Update 5: Hong Kong has lost its freedom to China through successful implementation of their security law. Blizzard punished a player with a ban as well as firing its own casters, because that player promoted Hong Kongâs freedom; and now here we are. I believe I speak for many when I say, this is extremely shameful.
For anyone wondering:
Blizzard banned a player for supporting Hong Kong protesters. Blizzard is also censoring posts about this. Please do the right thing and spread the word.
This was overwhelmingly disrespectful to the people of Hong Kong and the fired casters just doing their jobs.
We live in a society where despite making up only 13% of the gaming market, China is asking for 100% of the censorship of Hong Kong. We live in THE Blizzard World where Itâs Okay To Be Censored. Somebody once told me that Blizzard Is Right About Censorship, but gamers need to rise up and do a pro gamer move for Hong Kong. The world could always use more based heroes. We can Make A Difference Again. Are you with Mei?
Hong Kong Is A
Mei
Zing
Update: Mei adopted as symbol of Hong Kong freedom.
Update 2: Over a dozen Blizzard employees walk out over Blizzardâs Blitzchung ban.
Update 3: Blizzard releases official response: âMoving 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.â Is now giving the prize, changed the ban to 6 months, changed firing the casters to a 6 month âsuspensionâ, and all of this came directly from President of Blizzard J. Allen Brack. At this time it is believed this is not an out-of-season April Fools joke.
Update 4: Blizzcon Umbrella Boycott November 1st planned by gamers, promoted on https://www.reddit.com/r/ProtestBlizzcon/, encouraged by online rights group Fight for the Future, and coordinated here: (Discord group on website)