{"id":725,"date":"2021-04-18T22:01:49","date_gmt":"2021-04-18T22:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/?p=725"},"modified":"2021-04-18T22:01:49","modified_gmt":"2021-04-18T22:01:49","slug":"the-end-is-nigh-because-blizzard-is-bending-the-knee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/2021\/04\/18\/the-end-is-nigh-because-blizzard-is-bending-the-knee\/","title":{"rendered":"The End is Nigh … because Blizzard is bending the knee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This article originally ran under a different banner\/website in October of 2019 and is now being here re-uploaded for purposes of convenience and consolidation. Please enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HEAR YE!!! HEAR YE!!!  COME FORTH, MY FOLLOWERS!!!  COME FORTH NON-VIDEO GAME FANS!!!  FOR MY WARNING TODAY DOES NOT MERELY JUST EXTEND TO VIDEO GAMES!!!  I will admit when I, the Video Game Doomsayer, sat down to prepare this ranting, I was unsure how to start.  While I know it is common for me to be frothing with fury, I have been frustratingly lost for words over the events of the last week.  My heart mirrors Obi-Wan Kenobi as he discovers the dark truth of his student and friend \u2026 pained and embittered.  I have been playing Blizzard\u2019s games on and off for ten years.  Drawn to their characters and their heroics, their games have always been beacons of hope.  However, now that light has been snuffed out by Blizzard\u2019s own hands.  I do what I must.  Today, I will tell you the story of one Hearthstone <\/em>player and the company that tried to silence him.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Blizzard was certainly caught unaware on October 6, during the Asia-Pacific Hearthstone Grandmasters competition.  Blissfully oblivious, they happily congratulated the winner, Chung Ng Wai or Blitzchung as he is known in Hearthstone.  The casters of the Hearthstone<\/em> tournament gave Blitzchung the signal before hiding under their desks.  Blitzchung dawned his gasmask before yelling in Mandarin: \u201cLiberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our age.\u201d  The stream was quickly cut to a commercial break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The statement was in regard to the Hong Kong protests that have been raging on since April of 2019.  The protest began when the Chinese government attempted to pass a bill that would allow suspected criminals to be extradited to mainland China.  Many felt it was signing a death sentence for anyone the Chinese government despised including activists and journalists.  Hong Kongers took to the streets and were met by violent backlash from the police.  Blitzchung\u2019s use of a gas mask was referencing China\u2019s ban on gas masks after protestors used them to conceal their identity and protect them from the police\u2019s tear gas.  The bill has been suspended, but protesters are still fighting to make sure it never returns.  In an interview with InvenGlobal, Blitzchung said he was trying to spread awareness for the horrors plaguing Hong Kong:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As you know there are serious protests in my country now. My call on stream was just another form of participation of the protest that I wish to grab more attention. I put so much effort in that social movement in the past few months, that I sometimes couldn’t focus on preparing my Grandmaster match. I know what my action on stream means. It could cause me a lot of trouble, even my personal safety in real life. But I think it’s my duty to say something about the issue.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Considering the strife taking place in Hong Kong, Blitzchung should at least be noted for his bravery and courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike Blitzchung, Blizzard\u2019s response was cowardly.  The following Wednesday, Blizzard announced their swift punishment for Blitzchung.  They took away the prize money he had earned, stripped him of his title, and banned him from Hearthstone<\/em> esports for a full year.  The two casters who attempted to distance themselves from the scenario felt Blizzard\u2019s wrath as well.  Blizzard backed up their actions by stating the casters and Blitzchung broke the following rule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEngaging in any act that, in Blizzard\u2019s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard image will result in removal from Grandmasters and reduction of the player\u2019s prize total to $0 USD, in addition to other remedies which may be provided for under the Handbook and Blizzard\u2019s Website Terms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flames of the internet began to consume Blizzard.  People began canceling their World of Warcraft <\/em>subscriptions in droves.  Many uninstalled the Blizzard launcher.  I myself have stopped playing Blizzard\u2019s card game Hearthstone <\/em>following the Blitzchung ban.  Collegiate Hearthstone players from American University held up a sign reading \u201cFree Hong Kong, Boycott Blizzard\u201d during a tournament.  They expected to receive a similar punishment as Blitzchung, but none came.  