To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

'Overwatch' Fans Demand Blizzard Rename Character Named After Accused Developer

'Overwatch' Fans Demand Blizzard Rename Character Named After Accused Developer

Call him "cowdoy" and be done with it

Ewan Moore

Ewan Moore

Blizzard is facing growing calls from fans to change the name of Overwatch character Jesse McCree following the Activision Blizzard lawsuit and allegations that have subsequently come to light.

Cybernetically enhanced cowboy McCree has been a playable character in the popular hero shooter since it launched back in 2016. The character also happens to be named after Blizzard developer Jesse McCree, who previously worked on World Of Warcraft and Diablo 4.

In one story published by Kotaku, it emerged that McCree was one of the men associated with the now-infamous 'Cosby Suite', a nickname given to a BlizzCon 2013 hotel room where men would reportedly go to drink, party, and pose with a large portrait of previously convicted rapist Bill Cosby. The suite was reportedly owned by World of Warcraft developer Alex Afrasiabi, one of the people mentioned by name in the Activision Blizzard lawsuit.

Overwatch /
Blizzard

In screenshots of a group chat obtained by the publication, ex-Blizzard designer David Kosak wrote that he was "gathering the hot chixx for the Coz" - a reference to the aforementioned suite.

"Bring em," replies Afrasiabi. "You can't marry ALL of them Alex," Kosak says. "I can, I'm middle eastern," Afrasiabi replies.

"You misspelled fuck," responds McCree.

Activision Blizzard confirmed in a statement earlier this week that McCree has since been let go.

"We have a deep, talented roster of developers already in place and new leaders have been assigned where appropriate," the company said. "We are confident in our ability to continue progress, deliver amazing experiences to our players, and move forward to ensure a safe, productive work environment for all."

Despite Activision Blizzard taking action against McCree, fans are uncomfortable that his name remains in Overwatch - and attached to a prominent character, no less. Over on Twitter, a number of gamers are calling for Blizzard to rename or remove the character altogether in light of "the real life Jesse McCree being a greasy 'Cosby Suite' dwelling scumbag."




Dexerto also reports that Overwatch League casters Brennon 'Bren' Hook and Josh 'Sideshow' Wilkinson avoided saying the character's name during a recent broadcast, referring to McCree as "the cowboy" instead. Blizzard has yet to respond to the situation.

Featured Image Credit: Blizzard

Topics: GAMING, Activision Blizzard, News, Overwatch, No-Article-Matching