Blizzard to change McCree’s name in Overwatch, delays story content

"In-game characters will no longer be named after real employees."

Blizzard will change McCree’s name in Overwatch as a result of harrassment allegations and a lawsuit connected to the real-life developer that acted as his namesake.

Overwatch developers took to Twitter with a statement that detailed their position.

“We build the Overwatch universe around the idea that inclusivity, equit, and hope are the building blocks of a better future,” the statement began. “They are central to the game and to the Overwatch team.

“As we continue to discuss how we best live up to our values and to demonstrate our commitment to creating a game world that reflects them, we believe it’s necessary to change the name of the hero currently known as McCree to something that better represents what Overwatch stands for.”

The statement acknowledges the change “will take time to roll out correctly”. It also confirmed that “a narrative arc in September supported with new story and game content” featuring McCree will be delayed, with the coming changes integrated into it first. Instead, a new FFA map will be offered to players in September.

“Going forward, in-game characters will no longer be named after real employees and we will be more thoughful and discerning about adding real world references in future Overwatch content,” the statement continues.

As we reported earlier this month, calls for a name change were made it was discovered that the real-life Jesse McCree was one of the Blizzard developers pictured in what was dubbed the “Cosby Suite” at BlizzCon 2013. McCree’s text chats also featured in a report about the hotel room and activities carried on in and around it. Activision Blizzard has since confirmed that McCree has left the company in the wake of events.

We’ll keep you informed as more is known.

Overwatch is currently available on Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5 and Switch.