Edit: Added Blitzchung's reaction.
After a long week of discussion, Blizzard changed it's decision on the Blitzchung affair. Read everything Blizzard's President, J. Allen Brack, as well as the subject of the discipline, Grandmaster Blitzchung, had to say below:
Quote from BlizzardHello Blizzard Community . . .
I want to take a few minutes to talk to all of you about the Hearthstone Grandmasters tournament this past weekend. On Monday, we made the decision to take action against a player named blitzchung and two shoutcasters after the player shared his views on what’s happening in Hong Kong on our official broadcast channel.
At Blizzard, our vision is “to bring the world together through epic entertainment.” And we have core values that apply here: Think Globally; Lead Responsibly; and importantly, Every Voice Matters, encouraging everybody to share their point of view. The actions that we took over the weekend are causing people to question if we are still committed to these values. We absolutely are and I will explain.
Our esports programs are an expression of our vision and our values. Esports exist to create opportunities for players from around the world, from different cultures, and from different backgrounds, to come together to compete and share their passion for gaming. It is extremely important to us to protect these channels and the purpose they serve: to bring the world together through epic entertainment, celebrate our players, and build diverse and inclusive communities.
As to how those values apply in this case:
First, our official esports tournament broadcast was used as a platform for a winner of this event to share his views with the world.
We interview competitors who are at the top of their craft to share how they feel. We want to experience that moment with them. Hearing their excitement is a powerful way to bring us together.
Over the weekend, blitzchung used his segment to make a statement about the situation in Hong Kong—in violation of rules he acknowledged and understood, and this is why we took action.
Every 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.
Second, what is the role of shoutcasters for these broadcasts?
We hire shoutcasters to amplify the excitement of the game. They elevate the watchability and help the esports viewing experience stay focused on the tournament and our amazing players.Third, were our actions based on the content of the message?
Part of Thinking Globally, Leading Responsibly, and Every Voice Matters is recognizing that we have players and fans in almost every country in the world. Our goal is to help players connect in areas of commonality, like their passion for our games, and create a sense of shared community.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.
We have these rules to keep the focus on the game and on the tournament to the benefit of a global audience, and that was the only consideration in the actions we took.
If this had been the opposing viewpoint delivered in the same divisive and deliberate way, we would have felt and acted the same.
OK, what could Blizzard have done better, and where do we go from here?
Over the past few days, many players, casters, esports fans, and employees have expressed concerns about how we determined the penalties. We’ve had a chance to pause, to listen to our community, and to reflect on what we could have done better. In hindsight, our process wasn’t adequate, and we reacted too quickly.We want to ensure that we maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all our players, and that our rules and processes are clear. All of this is in service of another important Blizzard value—Play Nice; Play Fair.
In the tournament itself blitzchung *played* fair. We now believe he should receive his prizing. We understand that for some this is not about the prize, and perhaps for others it is disrespectful to even discuss it. That is not our intention.
But playing fair also includes appropriate pre-and post-match conduct, especially when a player accepts recognition for winning in a broadcast. When we think about the suspension, six months for blitzchung is more appropriate, after which time he can compete in the Hearthstone pro circuit again if he so chooses. There is a consequence for taking the conversation away from the purpose of the event and disrupting or derailing the broadcast.
With regard to the casters, remember their purpose is to keep the event focused on the tournament. That didn’t happen here, and we are setting their suspension to six months as well.
Moving forward, we will continue to apply tournament rules to ensure our official broadcasts remain focused on the game and are not a platform for divisive social or political views.
One of our goals at Blizzard is to make sure that every player, everywhere in the world, regardless of political views, religious beliefs, race, gender, or any other consideration always feels safe and welcome both competing in and playing our games.
At Blizzard, we are always listening and finding ways to improve—it is part of our culture. Thank you for your patience with us as we continue to learn.
Sincerely,
J. Allen Brack
President of Blizzard Entertainment
Blitzchung's reaction to the adjustments made to Blizzard's decision, in full, from today:
Quote from BlitzchungThank you for your attention in the past one week, this is a personal statement and my view on Blizzard's latest decision. First of all, I'm grateful for Blizzard reconsidering their position about my ban. Earlier this week, I told media that I knew I might have penalty or consequence for my act, because I understand that my act could take the conversation away from the purpose of the event. In the future, I will be more careful on that and express my opinions or show my support to Hong Kong on my personal platforms.
Many people has been asking me if I accept the latest decision of Blizzard, I will discuss that on two parts. Tournament prizing and suspension. For tournament prizing, I quoted what Blizzard said on the official website, they mention that I played fair in the tournament and they believe I should receive my prizing. This is the part I really appreciate, Blizzard also said they understand for some this is not about the prize, but perhaps for others it is disrespectful to even discuss it. People from Blizzard had explained this to me through a phone call and I really appreciate that and I accept their decision on this part.
For second part about the suspension, Blizzard had changed their suspension on me from a year to six months. Once again, I appreciate for their reconsideration on this. To be honest, I think six months is still quite a lot to me. But I also being told that I can continue to compete in the hearthstone pro circuit which they mean the grandmaster tournament. I appreciate for this decision they made because grandmaster is currently the highest level tournament in competitive hearthstone. However, I wish Blizzard can reconsider about their penalty on the two casters involved.
