Blizzard bans trio of collegiate esports players for pro-Hong Kong display

The students held up a sign reading 'Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz' during a livestream last week.

of professional Hearthstone player Chung "Blitzchung" Ng Wai for voicing support of pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong during a livestream. The decision was met with widespread criticism as many accused Blizzard of kowtowing to the Chinese government. Hearthstone and other Blizzard titles, such as

World of WarcraftandOverwatch, are extremely popular in China. Chinese conglomerate Tencent also owns a small stake in the company.Last week, Blizzard president J. Allen Brack addressed the controversy in a statement, saying, "I want to be clear: our relationships in China had no influence on our decision." He also walked back Chung's suspension, which was initially a yearlong ban from competition and called for the forfeiture of his winnings, to a six-month block and the reinstatement of his prizes.

The banning of the three collegiate players is not the only controversy Blizzard has stirred this week. A planned event celebrating the company's launch ofOverwatchcanceled. Read more: Hollywood Reporter »

Live updates: US election and SCOTUS news As the US election draws near, the race between President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden heats up. Here's the latest news around campaigns, SCOTUS vacancy, voting, and more.

Hong Kong bans protesters from police housing areas amid escalating violenceA Hong Kong court has granted an injunction to ban anyone from blocking or damag... China is the biggest threat to Human Life on the Planet, not Trump, not Climate Change, 'China' a dangerous threat left unchecked because of MONEY... Someone send this to LeBron. how long will this violence continue? and how long the government will meet all the demands of the people of Hong Kong..

LeBron James Says Tweet Supporting Hong Kong Protests Was ‘Misinformed’Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James criticized Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey for the tweet that set off a crisis between the NBA and China, saying that Morey’s support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong was “misinformed or not really educated on the situation.” controlling freedom of speech in american soil. 🤬 Damn! King James might be the Pawn! Stick to playing ball! We don't pander to China!

Thousands Rally in Hong Kong for U.S. Bill Supporting City’s AutonomyTens of thousands of protesters waving U.S. flags and with the Star-Spangled Banner blaring from loudspeakers gathered in downtown Hong Kong late Monday to call for U.S. lawmakers to pass legislation that would increase scrutiny of freedoms in the city. Sad situation Please “support” them! Hong Kong protests via SCMPNews Trump would just veto it.

China says US House should stop interfering in Hong KongThe Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, a measure passed by the House, would require the US secretary of state to certify each year that Hong Kong retained its autonomy in order to receive special treatment as a major financial center. Not passed yet. I thought it was already damaged

Hong Kong makes police housing areas off limits to protestersA Hong Kong court has granted an injunction to ban anyone from blocking or damag... CIA Their evil deeds will never be forgiven. hkpolicebrutality HKPoliceState StandwithHK they are extending the area, maybe the whole district will be 'police & family only'

What is it like to visit Hong Kong right now?Hong Kongers have been protesting for more than four months and demonstrations are becoming more violent and disruptive. The city's leaders have maintained Hong Kong is still open for business, but is it still safe to visit? Sanders said that she doesn't regret her visit at all. 'Hong Kong is such a beautiful, vibrant city, and it's clear the protesters care about it deeply.' Most tourists will be safe if they don't engage the HKPoliceTerrorists That’s it Because authorities have kept clogged ears to protesters requirements.