In an effort to distance itself from ongoing controversies, the Overwatch development team has revealed McCree’s new name. The character, initially named after a former Blizzard employee involved in the recent scandal, will now be known as Cole Cassidy, a name that embraces the character’s gunslinging identity while removing any ties to the previous association.

The decision to change McCree’s name comes in response to numerous allegations of workplace misconduct and harassment at Blizzard Entertainment. As these stories unfolded, employees and fans expressed their discomfort with having a character named after an individual accused of being part of the problem. In response, the Overwatch development team announced plans to rename the popular cowboy hero.

Cole Cassidy was selected through a collaborative process involving both the creative team and the larger Overwatch community. The new name aims to maintain the essence of the character’s identity as a sharpshooting gunslinger while distancing him from the past controversy. According to the development team, Cole Cassidy was chosen as a name that would allow fans to continue celebrating their favorite hero without feeling uneasy about his origins.

As part of this transition, Overwatch will be updating in-game references, voice lines, and other materials related to McCree to reflect his new identity as Cole Cassidy. These changes will be rolled out in an upcoming patch that is expected to arrive within the next few weeks.
This renaming is just one step in Blizzard’s ongoing efforts to address its internal issues and restore trust within its community. The company has pledged to prioritize inclusivity and foster a safer working environment for all employees moving forward.

Fans of Overwatch have generally responded positively to the decision, appreciating Blizzard’s willingness to address concerns brought up by players and employees alike. As the game continues to evolve, it’s clear that its development team is dedicated not only to creating engaging content for players but also ensuring that its characters and stories reflect the values of a diverse and inclusive fanbase.