In the reddit forum, a Ukrainian guild has now raised the alarm in World of Warcraft . Russian players are allegedly using automated reporting systems in the MMORPG WoW to harm them. Blizzard is becoming an accomplice while simultaneously selling a pet for Ukraine out of solidarity.
This was the complaint:
A post appeared on reddit on July 26 stating that a Ukrainian guild has come under attack from Russian players who are positioning themselves clearly on the side of Putin’s aggressive war against Ukraine. It states:
- The Ukrainian players on the Gordunni server receive messages that celebrate the murder of the Ukrainian people. Anyone who joins the guild receives such a message.
- The guild name (translated: Glory to the Heroes) has been automatically changed because apparently too many complaints were made against it.
- The guild leader has been banned for 24 hours, allegedly after a “thorough investigation by Blizzard”.
Blizzard is simultaneously selling a pet for Ukraine
What made this particularly spicy? The situation where Blizzard is clearly being used against a Ukrainian guild is particularly sensitive because Blizzard is simultaneously selling a pet for the benefit of Ukraine, together with actress Mila Kunis. The entire proceeds of this action are intended to go to charities in Ukraine.
On July 26, a user contacted Blizzard support and asked how support for Ukraine was actually being handled. They say they support Ukraine, but at the same time, they prohibit a name like “Glory to the Heroes” because it is against the rules.
They wanted a clear answer from Blizzard: “Is it okay to support Ukraine in WoW or not?”
How is Blizzard responding? In a message released, Blizzard support has now at least decided to restore the guild’s name in WoW.
It is said that they “looked at the details of the situation” and concluded to allow the name. They thank the player who complained for their patience and wish him and his guild good luck.
– Ukraine live blog (via Zeit)
– War in Ukraine (via nzz)
– Solidarity with Ukraine (via Federal Foreign Office)
Important Note: If you are troubled by dark thoughts due to the current situation: You are not alone. Please seek help. For example, at the telephone counseling service at 0800/111 0 111 or the online counseling, where you can also use a chat. This is free and applies nationwide.
What is behind it: This example shows how easily Blizzard’s automated systems can be abused. In this case, it was a particularly sensitive and uncomfortable situation for Blizzard.
In the comments on reddit, which were soon closed, Blizzard is criticized for not having a special team that intervenes in such cases.
Indeed, it is known that Blizzard has significantly reduced positions in community management for cost reasons in recent years.
Blizzard is likely cutting German community managers for WoW, Diablo, Hearthstone
