In WoW Classic, Twitch streamer Asmongold renamed a character to “Free Hongkong”. But not for political reasons, rather to annoy Blizzard. Asmongold emphasizes this with some ironic comments. This is being criticized.
This is what Asmongold did: The Twitch streamer Asmongold is the largest streamer of WoW Classic on the platform and was the top streamer on Twitch overall in August 2019.
He renamed a gnome warlock in WoW Classic, originally named “Krakmonkey”, to “Freehõngkõng”: So “Free Hong Kong.”
He did this because the original character “Krakmonkey” was marked by Blizzard as an “inappropriate name” that he should change.
Asmongold tells Blizzard: If you want to give me trouble, then I will give you trouble.
Ironic protest is not well received
Here’s why it is delicate: As reported by Dexerto , Asmongold is criticized for this decision – for example on reddit.
Asmongold does not show solidarity with Hong Kong but does this only for personal reasons. Asmongold has ironically commented on the outrage regarding the China situation in YouTube statements and has mocked the emotional criticism regarding Blizzard’s decision.
YouTube videos of Asmongold’s reaction to “Blizzard and Hong Kong” have received many downvotes (via YouTube).
Asmongold seems to be mocking his name change of the WoW character and the “political engagement of influencers”. In the sense of “It’s not a protest if you just do something on the internet.”
When he talks about the topic, irony and sarcasm flow from every pore:
The way he now uses Hong Kong to express his protest seems to lead to problems.
Asmongold is accused of doing everything to get attention. Previously he was said to have defended “Blizzard”, now he is switching sides.
The topic is highly charged
Here’s what it’s about: Asmongold is known for his ironic style. However, the topic “Hong Kong” is currently very emotionally charged:
- Those who do not understand the irony think Asmongold is “switching sides”
- Those who understand the irony feel that Asmongold does not take the topic, which is so important to many, seriously, but rather instrumentalizes it
There seems to be little room to use the topic in a humorous context to get back at Blizzard because they want you to change the name of a hero.
