J. Allen Brack: Regarding Last Weekend’s Hearthstone Grandmasters Tournament

Update: Blitzchung has released a statement.

Regarding Last Weekend’s Hearthstone Grandmasters Tournament
At the Hearthstone Grandmasters Asia-Pacific last weekend, Grandmaster Blitzchung made a comment in a post game interview about the political situation in Hong Kong. Blizzard took back his prize money and banned him from Hearthstone eSports for a year.

You can see Blizzard's initial response on Hearthpwn, as well as the community reaction. Brian Kibler and other casters have now decided to stop working the Grandmasters Tournaments.

Originally Posted by J. Allen Brack (Blue Tracker)
Hello Blizzard Community . . .

I want to take a few minutes to talk to all of you about the Hearthstone Grandmasters tournament this past weekend. On Monday, we made the decision to take action against a player named blitzchung and two shoutcasters after the player shared his views on what’s happening in Hong Kong on our official broadcast channel.

At Blizzard, our vision is “to bring the world together through epic entertainment.” And we have core values that apply here: Think Globally; Lead Responsibly; and importantly, Every Voice Matters, encouraging everybody to share their point of view. The actions that we took over the weekend are causing people to question if we are still committed to these values. We absolutely are and I will explain.

Our esports programs are an expression of our vision and our values. Esports exist to create opportunities for players from around the world, from different cultures, and from different backgrounds, to come together to compete and share their passion for gaming. It is extremely important to us to protect these channels and the purpose they serve: to bring the world together through epic entertainment, celebrate our players, and build diverse and inclusive communities.

As to how those values apply in this case:

First, our official esports tournament broadcast was used as a platform for a winner of this event to share his views with the world.

We interview competitors who are at the top of their craft to share how they feel. We want to experience that moment with them. Hearing their excitement is a powerful way to bring us together.

Over the weekend, blitzchung used his segment to make a statement about the situation in Hong Kong—in violation of rules he acknowledged and understood, and this is why we took action.

Every Voice Matters, and we strongly encourage everyone in our community to share their viewpoints in the many places available to express themselves. However, the official broadcast needs to be about the tournament and to be a place where all are welcome. In support of that, we want to keep the official channels focused on the game.

Second, what is the role of shoutcasters for these broadcasts?

We hire shoutcasters to amplify the excitement of the game. They elevate the watchability and help the esports viewing experience stay focused on the tournament and our amazing players.

Third, were our actions based on the content of the message?

Part of Thinking Globally, Leading Responsibly, and Every Voice Matters is recognizing that we have players and fans in almost every country in the world. Our goal is to help players connect in areas of commonality, like their passion for our games, and create a sense of shared community.

The specific views expressed by blitzchung were NOT a factor in the decision we made. I want to be clear: our relationships in China had no influence on our decision.

We have these rules to keep the focus on the game and on the tournament to the benefit of a global audience, and that was the only consideration in the actions we took.

If this had been the opposing viewpoint delivered in the same divisive and deliberate way, we would have felt and acted the same.

OK, what could Blizzard have done better, and where do we go from here?

Over the past few days, many players, casters, esports fans, and employees have expressed concerns about how we determined the penalties. We’ve had a chance to pause, to listen to our community, and to reflect on what we could have done better. In hindsight, our process wasn’t adequate, and we reacted too quickly.

We want to ensure that we maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all our players, and that our rules and processes are clear. All of this is in service of another important Blizzard value—Play Nice; Play Fair.

In the tournament itself blitzchung *played* fair. We now believe he should receive his prizing. We understand that for some this is not about the prize, and perhaps for others it is disrespectful to even discuss it. That is not our intention.

But playing fair also includes appropriate pre-and post-match conduct, especially when a player accepts recognition for winning in a broadcast. When we think about the suspension, six months for blitzchung is more appropriate, after which time he can compete in the Hearthstone pro circuit again if he so chooses. There is a consequence for taking the conversation away from the purpose of the event and disrupting or derailing the broadcast.

