Blizz, Hong Kong, Freedom of speech, lets have an Adult discussion

[Rollo-thunderhorn (Rollo)]

You shouldn’t assume you’re fighting for anyone’s ideals but your own.

[Acherus-mankrik]

1. If Blizzard wants to avoid this , then they need to make a clear rule against political speech at official events. That’s not what went down.

Except they did. They put it right in the contract, saying that no politics were allowed.

Can we take a second to appreciate the irony of claiming equal and fair treatment under the law… by China?

Who says we’re talking about China? I’m talking about US contract law.

You’re not wrong about Hong Kong’s future, but it would be disingenuous to pretend like it’s an easy thing to leave you home. The people who live there have done so for years, perhaps all their lives, perhaps for generations. What’s more, the people who live there largely consider themselves Chinese; they merely want more freedom that what the government is willing to offer.

Going back to my point about living in Florida but not wanting Hurricanes.

Yes, it is hard to leave your home. But when you choose to stay when everyone knows what is coming, then you can’t act shocked and surprised when China acts like China.

1. There is a 0% chance that this guy could appeal anything that offended the Chinese authorities.
2. No one is under the impression that this isn’t a catch-all clause. The reason for the clause is apparent; that doesn’t keep it from being a stupid clause. You seem to be arguing that, “Dumb unfair rules are common, so dumb unfair rules are okay.”

1. Since we’re talking about US contract law, then yes, he could have.
2. I don’t think it is a dumb or unfair rule. An unfair rule would be selectively allowing certain political groups to use their platform to spread their message while denying others. Stomping everyone who tries to play politics in a game tournament, regardless of stance, is the essence of fairness.

Depends on what you mean.

As an official Blizzard stance? No. In common discourse? Yes.

The only protection against bad ideas are good ideas; the only true solution to bad speech is good speech.

The problem is that a gaming tournament is not the same as common discourse. That’s like trying to make a math class about comparative religion. Time and place are important.

So, I ask you directly, would you be happy with Blizzard allowing Free Hong Kong on an official Blizzard tournament, if it also meant that ISIS would be represented in that tournament?

[Mingz-perenolde]

No they are talking about children being kept in cages and separated from their families after entering the country and seeking asylum in the exact way you’re supposed to.

Actually you are suppose to apply through the embassy, not enter illegally. That has never been acceptable in any administration. Knowing the law sucks because liberals can’t let their emotions rule.

[Astronomer-muradin]

Gamers

I havent seen the Joker movie, but I am inspired now.

[Bipzi-wyrmrest-accord (Bipzi)]

Absolutely disgusting behavior on Blizzards part. If Blizz wants Chinese dollars this much, they should just pack up and move to China and live under it’s Authoritive regime and earn those social credit points. I’m on a 6 month sub, but it’s now canceled.

[Dìònysus-area-52 (Dìònysus)]

Blizzard announced yesterday

“This week we are also introducing new tools for players to report teammates for toxic behavior, or for mentioning strongly-discouraged phrases such as ‘incapable ruler,’ ‘500 years,’ and ‘Winnie the Pooh.’ We feel these systems are really going to help the community and also some other interested parties.”

Greed/Corrupt company

[Briselody-lightnings-blade (Briselody)]

I havent seen the Joker movie, but I am inspired now.

Anyone who finds anything inspiring about the Joker movie should be on several watch lists.

[Mithrandir-faerlina]

Rod Breslau

Just gonna leave this tweet here for all to see

[Forsh-saurfang]

Greed makes people do stupid things.

[anon32786230]

I agree, we should kick Blizzard the out of our country. If they want to take pride in China then get rid of them.

[Chïntzy-aerie-peak]

How dare they punish a couple of snickering kids (how can you even take them seriously) for making Blizzards platform their own. It’s not like they signed a ToS… Oh wait.

I feel so bad for Blizzard. At first I thought their punishment was a bit harsh but after seeing the outcome I think it should be worse. There was no way Blizzard could win.

[Paladina-kargath (Paladina)]

Quite a few companies and organizations are feeling the pressure from the HK protests/free speech stuff etc

Apple was pressured to remove an App being used by protesters to show the location of the police, so large corporations evidently have too much money too lose by upsetting China. It’s mind blowing that a country far away from us apparently has power over human rights even here in the States.

It honestly just goes to show that profits before people is pretty standard these days.

[Bipzi-wyrmrest-accord (Bipzi)]

Blizzard’s Chinese Weibo wrote:

We also highly object the spreading of personal political beliefs in this manner…We will always respect and defend the pride of our country."

If anybody doubted this wasn’t a politically motivated banning, there is no doubting it now. Absolutely disgusting Blizz.

[Tatanka-heartseeker]

N’zoth really is the WoW equivalent here to Mei when drawing comparisons to this issue. Except, N’zoth is China, when considering it’s influence in the global market. Let’s see it that comparison also draws China’s ire.

[Caelin-boulderfist (Caelin)]

Sorry I was too busy grinding out a GR on my Templar. What was the OP asking me to do?

[Rockadee-fizzcrank (Rockadee)]

This “debate” has come down to posting falsehoods and straight up lies. There is no reason to take these people seriously.

[Illumona-kul-tiras (Illumona)]

So they’d rather lose all their customers around the world just to appease one country across the pond that only accounts for 12% of their revenue?

Yeah, that’s a big yikes from me, dog.

[Deáthrow-skeram]

CONGRATS!!! You made the 100th thread about this!!! and guess what??? they all were wrong. Just like yours, dont worry little bo peep, this thread will find your sheep.

[Rålph-nagrand]

Gamers TM aren’t known for having principles. They are known only for ‘keep politics out of games’ and hating women and minorities.

You really need to be up to date there

[Spodge-stormreaver]

lol - do you actually even know what those hong kong protests were about ?

When and if you ever get a job you will realize you are obligated to do what your employer tells you (a few exceptions). If you don’t do what your employer tells you to do you are being insubordinate and can be fired with cause. There is no ‘freedom’ to do what you want to do when someone is paying you.