When Blizzard dropped a yearlong ban on pro Hearthstone player Blitzchung for expressing political views on stream, many wondered what would become of . There was a passionate and persistent backlash to Blizzard's decision. Many Blizzard fans made a show of deleting their accounts, and the company 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:even lost a major sponsor. It was clearly not going to ဣbe one of those things that blows over after a new hashtag steals the spotlight. As BlizzCon drew near, it became clear that the discontented fans w๊ould show up in full force. But just how large would that force be?
Reporters from both and spoke with the BlizzCon protesters, who they estimated numbered somewhere between 40-50 people. Both interacted with the group on Friday and Saturday, noting that many protestors wore black shirts with the Hong Kong flag on them. Some of the more colorful activists were in costume. Both Winnie the Pooh and Overwatch's own Mei were represented, repurposed to either mock Chinese president Xi Jinping 🌳or show support for Hong Kong.
Various quotes collected from the outlets show several reasons behind the protests. While they seem united in their disapproval of Blizzard's decision regarding Blitzchung, there are different kinds of anger fueling the action. Some believe Blitzchung's 🌱punishment – which was already cut in half – should be reversed entirely. To them, the punishment is an attack on free speech and therefore alarming. Others see the move as kowtowing to the Chinese government for profit, an example of corporate greed that ca✨nnot be ignored. That was what the Winnie the Pooh "cosplayer" was angry about.
“I don’t really give a s**t what they say at this poi✅nt,” he said. “Their initial reac🌟tion speaks true to their corporate heart. They’re not apologizing because it’s the right thing to do. They’re apologizing because now they think this is better for their bottom line. That’s all it really comes down to.”
One protester called "YX" addressed critics. Many are totally on the Blizzard hype train after a bevy of huge BlizzCon announcements. They wonder what more the protesters could ask for after Blizzard already lightened Blitzchung's ban and 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:offered a public apology at the BlizzCon opening ceremony.
“They just need to unequivocally say they suppo💛rt democracy and basic human rights everywhere in the world. Period. Full stop," said YX. "The fact that they’ve released several statements trying to weasel out of saying that is very problematic. That’s why we’re still protesting. A lot of people💜 have come up to us, and they’re like ‘When will it be enough for you?’ Well, it’s enough when you support democracy and human rights everywhere in the world.”
While speaking out for what one believes in is always admirable, many IGN commenters poked fun at the number of protesters. Internet comments should 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:never be taken as all-knowing, but it does spark thought. Will 50 people really change Blizzard's mind? Has the narrat🌠ive already been hijacked by all the cool BlizzCon trailers?
There's still one day left of BlizzCon, so maybe the numbers will grow. ℱThe world could always use more Pooh bears.
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