With regard to the casters, remember their purpose is to keep the event focused on the tournament. That didn’t happen here, and we are setting their suspension to six months as well.

Moving forward, we will continue to apply tournament rules to ensure our official broadcasts remain focused on the game and are not a platform for divisive social or political views.

One of our goals at Blizzard is to make sure that every player, everywhere in the world, regardless of political views, religious beliefs, race, gender, or any other consideration always feels safe and welcome both competing in and playing our games.

At Blizzard, we are always listening and finding ways to improve—it is part of our culture. Thank you for your patience with us as we continue to learn.

Sincerely,

J. Allen Brack
President of Blizzard Entertainment

Blitzchung's Statement
Originally Posted by MMO-Champion
Thank you for your attention in the past one week, this is a personal statement and my view on Blizzard's latest decision. First of all, I'm grateful for Blizzard reconsidering their position about my ban. Earlier this week, I told media that I knew I might have penalty or consequence for my act, because I understand that my act could take the conversation away from the purpose of the event. In the future, I will be more careful on that and express my opinions or show my support to Hong Kong on my personal platforms.

Many people has been asking me if I accept the latest decision of Blizzard, I will discuss that on two parts. Tournament prizing and suspension. For tournament prizing, I quoted what Blizzard said on the official website, they mention that I played fair in the tournament and they believe I should receive my prizing. This is the part I really appreciate, Blizzard also said they understand for some this is not about the prize, but perhaps for others it is disrespectful to even discuss it. People
from Blizzard had explained this to me through a phone call and I really appreciate that and I accept their decision on this part.

For second part about the suspension, Blizzard had changed their suspension on me from a year to six months. Once again, I appreciate for their reconsideration on this. To be honest, I think six
months is still quite a lot to me. But I also being told that I can continue to compete in the hearthstone pro circuit which they mean the grandmaster tournament. I appreciate for this decision
they made because grandmaster is currently the highest level tournament in competitive
hearthstone. However, I wish Blizzard can reconsider about their penalty on the two casters involved.

Lastly, many people wants to know if i would be competing in hearthstone in the future. Honestly, I have no idea on that yet. Since my next tournament is very likely to be the grandmaster tournament of next season, it's probably at least a few months from now on. I will take this time to relax myself to decide if I am staying in competitive hearthstone scene or not.

Hearthstone changed my the way I live, I really love this community. Blessing to all the players out there, and blessing to Blizzard.
This article was originally published in forum thread: J. Allen Brack: Regarding Last Weekend’s Hearthstone Grandmasters Tournament started by chaud View original post
Published on 2019-10-12 02:13 AM
1300 Comments
Comments 1215 Comments
  1. GenericDragon's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Jtbrig7390 View Post
    Ok and Kotick making money still gets people fired....

    The company will fire whoever they feel isn't worth it at any time. Activision-Blizzard makes money hand over fist and yet like I said 800 people lost their job.

    I choose to not deal with the optional devil, I don't need Activision-Blizzard products in my life. Some products I do need in my life and I have to deal with that devil. That is the world we live in, You can lower the China footprint that you have.

    If by some chance Activision-Blizzard releases a product I want, Ill buy it used and they won't see a dime from me. I find that very unlikely since they seem focused on is Call of Duty and Online games.

    Same thing I have been doing to WB and Ubisoft.

    That's your choice. For me, some of Blizzard products are the only thing that most of my friends like to play together as a group, so I'll continue to play with them.

    (Until I can finally get them all to play D&D. :P)
  1. Onikaroshi's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Jtbrig7390 View Post
    You do you, Not going to yuk your yum.

    I don't have anything against people enjoying their products. I just personally am not going to give them money.
    Which is fine in the end, I mean, you probably weren't going to buy too many anyway, don't recall you being much of a blizzard supporter even before lol
  1. Jtbrig7390's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Onikaroshi View Post
    Which is fine in the end, I mean, you probably weren't going to buy too many anyway, don't recall you being much of a blizzard supporter even before lol
    Been playing WoW since early TBC and I own all other blizzard games as well, some on many platforms....

