Who was McCree named after?

Who Was McCree Named After?

Overwatch’s beloved cowboy hero, McCree, has had quite a tumultuous journey throughout his story. From his initial introduction as a outlaw to his current role as a vigilante, McCree’s personality and actions have often left fans wondering about the man behind the name. In this article, we will delve into the history of McCree and explore who he was named after, uncovering the fascinating story that shaped his character.

The Origins of the Name McCree

The name "McCree" was inspired by the Blizzard employee, Jesse McCree. Before being renamed Cole Cassidy in October 2021, McCree’s in-game name was a reference to this individual. McCree was a developer at Blizzard who worked on Overwatch during its early stages. At the time, the team was still discovering the world and characters of Overwatch, and naming their hero after a colleague was a clever move to add a personal touch to the game.

The Fallout and the Renaming

However, in August 2021, Blizzard announced that McCree would be renamed due to concerns regarding his real-life actions and allegations of sexual harassment. It was revealed that Jesse McCree, the developer, left the company in August 2021 amidst allegations of misconduct, further solidifying the need for the in-game character’s name change.

Meet Cole Cassidy: The New McCree

Following the rename, McCree was reintroduced as Cole Cassidy, a cowboy-turned-vigilante. His backstory and personality remained relatively the same, but the name change effectively separated the in-game character from his problematic real-life counterpart. Cole Cassidy, as a character, is a departure from his previous persona, reflecting Blizzard’s efforts to distance themselves from the past issues.

The Significance of the Name Change

The renaming of McCree to Cole Cassidy served several purposes. Firstly, it acknowledges the serious allegations made against Jesse McCree and the harm caused. By distancing the in-game character from its problematic namesake, Blizzard has sent a strong message about their commitment to inclusivity, respect, and accountability.

Secondly, the name change has allowed players to disconnect the character from his toxic associations, allowing them to experience his story and personality without being influenced by the controversy surrounding his origin.

In Conclusion

Who was McCree named after? Simple: Jesse McCree, a developer at Blizzard who worked on Overwatch’s early stages. However, the renaming to Cole Cassidy has given the in-game character a fresh start, separated from its problematic past. As Cole Cassidy, the character has grown to represent a new era in Overwatch’s storytelling, one that promotes a positive and respectful attitude.

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