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.
For: J. Allen Brack, uknown President of Blizzard Entertainment
Dear Allen,
I am Blizz fan for more than 15 years. And now, I start doubting - we all start doubting.
You Blizzard, taught us a lot about high principles. You showed us difference between what is good and what is bad. You taught us that sometimes we just need do more - make one more step then everyone else. Do not be blind. Do not give up.
Now, We feel that we should remind you your own ideas.
Blizzard games never were only about games and tales. Why you are trying so much to tell us that we should close our eyes? We want to be heard and you should listen. We do not care about money. You do....and that is wrong.
I read your letter carefully...but I didn't find any valid reason. All of that are only empty words. You protected your money interesting in China, but you betray your own vision. You save china fans, but you lost us - many loyal fans everyone else
#BanMeBlizzIfYouWant
#FeedomForHongKong
No it isn't wrong they thinking on money. They want to earn money in the first way. That is what a company is there for. I'm myself just working cause I need the money. Not cause I want to be always nice to silly people who making me angry hole day long. But it's my job. So I do. Btw I'm working at a Cateringcompany. And I'm sure wouldn't work, especially with and for other people if I don't have to.
Dear Alan,
You run a company. Companies are here to make money. It is wrong that money is in your interest huehuehuehue
Sincerely,
A useful idiot
Dear Blizzard employees. One 14 years old kid, just opened my eyes, that money is not the most important thing here. From today, we would not think anymore for money, so all of you will work for free. I know that you have family to feed, but this is the situation. Imagine now, that your parents will lost their jobs, because some **** in Honk Kong started to shout for riots in their country. Is that nice? So who should be punished? All employees of the company or one who break the rules and know very well, how big outrage will this have. Actually blitzchung selfishly without any though put every blizzard employee at risk. Rules are rules. And China market is important... you can't just shout at blizzard stream whatever you want and in the end Blizzard to lose money (and other people to lose their jobs, because they lost china market). Do you even imagine how much people are working for China office and how much more people jobs would be at stake, cos of some stupid riot? And yes, I don't care for Hon Kong... it is their life, their choices. As you don't care for my country.
Hi Vanessaira5407 and welcome to the forums,
I watched the whole Blizzcon 2016 HS tournament and as far as I remember Pavel DO said such similar thing, but he meant the HS region by saying "CIS", not your political interpretation of the abbreviation.
I would like to re-watch the interview again, so if you (or anyone else) can gladly provide a link I would be happy to do it.
Regards,
Skelos
tldr: we're not sorry and we'll do it again.
I'm sorry that you're illiterate
Dude, if there was an anti gay rally in the USA where people would have been killed and a streamer showed himself with a gay pride flag on stream (which i would admire as much as Blitzchung's efforts), Blizzard wouldnt ban him from the tournament, allthough it is as social/political and away from the game as Blitzchung's actions were.
This is full of shit and everybody knows it.
What I'm reading is the usual Leftist social justice nonsense about being inclusive, diversity, bringing people together, blah blah blah it makes me want to puke.
Bottom line is this:
So, what are you saying here? That people who support Xi Jinpei are not feeling welcome because of this message? TOUGH SHIT. They aren't the ones dying in the street fighting against a totalitarian communist government that interns millions of people in concentration camps.
All this stupid Elizabeth Warren-esque message did was piss me off even more.
"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."
biggest lie of the year.
Yes, they should have been honest and threw their entire Chinese business under the bus /s
Yeah but if they did that, then now they're throwing China under the bus. And let's be honest they're trying their best to go middle ground with both China and the fans and its really not working. Blizzard PR really needs work.
Imagine a world in which every interview with winning player is not focused on commenting the game...
...But on the personal, social, religious, sex or political statements of this Player
A first and last warning would be enough as a punishment to the player. That's it. They had to make an example out of it to please China.
This is good. I mean, for those of you who are still outraged, what the fuck were you expecting? Were you seriously expecting them to throw their business plans under the bus and say ''yea, we did it because of China lol'' don't be fucking naive. Given the circumstances, even if the apology was sloppy written, they did the best that they could in a given situation:
- The player still broke the rules so a ban is still in order but cutting it to 6 months seems quite fair
- The casters who had goaded him into saying it are no longer fired, they got their livelihoods back and they are suspended for 6 months
- The winner got to keep his hard earned money
In no reality is this not fair.
I know I will receive a lot of minuses from people who doesn't understand principle of games, but screw this.
Firstly, Blizzard had made rules, for a reason. When you started playing, you accepted these rules. And when he does enforce them, you are outraged?
Anyone with a brain knows bringing politics to games/ expressing political opinions in games has no place here. I can't believe people are arguing for that person. That person had many more options where would be able to express his opinions : games should always be politically neutral.
If anything, Blizzard is better off the people who doesn't understand that single fact.
Very interesting also this Twitter discussion: https://twitter.com/SGBluebell/status/1182817588147052544
The user explains why this statement is most probably from the Chinese and not from Blizzard. This statement is basically just full of chinese propaganda language.
"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."
Human rights is not "divisive." Oh never mind, it is. To the Chinese. Let's not forget Blizzard's apology to China.
"Our relationships in China had NO influence on our decision" Considering the reaction they've given to the Chinese and the hypocrisy of not banning the American players holding up the 'Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizzard' sign, that's utter nonsense.
Not a single "sorry" and also saying it has nothing to do with china .... yea who believes that