    Ya I have been a blizzard customer for quite sometime.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by GenericDragon View Post
    That's your choice. For me, some of Blizzard products are the only thing that most of my friends like to play together as a group, so I'll continue to play with them.

    (Until I can finally get them all to play D&D. :P)
    Nothing wrong with that, Not going to yuk your yum man.
  1. Onikaroshi's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Jtbrig7390 View Post
    Been playing WoW since early TBC and I own all other blizzard games as well, some on many platforms....

    Ya I have been a blizzard customer for quite sometime.

    - - - Updated - - -



    Nothing wrong with that, Not going to yuk your yum man.
    Bad memory I guess. Oh well, like I said, to each their own. As long as people don't step on my enjoyment I'm fine if they want to their thing.
  1. Jtbrig7390's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Onikaroshi View Post
    Bad memory I guess. Oh well, like I said, to each their own. As long as people don't step on my enjoyment I'm fine if they want to their thing.
    Offtopic but I actually just got a hold of Warcraft II for the PS1 in mint shape, I look forward to playing it lol.

    The early Warcraft RTS's is the only Blizzard games I haven't played.
  1. Onikaroshi's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Jtbrig7390 View Post
    Offtopic but I actually just got a hold of Warcraft II for the PS1 in mint shape, I look forward to playing it lol.

    The early Warcraft RTS's is the only Blizzard games I haven't played.
    Oh man, warcraft ii is one of my favorites, was hoping it would get the first remaster

    The first one though, that's skippable
  1. Theoris's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Onikaroshi View Post
    Not that I've seen, but I've seen people say he was "forced"
    It's probably not unreasonable to think that they would lessen his punishment if he agreed to make a de-escalating statement, but I'm not sure if I want to use the word "forced".
  1. crusadernero's Avatar
    Well we in the west just gotta swallow most shite big corps do these days, cause we depend on China producing stuff for us. We want it quickly, we want it cheap. There is no better place for that then in Asia, were working conditions & human rights aint really a thing.
  1. Onikaroshi's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Theoris View Post
    It's probably not unreasonable to think that they would lessen his punishment if he made a de-escalating statement, but I'm not sure if I want to use the word "forced".
    His statements don't sound coerced, but who knows
  1. yakuz's Avatar
    this statement is poor...
  1. TwoMana's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by scarecrowz View Post
    The answer is money.
    Then it shouldn't be so fucking hard to show the money, now should it? But you can't because the correlation exists only in your head.
  1. Chonar's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Jtbrig7390 View Post
    Not going to yuk your yum
    Can I steal this?
    I'mma steal this.
  1. Kumorii's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Onikaroshi View Post
    Not that I've seen, but I've seen people say he was "forced"
    Whenever something contradicts their fantasy they rather spin what happened to support what they believe instead of having what happened spin what you believe.
    Must be easy to be simple.
  1. Muajin76's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Terongor View Post
    So every political message is fine in official blizzard stream. So people can wear KKK hood during a match then he shouldn't be punished.
    hmm...when did people wear KKK hooods during a match?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Terongor View Post
    So every political message is fine in official blizzard stream. So people can wear KKK hood during a match then he shouldn't be punished.
    However, the KKK doesn't make Blizz any money like China does i'm sure. This was purely for their financial stability regarding China. They can say it has nothing to do with their decision all they want, but everyone knows it 100% does. Heaven forbid they lose Chinese business for supporting their *every voice counts* for their motto..T.T

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Theoris View Post
    I wonder if people have started to turn against blitzchung for not wanting to shit on Blizzard.
    I'm sure people in mainland China have.
  1. Domcho's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Jtbrig7390 View Post
    Blizzard: Support Pride Day by buying our rainbow colored skins and rainbow colored loot box's. By the way Tracer is gay and here is a comic about it.....

    Blizzard: DON'T YOU DARE SAY ANYTHING POLITICAL AT OUR TOURNAMENTS OR IN OUR VIDEO GAMES.

