The most popular shoutcaster from Hearthstone is stepping down. Following recent incidents, he will not be announcing games for the time being.
Brian Kibler (39) is one of the most successful Hearthstone commentators and a beloved figure in the game’s community. Kibler was previously a pro in Magic: The Gathering. He has built a YouTube channel around Hearthstone. He is considered quite relaxed, reasonable, and rational. Kibler is someone whose word carries a lot of weight.
Many were curious about how he would respond to the affair surrounding pro Blitzchung. He was disqualified from the Grandmasters and his prize money was revoked after he spoke out for the protest in Hong Kong.
Now commentator Kibler has made a decision and says: He will not be available as a shoutcaster until the situation changes. He was firmly scheduled for BlizzCon.
What did Kibler say? Kibler published a statement on his website regarding the entire matter. As is typical for him, he is quite factual and tries to understand both sides. He finds it understandable that Blizzard imposed a penalty because:
I believe it was correct for Blizzard to impose a penalty for his [Blitzchung’s] actions. They don’t want their streams to be used as a platform or tool for politics. The players agreed to these rules beforehand, and he then broke the rules. (…)
They did not punish him for his political stance, but they punished him for breaking the rules to share his political views in the stream.
Why is Kibler still stepping down? After the statement, the question arises why Kibler is still ceasing work as a shoutcaster for the Grandmasters. He explains further:
I do not pretend to fully understand the nuances of the geopolitical situation in China and Hong Kong or Blizzard’s business interests there, but to me, this decision looks deeply rooted in both of those points. The harsh penalty looks like someone insisted that Blizzard make an example of Blitzchung, not just to deter others from doing so in the future, but also to appease those who feel offended by this incident.
This kind of appeasement is not something I could reconcile with my conscience and with which I want to be associated. When I learned of the penalty, I reached out to Blizzard and told them I no longer feel comfortable commenting on the Grandmaster finals at BlizzCon. I will not endorse this decision by silently smiling in front of the camera. If nothing changes, I will not participate in the Grandmasters going forward.
Don’t direct anger at the wrong people: Finally, Kibler emphasizes that the anger felt over this decision should not be directed at the wrong people. Other streamers, casters, and players cannot simply quit. For them, their livelihoods depend on it. He explains:
But I also want to make clear that not everyone involved in the Grandmasters enjoys this luxury [of simply being able to quit]. Don’t take your anger out on the other commentators, streamers, or Blizzard employees. This is not the kind of decision made by the rank-and-file employees. Most of them are probably just as angry as you are. I definitely know that I am.
That Blizzard employees are also dissatisfied can be seen here very well.
What do you think of Kibler’s decision? Was it a good statement to withdraw from the Grandmasters? Or should he have continued with it?
