The Blizzard Problem

In the past few weeks, the world has had its eyes on the situation in Hong Kong as protests increase in violence and frequency around the area. With the increasing violence and issues surrounding the events, more and more personalities have been throwing their opinion into the ring. Namely, pro-Hearthstone player “Blitzchung” after winning a tournament for the game pulled down his mask in a post-match interview, before saying “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our age”.

Shortly after, the player was banned for over a year from the Hearthstone pro scene and had his winnings from the tournament taken away from him. As well, the two casters interviewing him were fired. And so begins, the wildfire that blizzard has started with just a few actions. With little to no response for why they did this, the internet and the majority of blizzards consumer base took to their forums and message boards, beginning to boycott the company over an issue that is being claimed as a human rights issue.

The main issue that comes from this is that Blizzard not only is punishing the player, but also the two interviewers who did nothing to incite this. In silencing a protester live on stage about a current issue, they did in fact silence free speech, a core part of life in America, the country of which Blizzard originates.

Ever since this event occurred, Blizzard has been on full damage control: they have released several statements about the issue, they have reduced his Blitzchungs ban to 6 months as well as returning his prize money to him, as well as changing the Casters “removal” to a 6-month suspension. Just as well, the company held its annual convention for their fans known as “Blizzcon” at which they announced several large scale projects and games coming up for their consumers, doing their best to go on full damage control.

These projects namely include expansions on current games, such as Overwatch 2, World of Warcraft: Shadowlands, Diablo 4, and an expansion to Hearthstone, the very game that Blitzchung was banned for.

During Blizzcon, Blizzard issued a live apology on stage in front of the fans. However, it was received poorly, being panned for seeming very half-hearted and not genuine. However, recent testimony from Lead Designer Jeff Kaplan from the Overwatch team brought up his opinion that the ban needed to be reduced further.

After all the issues that came from Blitzchungs ban, the protests, and Blizzard’s poor handling of the issue, before finally buttering up to their consumer base, I can safely say this: I have joined the boycott, and ended my subscription to their games. As much as I used to love this company, they lost my faith. I will no longer be giving them any of my money.