The BlizzCon 2019 is set to be historic. Not only because of the announcement of games but also due to the protests surrounding it: Blizzard is currently under fire.
For many gamers, the upcoming weekend is the highlight of the year, as BlizzCon 2019 is approaching. Many new announcements from Blizzard are expected here, including new addons for WoW and Hearthstone, a new Overwatch game, and even the long-awaited Diablo IV.
However, BlizzCon could be overshadowed, as multiple protests are planned before and during BlizzCon.
What is the reason for the protests? The stir is still the Hearthstone affair surrounding pro player Blitzchung, who was penalized for stating “Free Hong Kong, revolution of our age” during a Hearthstone stream.
Although the penalty was later reduced, many people see Blizzard’s fundamental actions as catering to the Chinese government to avoid losing the market there.
It is clear to many: Blizzard prioritizes financial interests over people’s freedom.
Therefore, an example should be made of Blizzard to make large companies and sponsors understand that there is no tolerance among customers for restricting free speech for financial reasons.
These protests are planned for BlizzCon 2019
Basically, there are two major protest movements planned for BlizzCon. One of them is intended to take place online, primarily through social media. The other will actually take place on-site in Anaheim, the venue for BlizzCon 2019.
This is the online action: On October 29, an attempt will be made to flood social media with the topic to generate more attention for the issue.
On this “Online Action Day,” the campaign aims to promote the hashtag “#GamersForFreedom” and demand that other companies clearly commit to free speech and not tolerate the suppression of freedom.
This action is also meant for everyone who wants to protest but cannot travel to BlizzCon themselves.
Protests before BlizzCon: On November 1st, a protest is planned right outside the convention center in Anaheim. Here, people want to gather and wear the typical clothing of protesters from Hong Kong, including umbrellas and gas masks. There should also be many signs with corresponding demands.
Some take this action not too seriously and want to dress as Winnie Pooh – as a criticism of Xi Jingping. He has often been compared to Winnie Pooh on the internet, which led the government to ban the bear entirely in China.
How many people will actually show up in Anaheim to participate in the protests remains to be seen.
Protests at BlizzCon: In addition to the two events mentioned above, some BlizzCon attendees also want to participate in the protest action and draw attention at the convention. Here, we are talking about printed T-shirts with “Free Hong Kong” and other messages, but also umbrellas and gas masks are planned as signs of solidarity with the protests in Hong Kong.
Others want to try to stand out in the Q&A panels, even though that is not so easy.
Whether Blizzard will allow this form of protest at the convention or not allow such clothing altogether remains to be seen. At least umbrellas could easily be classified as potential weapons.
The peaceful protest actions are supported by larger organizations like FightForTheFuture.org. A whole subreddit for the protests has even formed on Reddit.
It will be exciting at BlizzCon – not only regarding Blizzard games but also because of all the activity surrounding it.
Whether these protest actions will be significant or just “internet chatter” without actual deeds remains to be seen. After all, it is likely the first BlizzCon that Blizzard fans and critics alike are looking forward to.
Do you think the protest actions are justified? Or should we simply enjoy BlizzCon and leave the event in peace?