    Fucken Hypocrites.
    In that case, isn't it hypocrisy too, when nobody made any threads complaining about Blizzard's support of pride day?
  1. eduwneso's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by -aiko- View Post
    Idiot player tries uses an esports event as a platform for politics
    Idiot company overreacts and fails at PR
    Internet loses their shit

    *popcorn*
    *also grabs popcorn*

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Popastique View Post
    Defend what? When i play any Blizzard games, or watch some tournament - guess what, i don't care about any political agenda and don't want to hear about it. And that comes from a person who lives in Ukraine. Assume what you want, but most people who jumped on hype band wagon didn't even know what was going on in Hong Kong until Blizzard punished that player.

    Don't say that!!! liberate the world! we must go live in the woods like before tecnology came, everything is corrupted don't support anything! *sarcasm*

    people are such hypocrites

    I had a discussion with a friend because he wanted me to boicot blizzard and stop playing the games, I only live one fucking life and I'm having a great time with my guild right now, I'm sorry for being selfish but why the hell would I shoot myself in my foot? the people who made that game are not the ones supporting china, and I fucking enjoy playing this game, also it must be tiring for people being 'offended' on behalf of every thing that happens in this world.

    That guy KNEW he would be punished and he was, I think he is brave and has some big balls and I won't say anything less than that, he deserves to be praised for what he did, but also, he should and must be punished for breaking the rules, if not we will have nazis proclaiming stuff on official streams and what should we do? we conveniently forget the rules for them?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Railander View Post
    i fucking guarantee you if he used it to defend some popular trend like gay rights no one would've batted an eye. i GUARANTEE you.
    easy, because it's less controversial, and it's easily accepted, we can't take everything by the same value, it's just impossible.
  1. Jtbrig7390's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Chonar View Post
    Can I steal this?
    I'mma steal this.
    Go for it funny enough I got it from BL2's recent DLC LOL.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Domcho View Post
    In that case, isn't it hypocrisy too, when nobody made any threads complaining about Blizzard's support of pride day?
    Seeing how supporting Pride Day is actually a good thing, No.

    Anyone complaining about Pride Day is a fucken tool and not worth wasting breath on.
  1. eduwneso's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Kyphael View Post
    All right, everyone, stop whining and move on, if it's not your problem, don't try to be the world's hero. Stop trying to ruin video games for those of us not affected. I want more WoW expansions and Blizzcon to uninterrupted by stupid protests, if you don't like it, kiss my ass and go play something else, but leave Blizzard alone. They deserve to make money and have investors to answer to. Video gaming isn't a platform to protest human rights, that's just fucking juvenile and attention-grabbing whore shit.

    So again, I ask you, kindly kiss my ass and stop trying to protest Blizzard. Find different venues.

    Yours kindly,



    I'm sorry but I think I love you, this was perfect
  1. kappalol's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Kyphael View Post
    All right, everyone, stop whining and move on, if it's not your problem, don't try to be the world's hero. Stop trying to ruin video games for those of us not affected. I want more WoW expansions and Blizzcon to uninterrupted by stupid protests, if you don't like it, kiss my ass and go play something else, but leave Blizzard alone. They deserve to make money and have investors to answer to. Video gaming isn't a platform to protest human rights, that's just fucking juvenile and attention-grabbing whore shit.

    So again, I ask you, kindly kiss my ass and stop trying to protest Blizzard. Find different venues.

    Yours kindly,
    Just this.
  1. Nite92's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Jtbrig7390 View Post
    Blizzard: Support Pride Day by buying our rainbow colored skins and rainbow colored loot box's. By the way Tracer is gay and here is a comic about it.....

    Blizzard: DON'T YOU DARE SAY ANYTHING POLITICAL AT OUR TOURNAMENTS OR IN OUR VIDEO GAMES.

    Fucken Hypocrites.
    I don't know how an adult cannot see the difference here. "Blizzard" can take any political stance they want, since they haven't signed a contract, which forbids them to do so. The HS players signed a contract, which forbids them to voice their political opinions during the tournament. He broke the contract, he gets punished.

    It has literally nothing to with im being right or wrong.
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