The explosive discrimination lawsuit filed towards Activision Blizzard earlier this 12 months has generated loads of fallout, with one of many extra peculiar ramifications being the altering of some character names impressed by real-life devs swept up within the controversy. Most notably is Overwatch’s McCree, named after Jesse McCree, who was fired by Blizzard after a photo featuring him and others posing in the infamous “Cosby Suite” at BlizzCon 2013 circulated. Blizzard promised they’d rename McCree as a part of a brand new coverage of not naming characters after actual individuals, and now they’ve delivered.
Any longer, McCree will likely be referred to as “Cole Cassidy.” In a tweet, Blizzard appears to suggest that the in-universe purpose for the change is that Cole Cassidy was the character’s unique title. I’m undecided an in-universe rationalization is actually vital, however certain, I assume that works.
Meet Cole Cassidy.
Rides into Overwatch October 26. pic.twitter.com/CT6PmaNXNs
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) October 22, 2021
The very first thing a renegade loses is their title, and this one gave up his way back. Operating from his previous meant working from himself, and every passing 12 months solely widened the divide between who he had been and what he had turn out to be. However in each cowboy’s life, there comes a time when he has to cease and make a stand. To make this new Overwatch higher — to make issues proper — he needed to be sincere together with his workforce and himself. The cowboy he was rode into the sundown and Cole Cassidy confronted the world at daybreak.
For many who haven’t been maintaining, California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has filed suit against Activision Blizzard, alleging gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment on the Name of Responsibility and World of Warcraft writer. Activision Blizzard’s official response to the suit accuses the DFEH of “distorted […] and false” descriptions and insists the image painted is “is just not the Blizzard office of right this moment.” An open letter objecting to the official response was signed by hundreds of present and former Acti-Blizz staff, leading to a worker walkout. Acti-Blizz CEO Bobby Kotick would finally apologize for the corporate’s preliminary response, calling it “tone deaf.” A number of high-ranking Blizzard staff, together with former president J. Allen Brack and Diablo IV and World of Warcraft team leaders have resigned or been fired, leading to some of the aforementioned name changes. The story has even attracted the eye of the US Federal Authorities, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) opening a “wide-ranging” investigation. Sadly, in-fighting has additionally damaged out between a few of the companies investigating Activision Blizzard, together with the DFEH and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
So, what do you consider Cole Cassidy? May Blizzard have executed higher? The title does have a sure cowboy-ish really feel, though it’s a bit generic. Personally, I’d have simply gone actually on-the-nose and referred to as him Clint Overwood.