Who is McCree Based On? Jesse McCree and Clint Eastwood
Overwatch‘s gunslinging outlaw McCree clearly drew inspiration from two real-life figures – former Blizzard developer Jesse McCree and legendary Western film star Clint Eastwood. McCree provided the namesake and initial character design, while Eastwood‘s "Man with No Name" character defined the cowboy aesthetic.
But why do these real-world influences matter for a fictional game hero? As a passionate gamer and content creator, I believe looking deeper into our favorite characters‘ origins reveals hidden connections making our play more meaningful.
Honoring a Lead Designer – The Basis for McCree‘s Identity
Multiple sources including the Overwatch Wiki archives confirm that Jesse McCree, former Diablo 4 lead designer, directly inspired the fan-favorite cowboy hero:
Jesse McCree is a lead game designer at Blizzard Entertainment and is the basis of McCree‘s appearance.So Overwatch didn‘t just pull a Western motif from thin air – developers intentionally modeled their gunslinger after an actual colleague. Players can view McCree as a tribute to Jesse‘s design vision.
This also explains why McCree always stood apart from other heroes thematically – he channels the real-life developer‘s unique sensibilities. The cowboy‘s glitzy, showboating personality echoes game creators celebrating their craft.
However, direct homages can cut both ways. When real-life controversy strikes, fictional characters tied to actual figures share consequences.
Why Connecting Fiction to Reality Matters
| Real-world Element | Fictional Impact |
|---|---|
| Named after developer Jesse McCree | Cowboy gains recognizable identity |
| Jesse McCree resigns amidst company lawsuit | "McCree" name removed from Overwatch under controversy |
I believe understanding these origins enriches our appreciation of beloved characters. Overwatch wants fans to see McCree as more than pixels on a screen – he embodies creators pouring their life‘s work into games.
Channeling an Iconic Western Anti-Hero
Besides directly referencing a real-life Blizzard developer, McCree‘s appearance also took inspiration from cinema legend Clint Eastwood in his signature Western role:
His appearance also bears resemblance to the western film star Clint Eastwood as he appears in the films The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. Specifically, the poncho, cigar, and steely gaze all resemble Eastwood‘s "Man with No Name" character across films like The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly. Fans instantly recognize McCree as an anti-hero gunslinger with complex morals based on this classic film trope.
The connection runs deeper than outfits and accessories. McCree also carries himself with the same assured swagger as young Eastwood, including playful banter like his signature "High noon…" line when using his ultimate ability.
Real World "Man With No Name" to Re-imagined Gaming Legend
| Western Film Character | Re-interpreted in Gaming |
|---|---|
| Poncho, cigar, sidearm weaponry | Iconic McCree accessories |
| Mysterious drifter and oppositional figure | Overwatch‘s outlaw/outcast persona |
| Confident stance and steely gaze | McCree‘s playful swagger |
This adaptation shows creators desire fans to feel McCree‘s link to film history – he signals the anti-hero gunfighter upgraded for modern gaming.
The Name Change – Leaving Controversy Behind
However, the direct homage to real-life personality Jesse McCree soon grew controversial amid upheaval at parent company Activision Blizzard. After California sued the company in 2021 alleging sexual harassment and discrimination issues, honoring a departed developer no longer felt appropriate.
Under committed corporate reforms, Overwatch developers changed the character‘s name to Cole Cassidy – allowing the cowboy‘s spirit to live on freed from real-world baggage. Game Rant explained the move:
Blizzard changed McCree‘s name as part of a broader plan to remove references to real-life developers and former employees of the studio in the wake of a lawsuit. This symbolized developers closing the chapter on workplace malfeasance – fictional characters tied to those parties needed reworking. Fans initially resisted since "McCree" felt intrinsic to the gunslinger‘s identity.
Weighing Real Life Impact on Fictional Identities
| Real-world Influence | Fictional Character | Change Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Named for developer Jesse McCree | "McCree" moniker recognized by all players | Need to disassociate from departed/controversial employee |
| Character honoring individual developer | Strong personal link between hero and namesake | Individual‘s real-life actions now reflect poorly on fictional character |
| Jesse McCree seen as embodiment of alleged company transgressions | "McCree" now symbolizes outdated business practices fans reject | Character change allows "moving forward" while retaining reformed spirit |
This move shows how shifting real-world views impact fictional properties – no gaming creation exists fully detached from broader human reality. Events needed addressing even within escapist entertainment.
Appreciating Gaming‘s Real-World Foundations
Reviewing McCree‘s journey illustrates how even fantastical game experiences connect to genuine history. Developers modeled elements to purposefully reflect actual origins:
McCree as tribute to legendary Western anti-hero – Echoes Clint Eastwood‘s detached mysteriousness
Naming that honors departed colleague – Signals Esteem and influence
Weight of unfair real-world actions upon fantasy counterpart – No fictional escape from ethical expectations
We see that games don‘t construct worlds entirely divorced from life. Real people and events inspire the enjoyment we passionately invest in. Recognizing these foundations helps respect the human effort behind play.
While new names arise and old icons fall, the real-world roots behind games like Overwatch grant deeper meaning to virtual stories brought to life. We only see characters like McCree thanks to artsists channeling their humanity into now immortal pixels.
