California based e-sports giant Activision Blizzard have issued bans against gamers and announcers. These were in response to an interview with pro gamer Blitzchung, real name Chung Ng Wai.

During an interview after the Asia-Pacific Grandmasters earlier this month, Blitzchung said; ‘Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our age!’.

In response, Blizzard issued a ban against both Blitzchung and the tournament announcers. The original 12-month ban has since been reduced to 6-months. See the interview below.

Why did Blizzard issue the ban?

Blizzard have stated that Blitzchung ‘violated the competition’s official rules’. They have removed him from the Grandmasters tournament, and issued the 6-month ban for all other events.

The statement says that the comments made in the interview do ‘not represent Blizzard or Hearthstone Esports’ and that they were taking steps to prevent such incidents recurring.

‘Effective immediately, Blitzchung is removed from Grandmasters and will receive no prizing for Grandmasters Season 2. Additionally, Blitzchung is ineligible to participate in Hearthstone esports for 12 months beginning from Oct. 5th, 2019 and extending to Oct. 5th, 2020. We will also immediately cease working with both casters.’

Why are Mitsubishi so angry?

Mitsubishi Motors Taiwan, a branch of the Japanese auto firm, were a sponsor of Blizzard. There are currently fierce disputes and intense protests taking place over conflicting laws between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Businesses operating in Asia face a risk of losing trade should they take any stance which is seen as being in contention with China. Blizzard appears to be doing just that. By banning players who support the protests in Hong Kong they are steadfastly supporting China and refusing to support the protests and thus the freedoms which they are fighting for.

Taiwan often finds itself at the centre of such disputes, so the harsh bans imposed against a player who has shown public support of the protests has gone down like a lead balloon with Mitsubishi.

Blizzard have stated that; ‘While we 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.’

Whilst they have explained that the decision was not driven by their relationship with the Chinese government, this has been met with a great deal of cynicism. See the statement released by Blizzard Entertainment President J. Allen Brack here.

What other fall out has there been?

There is a lot to lose here. Blizzard runs a number of successful online games in China. They also run teams and leagues for big games such as Overwatch and Hearthstone.

Mitsubishi weren’t the only ones to feel angry about the bans, and what they stand for. Five members of US Congress wrote to Robert Kotick, Blizzard CEO. This reportedly pressed Kotick to ‘decide whether to look beyond the bottom line and promote American values…or to give in to Beijing’s demands in order to preserve market access.’

Three players from the Hearthstone American University team have dropped out. They streamed a video holding a sign reading ‘Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz’ as reported by Kotaku.

Some Activision Blizzard staff have walked out of work in protest. The Daily Beast reported that one employee said; ‘Blizzard makes a lot of money in China, but now the company is in this awkward position where we can’t abide by our values.”

Gamers have also made their voices heard. #BoycottBlizzard has been trending on Twitter since the announcements.

What are the protests in Hong Kong about?

Protests began in Hong Kong this summer. This followed a proposed law concerning extradition to countries including China. The concern is that this would allow the Chinese government to transport people from Hong Kong to mainland China. The laws and legal system are far more severe in China, so this is both a freedom and a human rights issue.

The corresponding outcry centres around the growing calls for a more democratic system. There have been mass protests, clashes between protesters and police, and even the shooting of a young protester by police.

One thing is clear; by lending their support to the Chinese government and banning players who do otherwise is not a wise move for Blizzard. And their audience and sponsors are making their feelings known.