When Did McCree Change to Cassidy?
In a significant shift, Blizzard Entertainment recently rebranded its beloved character, McCree, as Cole Cassidy. This change is a direct result of allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment at Blizzard, which led to the departure of Jesse McCree, the game’s voice actor and the character’s namesake.
Background
Jesse McCree, the character, is a cowboy gunslinger and a fan favorite in Blizzard’s popular team-based first-person shooter, Overwatch. He was introduced to the game in 2016 as part of the initial roster of heroes. The character’s original name was inspired by a Blizzard employee, Jesse McCree, who left the company in August 2021.
Why the Name Change?
Blizzard Entertainment decided to rename McCree due to controversy surrounding the character’s original namesake. Jesse McCree, the former employee, was involved in the company’s infamous "Cosby Suite" scandal, where Blizzard workers allegedly harassed women. This incident led to widespread criticism and allegations of a toxic work environment within the company.
Timeline of Events
- August 2021: Jesse McCree, the voice actor and inspiration for the character, leaves Blizzard Entertainment.
- September 2021: Blizzard Entertainment announces that it will rename the character McCree to Cassidy.
- October 26th, 2021: The character McCree officially becomes Cole Cassidy in the game.
Cole Cassidy: A New Identity
Cole Cassidy, the new name, reflects a desire to distance the character from the controversy surrounding Jesse McCree. The character’s backstory and personality remain largely unchanged, but the rebranding is seen as a step towards redeeming the character and creating a more positive association with Overwatch.
Reactions and Impact
The rename has received mixed reactions from fans and the gaming community. Some have praised Blizzard for taking a stand against toxicity and harassment, while others feel that the change is a superficial attempt to appease critics. The move is seen as a step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful environment within the game and the company.
Key Takeaways
• Jesse McCree, the voice actor, left Blizzard Entertainment in August 2021.
• The character McCree was renamed Cole Cassidy in October 2021.
• The name change is a direct result of allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment at Blizzard.
• The rebranding aims to distance the character from controversy and create a more positive association with Overwatch.
Conclusion
The rename of McCree to Cassidy marks a significant shift in Blizzard’s efforts to address allegations of harassment and toxicity within the company. While some have expressed concerns about the move, it is seen as a step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful environment within the game and the industry. As Overwatch continues to evolve, the rebranding of McCree will play a crucial role in shaping the game’s narrative and character development.