Even more Hearthstone players have been penalized. However, they are neither sad nor angry, but rather happy about the ban.
In the wake of the Blitzchung affair, other players sided with the Hearthstone Grandmaster and also made headlines during a stream. After a somewhat longer waiting period, Blizzard has now also banned these players. However, they are not angry about the incident, but are pleased with Blizzard’s response.
What happened? After the player Blitzchung shouted “Free Hongkong, Revolution of our age” during an official stream, he was penalized by Blizzard – he was banned from participating for a year, and his prize money was withheld.
Many Hearthstone players showed solidarity with Blitzchung, including the players from the American University (AU). They suddenly held a sign in front of the camera during the stream that read: “Free Hongkong, Boycott Blizz”. Even though the stream was quickly ended and switched, the penalty was delayed for several days.
Why did the team do that? The Hearthstone players from the American University wanted to make a statement and hoped to also receive a direct penalty. When that did not happen, many players took it as an opportunity to accuse Blizzard of partiality and double standards. After all, why was Blitzchung’s expression of opinion prohibited, while the player from AU was not?
After there was no direct penalty from Blizzard, the team announced that they would voluntarily not participate in upcoming tournaments.
Blizzard reacts late: Now, nearly a week later, the players of the AU Hearthstone team have also received a penalty. They are not allowed to participate in tournaments for 6 months. Thus, the penalty is identical to that of Blitzchung, which was later reduced. However, why Blizzard reacted late in this case while Blitzchung was dealt with within a few hours is not entirely clear.
Players are satisfied with the ban: Instead of being outraged by the ban, the players are quite satisfied. They write on Twitter:
We are pleased to announce that the AU Hearthstone team has been banned from participating in tournaments for 6 months. Despite the delay, we welcome the fact that all players are treated equally and no one is above the rules.
There is also little sympathy or regret on social media regarding the penalty, but rather congratulations. Most seem satisfied that the players have made another statement.
What do you think about it?