Lastly, many people wants to know if i would be competing in hearthstone in the future. Honestly, I have no idea on that yet. Since my next tournament is very likely to be the grandmaster tournament of next season, it's probably at least a few months from now on. I will take this time to relax myself to decide if I am staying in competitive hearthstone scene or not.
Hearthstone changed my the way I live, I really love this community. Blessing to all the players out there, and blessing to Blizzard.
I can understand Blizzard's concern, but I don't support their decision. He didn't deserve such a harsh punishment let alone one. The fact that they acted so quickly and harshly just because they assumed China would be outraged and want to cut ties with Blizzard goes to show just how much they really care about the money and nothing else.
It really doesn't though. The white supremacy arguement is a classic strawman. I can't speak for the U.S but hate speech is not protected as free speech in our charter of rights and freedoms in our constitution here in Canada. Hate speech can be clearly defined, differentiated and punished. Giving people the right to free speech is not a slippery slope toward hate speech and you can punish hate speech while allowing others to voice their political opinions. What blitzchung said was not hate speech but obviously the KKK voicing hatred towards people of colour is. They are not the same thing at all and obviously no one is arguing they should have the right to spew hate if blitzchung is allowed to protest. It's just people setting up an easier argument to win.
Besides this hypothetical also completely ignores one the biggest cruxes of this debate in the fact that blizzard is being hypocritical in their statement of punishing all political speech when they actually haven't to players of different regions. This also ignores morality and conflict of interest of Blizzard/Activision having Chinese government tied shareholders and stake in the Chinese market influencing this decision.
I apologize if I'm coming across as aggressive. I'm just tired of seeing this arguement brought up when it really doesn't have any point in this debate at all and is merely people trying to switch the conversation away from what is actually happening.
In the wake of all this arguing, it's very important to distinguish between the types of arguments being made.
There are two main perspectives: the LEGAL perspective (were Blizzard's/China's/Hong Kong's/Blitzchung's actions legal?) and the MORAL perspective (did Blizzard/China/Hong Kong/Blitzchung do the right thing?). Please keep that in mind, and try not to use one of the perspectives when the argument is revolving around another one. Don't reply things along the lines of "Blizzard shouldn't be bowing down to China" in response to "Freedom of Speech doesn't protect Blitzchung". These incorrect rebuttals are causing probably about a quarter of the arguments here, and it would make for a more constructive dialogue if everyone stopped doing this.
I doubt the honesty in that statement, because the tespa team that didnt get banned showes that there is a double standard involved in handling the situation
ok then what about other goods and services from China? You do knw all our governments deal with them thru trade every single day. Walmart for example, is stocked full of products from China. Same with most dollar stores. Then there is electronic items, which all contain some part made in China.
My point is, I doubt your sincerity regarding your stated convictions about China and uinstalling HS. If you reallt believd whatyou said, you would follow that up with moreaction and boycotting. will you give up your phone too? How about your PC or other products? The list of Chinese and western interests are numerous, and I think we will have to "suck it up" or, really stand up for what we believe, and risk low social credit scores, which are coming to the west, and risk our future oppurtunities with employment,travel etc.. cuz China is the new global leader.
This is something I think we all need to discuss together. I dont thnk most people really understand what protesting really is, and what the true consequences are or can be.
Bottomline: China tell us what to do, so we dont lose our biggest market share. China has more gamers than US population.
It was written by China. A user on Twitter details all the ways that a nonnative speaker uses English in slightly odd ways.
https://twitter.com/sgbluebell/status/1182817588147052544
Seriously, read this guy's analysis of it. China wrote the apology. Blizzard is ever more lost to us than we realized. Blizzcon is going to be full or Pooh protests, Chinese flags, and all the forums will be "next question."
There have also been other professional translators saying , its weirdly writen but there is nothing out of the norm, or hinting exactly at China.
Maybe there was an alien abduction.
Blah blah blah...I DONT CARE
im glad Blitzchung got his money back and the bans got reduced, although i think the core issue has not been resolved
Sorry, but this example is not even close to be an analog incident.
Sorry, but I think it most certainly does. And I'm tired of these "rebels without a clue" imposing their morality on me. The kid did this, and wound up with a slap on the wrist. And now you choose to do it.
You may have deleted HS, but I most certainly will not.
the white supremacy statement actually holds true. It's not worded well, but the idea is essential to the situation. If Blizzard allows their stage to be used as a place for individual ideologies, even ones that are noble, it absolutely opens the floor for anyone with an agenda. It's a slippery slope, and it sets a precedent, that is dangerous. I think we can all agree that we would rather not open up more avenues for people to spread hate.
Blizzard decided to disrespect democracy in favour of their bussiness in China.
In my opinion we should show Blizzard that this anti-democratic behaviour has consequences, too. Simply by deleting and stop playing their games until they decide to cope with ethical standards.
A step I have done a minute ago.
So you would also attack Blizzard if a US player that wins a US tournament and for the interview dresses up has a KKK member with a swastika flag for a cape and shout 'White Supremacy, White Supremacy, White Supremacy' doesn't get his prize money?
You made account to shill for Blizzard, sad life you must have.
Your entire post history is just crying and complaining about the game for over 3 years now. Talk about a sad fucking life.
Ye, that is why I stopped playing, but you keep shilling for Blizzard. Just sad.
"Our relationships in China had no influence on our decision." aham...tell me more.....X