Following the lawsuit on Blizzard-Activision regarding sexual harassment and workplace discrimination in the company, Overwatch fans petitioned to change one playable character’s name. Jesse McCree, Overwatch’s gun slinging cowboy, was the namesake of a former Blizzard game designer.
Testimony from both former and current Blizzard employees and leaks from the company implicated McCree deeply in the systemic issues of the company. Notably, McCree was also involved in the now notorious ‘Cosby Suite’ that several Blizzard higher-ups ran during Blizzcon.
Ever since this controversy first surfaced, and has since spiraled, fans demanded a change to the character’s name. Today, Blizzard announced that the cowboy will now go by Cole Cassidy. This name will be officially integrated into Overwatch on 26th and will carry over into Overwatch 2.
This new name is a part of Blizzard’s new initiative in naming conventions. Blizzard has stated that they no longer intend to name characters after current or former Blizzard employees. Throughout their games, including World of Warcraft and Diablo, Blizzard has been subtlety removing or renaming characters. Sexually suggestive content has also gradually been removed from all Blizzard titles.
The Blizzard lawsuit is still ongoing and the environment seems tenser than ever. Recently, over 20 were fired in relation to the cultural workplace lawsuit. As Blizzard continues to battle allegations, we may expect to hear more regarding major changes to games as well as their internal company workings.
Also read:
- Activision Blizzard claims to have fired over 20 employees following workplace culture lawsuit
- Rumor: Doomfist will be a tank in Overwatch 2
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