US senators from the major parties are working together and drafting an “angry letter” to the head of Activision Blizzard. The Hearthstone affair surrounding China has reached the senators.
The story surrounding Hearthstone champion Blitzchung is getting crazier. Now several US senators have also written a letter to Bobby Kotick, the head of Activision Blizzard. They are urging Blizzard to commit to American values and free speech.
Who wrote the letter? The letter was drafted by US senators Ron Wyden (Democrat) and Marco Rubio (Republican), but received support from three members of Congress. So this is definitely a “bigger deal”.
What does the letter say? The letter references the incident with player Ng Wai Chung (Blitzchung) once again. The senators find Blizzard’s first decision (withholding the prize money and suspension) extremely troubling, as they believe the Chinese government is extending its power to also compel US companies to suppress free speech.
The letter urges Blizzard to reconsider the decision and “change course.” Particularly, the last paragraph is very clearly worded:
As China intensifies its campaign of intimidation, you and your company must decide whether to look beyond profit and uphold American values – such as free thought and speech – or whether to comply with Beijing’s demands to ensure access to their market. We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision regarding Mr. Chung. You have the opportunity to take a different course. We urgently request that you do so.
You can read the full letter here.
USA is divided elsewhere – but united here
Why is this so special? This letter is particularly noteworthy for two reasons. Firstly, it is extremely rare for politicians to directly address the gaming industry to criticize a decision regarding eSports and related circumstances.
Secondly, it is remarkable that the letter was written by senators from both major parties in the US (Democrats and Republicans). It has been rather unusual in recent months for supporters of both parties to agree on a topic.
Is the letter coming too late? However, it is clear that the letter likely comes a bit too late. It is dated October 18, and by then Blizzard had already reduced the punishment for Blitzchung a week ago. His prize money is no longer withheld, and his suspension has been reduced from one year to six months.
Nevertheless, this is undoubtedly a strong statement, as even representatives of American politics make such a clear statement and demand that Blizzard take a clear stance on something.
What do you think? Should politicians stay out of this issue? Or is this exactly right?
