In what is perhaps the most wholesome move in SMITE history, Hi-Rez studios has announced the launch of a Bob Ross-themed Bundle for the multiplayer-online-battle-arena (MOBA).
As part of a partnership with Twitch.tv, SMITE's developers have released an exclusive Bob Ross skin for the in-game character Sylvanus. Also included is a Loading Frame that changes the appearance of card art to look more painted and a custom paint splatter Jump Stamp.
The Internet first began its obsession with Ross in late 2015, when Twitch.tv announced the launch of Twitch Creative with a week-long marathon of Bob Ross' old show, "The Joy of Painting." The show took off in an unexpectedly major way as Twitch culture catapulted the soft-spoken artist into Internet stardom, eventually reaching over 5.6 million views. To follow up with the show's popularity Twitch would later turn it into a regular weekly occurrence, which today still airs every Monday on the show's official channel.
Although seemingly out-of-place amongst the peculiar and often abrasive Twitch sub-culture, the late Bob Ross has nevertheless won the hearts of much of the gaming community for his kind-hearted nature. That his popularity would carry over to the MOBA market should come as no surprise.
The Bob Ross bundle launched on May 9 for PC and Mac players and will be available next week on May 16 for consoles. For more information about the game, follow Hi-Rez's official Twitter account, or check out SMITE's website.