Blizzard isn’t out of hot water just yet for the punitive actions they took against pro player Blitzchung in the Hearthstone Grandmasters Asia-Pacific Tournament earlier this month. Even Democrats and Republicans are in agreement that their chastisement went too far.
“We write to express our deep concern about Activision Blizzard’s decision to make player Ng Wai Chung forfeit prize money and ban him from participating in tournaments for a year after he voiced support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. This decision is particularly concerning in light of the Chinese government’s growing appetite for pressuring American businesses to help stifle free speech,” the letter, whose signatures included US politicians Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), which rebuked Activision Blizzard Chief Executive Officer Robert Kotick for the company’s decision against Blitzchung, began.
“Activision Blizzard benefits from China’s growing market for esports, along with an investment from Tencent, one of China’s largest technology firms,” the letter continues. “As you and your company are no doubt aware, the Chinese government uses the size and strength of its economy to suppress opinions with which it disagrees. Your disappointing decision could have a chilling effect on gamers who seek to use their platform to promote human rights and basic freedoms,” the letter states. “Many gamers around the world have taken notice of your company’s actions, understandably calling for boycotts of Activision Blizzard gaming sites.”
In any case, when both Democrats and Republicans are disparaging you in today’s political climate, you know you should probably reconsider some of your actions.
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What do you think of the letter Congress wrote to Activision Blizzard? Do you think the letter will have any effect on the company’s actions regarding Blitzchung or its future actions in similar scenarios? Let us know in the comments.
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