They dropped out of the tournament criticizing Blizzard\u2019s hypocritical actions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We feel it\u2019s hypocritical for Blizzard to punish Blitzchung but not us.  The response from Blizzard shows that as soon as the messaging is out of the view of China they don\u2019t care about ‘political’ messaging.”      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Employees within Blizzard have also expressed outrage at the Blitzchung banning.  Some employees organized a walkout.  They were seen gathered around the massive Orc statue, the iconic symbol of the Irvine, California Blizzard campus.  They dawned umbrellas referencing the 2014 pro-democracy Hong Kong movement known as the Umbrella Movement.  The same Orc Statue has the company\u2019s core values around the circular base.  Two of those core values are \u201cThink Globally\u201d and \u201cEvery Voice Matters\u201d.  Some staff members covered up these two plaques believing the company no longer represented these two values.  An action that I not only agree with but actively applaud. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hoping to stem the tides of outrage, Blizzard\u2019s president J. Allen Brack, release a statement that Blizzard and parent company Activision has been scrubbing with the PR brush.  While punishment for Blitzchung and the casters were cut in half, Brack gave the most disingenuous response I have ever seen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery Voice Matters, and we strongly encourage everyone in our community to share their viewpoints in the many places available to express themselves. However, the official broadcast needs to be about the tournament and to be a place where all are welcome. In support of that, we want to keep the official channels focused on the game […]  The specific views expressed by Blitzchung were NOT a factor in the decision we made. I want to be clear: our relationships in China had no influence on our decision.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LIES, I SAY!!!  LIES AND FABRICATIONS!!!  BEGONE WITH THAT DECEITFUL RHETORIC!!!  I WILL NOT BE SWAYED SO EASILY BRACK!!!  How can you claim your relationship with China has no impact when China owns five percent of your stock.  How can you say China has no impact when you are partnered with Chinese gaming company Netease to create Diablo Immortals<\/em>, the Diablo <\/em>title specifically designed to target the Chinese mobile market.  IS BOBBY KOTICK, ACTIVISION CEO, GOING TO LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND SAY THE DECISION WASN\u2019T IMPACTED BY CHINA WHEN YOU ARE SEEKING CHINESE APPROVAL OF CALL OF DUTY MOBILE?<\/em>  NAY, I SAY, NAY!!!  China has and continues to be, a driving force in all of Activision-Blizzard\u2019s decision-making.  I will not swallow this lie, Brack.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Activision-Blizzard isn\u2019t the only one bending at the knee to trade morals for money.  Riot Games, which is owned by the Chinese company Tencent, has forbidden its esports players, casters, and commentators from discussing the Blitzchung event.  Developers Red Candle Games had their game Devotion <\/em>pulled from digital distribution after it was discovered the game subtly reference the Winnie the Pooh and Chinese president Xi Jinping\u2019s likeness.  This issue isn\u2019t solely exclusive to video games tho, China using its wealth to manipulate American companies in the past few months.  China has looked to cut ties with Tiffany & Co. after some thought their advertising was referencing the Hong Kong protest.  China stopped airing Houston Rocket\u2019s games after Rocket\u2019s general manager tweeted support for the Hong Kong protest.  Naturally, South Park <\/em>can no longer be aired in China after their episode \u201cBand in China\u201d which openly mocked American companies bending the knee to obtain Chinese money.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While disappointing seeing companies take blood-soaked money from China, it is disheartening to see Blizzard cave to China\u2019s pressures.  Blizzard has always had well-written and dynamic characters.  I remember witnessing the world premiere of the first Overwatch <\/em>trailer.  Along with the sleek character design, what always stuck with me was how the heroes undoubtedly moved to do what they always believed was right.  While not exclusive to Overwatch <\/em>characters, it always seemed to be a hallmark of some of the most popular Blizzard characters.  I still remember Tracer telling those kids the world could always use more heroes.  Hong Kong needed a hero and Blitzchung took up the mantle.  He heroically used his platform to signal to boost a movement I was blissfully unaware of, and what did Blizzard do: struck him down in the name of the almighty dollar.  Attempted to bury and silence him.  Unfortunately for Blizzard, we live in an age where everyone is watching.  Blizzard themselves fanned their own flames.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s worse is this move ultimately undermines all their characters who stood for what they believed was right.  Would Blizzard rejoin Overwatch after the world outlawed the group?  Would Blizzard stand with Tryeal when he defied the outer angels to defend humanity?  Would Blizzard join Jim Raynor on his rescue mission to save Sarah Kerrigan while disobeying General Mengsk?  