Blizzard removes Hearthstone player Blitzchung after ‘Liberate Hong Kong’ comments
In a recent interview, Hearthstone player Blitzchung aka Chung Ng Wai made a comment during a postmatch interview that set social media on fire. The message was a simple, but deeply personal one: “Liberate Hong Kong, a revolution of our age!” The two casters that had been conducting the interview promptly ducked their heads under their desks.
Blitzchung’s comment led to a statement from Blizzard, one that ultimately led to Blizzard cutting ties Blitzchung and the two casters as it ‘violated the 2019 Hearthstone Grandmasters Official Competition Rules.’
It was an answer to Blitzchung’s comment that he, unfortunately, could see coming. Speaking to InvenGlobal, Blitzchung stated the following:
‘As you know, there are serious protests in my country now. My call on stream was just another form of participation of the protest that I wish to grab more attention. I put so much effort in that social movement in the past few months, that I sometimes couldn’t focus on preparing my Grandmaster match. I know what my action on stream means. It could cause me lot of trouble, even my personal safety in real life. But I think it’s my duty to say something about the issue.’
Blizzard obviously was not of the same opinion. In their recent news post, they said that while they supposedly “stand by one’s right to express individual thoughts and opinions, players and other participants that elect to participate in our esports competitions must abide by the official competition rules.”
Effective immediately, Blizzard have also made it clear that Blitzchung would be removed from Grandmasters, and as such, would receive no funding. He will be ineligible “to participate in Hearthstone esports for 12 months beginning from Oct. 5th, 2019 and extending to Oct. 5th, 2020.”
It is a move that has rightfully angered fans and the Hearthstone community. Whether Blizzard will change their stance remains unclear, but to be blunt? We doubt a change of heart is on the horizon.
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