The Gunslinger’s Genesis: Unpacking the Inspirations Behind Overwatch’s McCree/Cassidy
Overwatch’s character, originally known as Jesse McCree and later renamed Cole Cassidy, wasn’t pulled from thin air. He’s a potent cocktail of influences, drawing from Western archetypes, cinematic figures, and even a dash of real-world history, though that last connection proved problematic. At its core, McCree/Cassidy is based on a blend of Clint Eastwood’s Western characters, most notably from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and a tip of the hat to Red Dead Redemption’s Dead Eye mechanic, all with a name that, unfortunately, became associated with real-world controversy before being re-worked.
The Clint Eastwood Archetype
The Man with No Name
The most obvious influence is the iconic image of Clint Eastwood in his spaghetti westerns, particularly The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. McCree/Cassidy’s stoic demeanor, weathered appearance, and the poncho-like serape he wears strongly mirror Eastwood’s “Man with No Name” persona. This character, a morally ambiguous gunslinger drifting through the Old West, embodies the cynical, world-weary hero that McCree/Cassidy initially presented.
The Dead-Eye Connection
McCree/Cassidy’s ultimate ability, Deadeye, is a clear homage to Red Dead Redemption’s Dead Eye targeting system. Both mechanics allow the character to slow down time, precisely target enemies, and unleash a flurry of deadly shots. This connection solidifies the Western gunslinger fantasy at the heart of the character.
The Real-World Trouble and the Name Change
The Unfortunate Association
Initially, the character was named after a Blizzard Entertainment developer named Jesse McCree. This practice of naming characters after developers isn’t uncommon in the gaming industry. However, when the real Jesse McCree was implicated in the Blizzard scandal, involving allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment (reportedly being present in photos of the “Cosby Suite” at BlizzCon), the character’s name became a liability.
A Necessary Shift
To distance themselves from the controversy, Activision Blizzard made the decision to rename the character to Cole Cassidy. This was part of a larger effort to remove references to real-life employees involved in the scandal. The new name still evokes a Western outlaw feel, nodding to Butch Cassidy, the notorious train and bank robber. This change was meant to give the character a clean slate and allow players to enjoy him without the shadow of real-world issues hanging over him. The choice, however, came at a cost: veteran players had to learn a new name for a character they knew well, and Blizzard had to rerecord all the voice lines where the old name appeared.
Cole Cassidy: A New Direction
From Outlaw to…Still an Outlaw?
While the name changed, the core elements of the character remained. He is still a skilled gunslinger with a troubled past, trying to find redemption. This backstory of a former member of the Deadlock Gang who sought to make amends by joining Blackwatch, Overwatch’s covert-ops division, adds depth and complexity to his character.
The Lasting Legacy
Impact on the Game
The change from Jesse McCree to Cole Cassidy was met with mixed reactions. Some players appreciated Blizzard’s attempt to address the controversy, while others lamented the loss of a familiar name. Regardless, the change highlights the growing awareness of accountability and ethical considerations within the gaming industry.
Studying Games
The entire situation—from the initial naming, the ensuing controversy, and the ultimate name change—is a prime example of how games and real-world events can become intertwined. This type of interplay, the effect of character development on the gaming community, and the social impact of gaming choices are all topics explored by the Games Learning Society whose website can be found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about McCree/Cassidy to provide a deeper understanding of the character and the circumstances surrounding him:
1. Why did Overwatch change McCree’s name?
Overwatch changed McCree’s name to Cole Cassidy to distance the character from a real-life Blizzard developer, also named Jesse McCree, who was implicated in a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a toxic work environment at the company.
2. Who was the real Jesse McCree?
The real Jesse McCree was a Blizzard Entertainment developer who worked on games like Diablo III and Diablo IV. He was terminated from Blizzard following allegations of involvement in the company’s harassment scandal.
3. Is Cole Cassidy a good guy or a bad guy?
Cole Cassidy is a complex character with a troubled past. While he was once an outlaw, he is now trying to atone for his past actions and do the right thing. He is often portrayed as a morally ambiguous hero.
4. What is Cassidy’s backstory?
Cassidy was a member of the notorious Deadlock Gang before being forced to join Blackwatch, Overwatch’s covert-ops division. He believed he could use his skills to make amends for his past crimes.
5. What is McCree’s ultimate ability?
McCree’s (now Cassidy’s) ultimate ability is called Deadeye. It allows him to slow down time, precisely target enemies, and unleash a barrage of deadly shots.
6. Is Cassidy based on Butch Cassidy?
The name Cole Cassidy is likely a reference to Butch Cassidy, the notorious American train and bank robber of the late 1800s. This reinforces the character’s Western outlaw archetype.
7. What happened to McCree’s arm?
According to the given information, McCree lost his arm when escaping prison. He used a laser cutter to remove an arm lock, but it wasn’t strong enough, resulting in the loss of his arm.
8. Does Ashe have feelings for McCree?
It is implied that Ashe may have some unrequited romantic feelings for McCree, but he doesn’t reciprocate them. Their relationship is often described as a “brother-sister” dynamic.
9. What is McCree’s gun called?
McCree’s signature weapon is a revolver called the Peacekeeper. It’s a slow-firing, high-damage weapon that perfectly suits his gunslinger style.
10. What are Cassidy’s weaknesses?
Cassidy’s Deadeye is vulnerable to interruptions like Sleep Darts and Chain Hooks. Abilities that can stun or displace him can effectively counter his ultimate.
11. Was Red Dead Redemption an influence on McCree?
Yes, Red Dead Redemption’s Dead Eye targeting system is a clear inspiration for McCree’s/Cassidy’s Deadeye ultimate ability.
12. Who is the most evil hero in Overwatch?
According to the provided text, Reaper is considered the most evil hero in Overwatch lore.
13. What kind of relationship did McCree and Ashe have?
McCree and Ashe had a complex relationship that included a romantic element on Ashe’s side. As partners in crime, they had a love for guns and each other.
14. Why doesn’t she like McCree?
It’s mentioned that they had a “brother-sister” relationship which is the reason she doesn’t like McCree as anything more than a friend.
15. Was McCree found guilty?
McCree was convicted of 13 separate charges, including four counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, four counts of Use and Carry of a Firearm in Relation to a Crime of Violence and one count of Firearm by a Felon.
In conclusion, Cole Cassidy, formerly Jesse McCree, is a multifaceted character whose design draws inspiration from classic Western figures and gaming mechanics. While the real-world controversy surrounding his original name cast a shadow over the character, the underlying concept of a gunslinging anti-hero remains intact. The change underscores the ever-evolving landscape of video game development and the increasing importance of ethical considerations within the industry.