Would Blizzard stand with Vol\u2019jin as he stood defiant to Warchief Garrosh Hellscream\u2019s actions?  After the events of the past week, I can\u2019t see it happening.  Blizzard has traded morals and money, rendering any stand their characters would take moot.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There is a ray of hope in this story.  Blitzchung has succeeded in his goals.  More people have their eyes on China and their inhumane authoritarian ways.  The limelight has made them incredibly uncomfortable and whistleblowers have revealed they are planning on backpedaling on their punishment of the NBA.  Like the fight against excessive monetization, we must stay ever vigilant.  We must continue making companies that will take Chinese money incredibly uncomfortable.  We must continue to shout the injustice of the Chinese government and their corporate dogs from the rooftops.  We must continue to remind the soulless dragons at Activision-Blizzard that their end is nigh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allen, Eric Van. \u201cCollegiate Hearthstone Players Hold Up ‘Free Hong Kong Boycott Blizzard’ Sign During Match [Update].\u201d USgamer.net, USG, 12 Oct. 2019, https:\/\/www.usgamer.net\/articles\/collegiate-hearthstone-players-hold-up-free-hong-kong-boycott-blizzard-sign-during-match<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bradsher, Keith, and Javier C. Hern\u00e1ndez. \u201cChina Blows Whistle on Nationalistic Protests Against the N.B.A.\u201d The New York Times, The New York Times, 10 Oct. 2019, https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2019\/10\/10\/business\/china-blows-whistle-on-nationalist-protests-against-the-nba.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dealessandri Thursday, Marie. \u201cBlizzard Employees Organise Walkout Following Hong Kong Controversy.\u201d GamesIndustry.biz, https:\/\/www.gamesindustry.biz\/articles\/2019-10-10-blizzard-employees-organise-walkout-following-hong-kong-controversy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entertainment, Blizzard. \u201cRegarding Last Weekend’s Hearthstone Grandmasters Tournament.\u201d – All News – Blizzard News, https:\/\/news.blizzard.com\/en-us\/blizzard\/23185888\/regarding-last-weekend-s-hearthstone-grandmasters-tournament<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feis, Aaron. \u201cNBA Commissioner Adam Silver Backs Daryl Morey’s Right to Free Expression.\u201d New York Post, New York Post, 7 Oct. 2019, https:\/\/nypost.com\/2019\/10\/07\/nba-commissioner-adam-silver-backs-daryl-moreys-right-to-free-expression\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Hong Kong Protests Explained in 100 and 500 Words.\u201d BBC News, BBC, 19 Sept. 2019, https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-49317695<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeanne Whalen, Ben Golliver. \u201cChina Lashes out at Western Businesses as It Tries to Cut Support for Hong Kong Protests.\u201d The Washington Post, WP Company, 10 Oct. 2019, https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/business\/2019\/10\/08\/china-lashes-out-western-businesses-it-tries-cut-support-hong-kong-protests\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kelly, Makena. \u201cRiot Warns League of Legends Casters Away from ‘Sensitive Topics’ after Blizzard Hong Kong Controversy.\u201d The Verge, The Verge, 11 Oct. 2019, https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2019\/10\/11\/20908325\/league-of-legends-riot-games-epic-games-blizzard-hearthstone-hong-kong-protests<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matthiesen, Tom. \u201cHearthstone: Hong Kong Player Blitzchung Calls for Liberation of His Country in Post-Game Interview.\u201d Inven Global English, InvenGlobal, 9 Oct. 2019, https:\/\/www.invenglobal.com\/articles\/9242\/hong-kong-player-blitzchung-calls-for-liberation-of-his-country-in-post-game-interview<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tassi, Paul. \u201cActivision Blizzard Seeks Chinese Approval For ‘Call Of Duty Mobile’ As It Breaks Download Records.\u201d Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 9 Oct. 2019, https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/paultassi\/2019\/10\/09\/activision-blizzard-seeks-chinese-approval-for-call-of-duty-mobile-as-it-breaks-download-records\/#7a6bf6c330b4<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This article originally ran under a different banner\/website in October of 2019 and is now being here re-uploaded for purposes of convenience and consolidation. Please enjoy. HEAR YE!!! HEAR YE!!!  COME FORTH, MY FOLLOWERS!!!  COME FORTH NON-VIDEO GAME FANS!!!  FOR MY WARNING TODAY DOES NOT MERELY JUST EXTEND TO VIDEO GAMES!!!  I will admit when… Continue reading The End is Nigh … because Blizzard is bending the knee<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-opinion","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=725"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/725\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":739,"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/725\/revisions\/739"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gatecitygaming.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}