse. Losing a mentor in Balderich von Adler certainly wasn’t easy, but it’s what led Reinhardt to become part of the Overwatch crew and live with honor…just as Balderich died with glory.

The video also shows us where exactly the Balderich and Greifhardt skins come from. The former was obviously the Colonel’s that fought bravely and perished at the battle of Eichenwalde, while the latter is the same suit that has remained untouched for years. That’s enough of the sad stuff for now. Overwatch is currently available to enjoy on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Keep it tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers as more appears about Blizzard’s FPS, and for other news coming out of BlizzCon 2017, check out the following:

• Battle For Azeroth Announced As World Of Warcraft’s Next Expansion (VIDEO)
• BlizzCon 2017 Brings Us The Latest Overwatch Hero – Meet Moira (VIDEO)
• Blizzard’s StarCraft II Will Be Going Free-To-Play Very Soon

What say you, heroes? Did the latest Overwatch animated short hit you right in the heart strings? What do you think things would have been like were Balderich to survive the events at Eichenwalde and join the rest of the heroes we have come to know and love? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!