Blizzard CEO Apologises for Hong Kong Controversy - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 07 March 2020 / 2,890 Views
Blizzard Entertainment started the BlizzCon 2019 opening ceremony with an apology to their fans and the gaming community from Blizzard CEO J. Allen Brack. Blizzard recently banned a Hearthstone player that expressed pro-Hong Kong views.
"Blizzard had the opportunity to bring the world together in a tough Hearthstone esports moment a month ago, and we did not. We moved too quickly in our decision making, and to make matters worse we were too slow to talk to all of you," said Brack.
"When I think about what I'm most unhappy about it was two things - first, we didn't live up to the high standards we set ourselves and the second, we failed in our purpose. For that I accept responsibility and I am sorry.
View the video from Blizzard CEO J. Allen Brack below:
"So what exactly is our purpose? BlizzCon is demonstrating it even as we speak. We aspire to bring the world together in epic entertainment, and I truly believe in the positive power of the video game. When we get it right, we create a common ground where the community comes together. To compete, connect and play. As an example, BlizzCon has people from 59 countries at the show today - and that is amazing, is the positive power of video games."
"We will do better going forward, but our actions are going to matter more than and of these words," he added. "As you walk around this weekend, I hope it's clear how committed we are to everyone's right to express themselves, in all kinds of ways, in all kinds of places. I've actually seen and heard many of you expressing yourselves this morning!
"Once again, Blizzcon has brought us together, and you're going to see a lot of the hard work of the Blizzard team."
Thanks Eurogamer.
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.
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Until they give that player back his prize money, and unban him it's an insincere apology.
So are they going to remove Blitzchung and the two casters' punishment? If not this is nothing more than a cynical damage control.
Suddenly after many years of bad practices "we did'nt live up to the high standards that we set for ourselves"like yeah seems sincere.
non apology. The truth is seen when someone does it again. Will they allow it? My guess is their CCP masters won't let it.
So, that means they are just thieves that stole that dude's prize money.
He said they were sorry, but not for what. He said they'll try to do better, but didn't explain based on what. Half-assed apology.
Managed to get through that entire apology without once addressing the actual events and issue at the heart of the controversy. God I miss the days when I loved Blizzard :(
I'm glad I never did care much for Blizzard to begin with.
If you look closely you can see the puppet strings.
That guy was nervous AF
