Why Did They Rename McCree?
In a recent announcement, Blizzard Entertainment revealed that they would be renaming one of their most popular heroes, McCree, to Cole Cassidy. This decision was made in response to allegations of sexual harassment and a "frat boy" culture within the company. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the name change and what it means for the Overwatch community.
The Controversy
The decision to rename McCree was sparked by a lawsuit filed against Activision Blizzard, the parent company of Blizzard Entertainment, in July 2021. The lawsuit alleged that the company had fostered a "frat boy" culture, where female employees were subjected to sexual harassment and discrimination. The lawsuit also named Jesse McCree, the lead designer of Diablo 4, as one of the individuals involved in the alleged harassment.
The Name Change
In response to the lawsuit and the allegations of harassment, Blizzard Entertainment announced that they would be renaming McCree to Cole Cassidy. The new name is a nod to the original name of the character, Jesse McCree, but also reflects the company’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Why Cole Cassidy?
So, why did Blizzard choose the name Cole Cassidy for the renamed hero? According to an interview with game director Jeff Kaplan, the name Cole Cassidy was chosen because it is a more respectful and inclusive name. Kaplan stated that the company wanted to choose a name that was not associated with the allegations of harassment and that would be more welcoming to players of all genders.
The Impact on the Overwatch Community
The renaming of McCree has had a significant impact on the Overwatch community. Many fans have expressed their support for the decision, citing the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for all players. Others have expressed disappointment and frustration, feeling that the renaming of the character is a betrayal of the original concept.
The Future of McCree
So, what does the future hold for McCree, now known as Cole Cassidy? According to Kaplan, the character will continue to be a core part of the Overwatch roster, with no changes to his abilities or playstyle. The renaming of the character is simply a reflection of the company’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Conclusion
The renaming of McCree to Cole Cassidy is a significant step forward for Blizzard Entertainment and the Overwatch community. By choosing a more respectful and inclusive name, the company is sending a clear message that it is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all players. While some fans may be disappointed by the change, the majority of the community is supportive of the decision and excited to see what the future holds for Cole Cassidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Blizzard rename McCree?
- The company renamed McCree to Cole Cassidy in response to allegations of sexual harassment and a "frat boy" culture within the company.
- What is the new name of the character?
- The character is now known as Cole Cassidy.
- Will the character’s abilities or playstyle change?
- No, the character’s abilities and playstyle will remain the same.
- Why did Blizzard choose the name Cole Cassidy?
- The company chose the name Cole Cassidy because it is a more respectful and inclusive name.
Table: Comparison of McCree and Cole Cassidy
| Character | Name | Reason for Renaming |
|---|---|---|
| McCree | Jesse McCree | Allegations of sexual harassment and a "frat boy" culture |
| Cole Cassidy | Cole Cassidy | More respectful and inclusive name |
Bullets List: Key Points
- Blizzard Entertainment renamed McCree to Cole Cassidy in response to allegations of sexual harassment and a "frat boy" culture.
- The new name is a nod to the original name of the character, Jesse McCree, but also reflects the company’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and respectful environment.
- The character’s abilities and playstyle will remain the same.
- The renaming of the character is a significant step forward for Blizzard Entertainment and the Overwatch community.
- The company chose the name Cole Cassidy because it is a more respectful and inclusive name.