Esteemed Hearthstone player, Ng Wai (Blitzchung), was disqualified from the Grandmaster’s Tournament this October after voicing political views on a livestream event; Blizzard entertainment released a statement about this controversial decision-
“During the Asia-Pacific Grandmasters broadcast over the weekend there was a competition rule violation during a post-match interview, involving Blitzchung and two casters, which resulted in the removal of the match VOD replay.
Upon further review we have found the action has violated the 2019 Hearthstone Grandmasters Official Competition Rules section 6.1 (o) and is individual behavior which does not represent Blizzard or Hearthstone Esports. 6.1 (o) is found below.
2019 HEARTHSTONE® GRANDMASTERS OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES v1.4 p.12, Section 6.1 (o)
Engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard image will result in removal from Grandmasters and reduction of the player’s prize total to $0 USD, in addition to other remedies which may be provided for under the Handbook and Blizzard’s Website Terms.
Grandmasters is the highest tier of Hearthstone Esports and we take tournament rule violations very seriously. After an investigation, we are taking the necessary actions to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
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.
We’d like to re-emphasize tournament and player conduct within the Hearthstone esports community from both players and talent. 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.”
-https://playhearthstone.com/en-us/blog/23179289
Blitzchung vocalized a desire to liberate Hong Kong and was banned from Hearthstone for 12 months and his prize money was reduced to nothing.
The statute states that “Engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute” is grounds for removal from the tournament and loss of prize money. This implies that if high ranking members of Blizzard FEEL that any act is publicly disreputable, it is grounds for disqualification. How can such a subjective standard be used in any fair way when outside views and leanings could have all power in deciding if an act brings disrepute?
Amid additional information, Blizzard claimed its decision was not due to any ties with China. Allen Brack, President of Blizzard, also stated that Blitzchung’s prize money would be reinstated. He emphasized that Blizzard should not be used as a political platform; see additional information about this incident here.
This decision was decried by many, and there have been boycotts protesting this decision by Blizzard. The one year ban was decreased to six months, and Ng Wai has since made a statement:
“Thank you for your attention in the past one week, this is a personal statement and my view on Blizzard's latest decision. First of all, I'm grateful for Blizzard reconsidering their position about my ban. Earlier this week, I told [the] media that I knew I might have [a] penalty or consequence for my act, because... my act could take the conversation away from the purpose of the event. In the future, I will be more careful on that and express my opinions or show my support to Hong Kong on my personal platforms.
Many people [have] been asking me if I accept the latest decision of Blizzard.... For tournament prizing, I [quote] what Blizzard said on the official website, they mention that I played fair in the tournament and they believe I should receive my [prize]. This is the part I really appreciate, Blizzard also said they understand for some this is not about the prize, but perhaps for others it is disrespectful to even discuss it. People
from Blizzard had explained this to me through a phone call and I really appreciate that and I accept their decision...”
He continues on, more or less accepting Blizzard’s decisions with gratitude. He announces also that he does not know if he will continue to play Hearthstone in the future.
His full statement can be found here or here.
For a timeline of these events including details not covered by GameTyrant, check out this article as well.
Putting aside the controversy, it’s probably about time you gave Hearthstone a try if you haven’t yet, so take a breathe and hop in this week!
