Did Overwatch 2 Remove McCree? Understanding the Transformation to Cole Cassidy

The short answer is no, McCree was not removed from Overwatch 2. Instead, the character Jesse McCree was renamed to Cole Cassidy as a significant part of a broader initiative by Blizzard Entertainment. This change wasn’t just a cosmetic one; it involved a complete overhaul of the character’s identity, including voice lines and in-game references. The decision stemmed from real-world events and aimed to distance the hero from the controversial figure who inspired the name. Let’s delve into the details surrounding this transformation.

The Transformation: From Jesse McCree to Cole Cassidy

Why the Name Change?

The primary reason for the name change was to address the implications of the character’s name being associated with a former Blizzard Entertainment employee, Jesse McCree. This individual was reportedly implicated in a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, which involved allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and a toxic “frat boy” culture within the company. The real Jesse McCree was linked to photos from BlizzCon’s notorious “Cosby Suite”, further fueling the need for the change. The backlash and public outcry pushed Blizzard to remove the association between their in-game character and the real-world controversy.

Impact on the Game

Beyond simply changing the character’s name, the transformation involved:

• Rerecording Voice Lines: All of McCree’s voice lines that mentioned his old name were removed and re-recorded to reference Cole Cassidy. This involved a significant effort by the game’s voice actors and audio team.
• Visual Changes: While the core visual design of the character remained largely the same, small adjustments may have been implemented to further emphasize the character’s new identity as Cole Cassidy. These changes are subtle, but serve to visually disconnect the hero from his previous name.
• Lore Implications: In the game’s lore, the change was presented as the character choosing to use his real name, Cole Cassidy. This was intended to signify a sense of personal growth and a move away from his past as an outlaw.

More Than Just a Name

The renaming of McCree to Cole Cassidy was not just a surface-level change. It was a symbol of Blizzard’s intent to rebuild its culture and distance itself from the controversies that had engulfed the company. The shift was seen as a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment, both in the workplace and within the game. While some players initially resisted the change, seeing it as forced, many others acknowledged the necessity and significance of the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To provide further clarity and understanding about the transformation of McCree into Cole Cassidy, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Is Cole Cassidy still McCree?

Technically, Cole Cassidy is the same character as McCree but with a new name and lore that reframes his past. The gameplay mechanics, abilities, and visual appearance of the character remain largely the same, with minor updates, making him the same hero with a different name.

2. Why did Blizzard remove McCree’s name?

Blizzard removed the name McCree due to its association with a former employee of the company who was implicated in sexual harassment allegations and a toxic work culture. The new name was meant to distance the character from that controversy.

3. When did the change from McCree to Cole Cassidy happen?

The official name change from McCree to Cole Cassidy was implemented on October 26th. This followed Blizzard’s announcement of the change in August.

4. What exactly did the real-life Jesse McCree do?

The real-life Jesse McCree was reportedly involved in a scandal related to a toxic work environment at Blizzard. He was implicated in allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination, with connections to the notorious “Cosby Suite” photos.

5. Why was the real Jesse McCree fired from Blizzard?

The real Jesse McCree was terminated from Blizzard shortly after his name surfaced in a California lawsuit alleging a toxic workplace. He was part of a group of employees implicated in the scandal.

6. Did the name change affect McCree’s backstory?

Yes, the name change was integrated into the character’s lore. It’s explained that Cole Cassidy is the character’s real name, suggesting he chose to go by his true identity as a way of moving on from his past as an outlaw.

7. How did Blizzard handle the voice lines?

Blizzard removed all old voice lines mentioning “McCree” and re-recorded them to reference “Cole Cassidy”. This ensures all in-game references were updated to reflect the name change.

8. Did they change McCree’s visual appearance?

The core visual appearance remained the same; however, Blizzard did make minor tweaks to emphasize that the character is now Cole Cassidy. The changes were subtle, but intended to further disconnect the character from his old name.

9. Was the renaming of McCree related to the lawsuit against Activision Blizzard?

Yes, the renaming of McCree was a direct response to the allegations of a toxic work environment brought against Activision Blizzard. The change was seen as a move by the company to address these issues and start building toward a more inclusive environment.

10. Who sued Overwatch?

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, Inc., focusing on allegations of suppressing esports player compensation, which was unrelated to the issues surrounding McCree’s name change.

11. Is Cole Cassidy now a villain?

No, Cole Cassidy remains a heroic character in the Overwatch universe. He is presented as an outlaw gunslinger who fights for righteousness, just as McCree did. His name change does not alter his character alignment.

12. Why wasn’t the name changed to something else besides Cole Cassidy?

Blizzard chose Cole Cassidy as a new name because it fit the character and allowed them to implement his real name into the lore. The name choice was aimed at providing a sense of identity separate from the old name’s negative association.

13. Is the renaming of McCree a permanent change?

Yes, the name change is permanent. Blizzard has fully committed to the transition and the character is referred to as Cole Cassidy in all current and future Overwatch content.

14. Did Jesse McCree and Ashe date?

No, Jesse McCree and Ashe did not date. They were partners in crime and running guns, but their relationship was portrayed as a business partnership rather than a romantic one.

15. Why did Overwatch change to 5v5?

The change to 5v5 in Overwatch 2 was a design decision aimed at creating a more streamlined and focused gameplay experience. The reduction of tanks was one change made with many balance adjustments as a result.

Final Thoughts

The transformation of McCree to Cole Cassidy in Overwatch 2 is a powerful example of how real-world issues can impact the virtual world. The change was more than just a simple name swap; it was a significant step by Blizzard to address a serious cultural problem within their company. By embracing the new name and understanding the context behind it, players can acknowledge the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive gaming environment. While the old name will linger in the memories of longtime fans, the introduction of Cole Cassidy marks a new chapter in the Overwatch story.