Blizzard recently reconsidered its decision to withold Chung "Blitzchung" Ng Wai's prize money and ban him for a year after expressing his support for the Hong Kong protesters during an official interview. Now, Blizzard has reduced the Hearthstone pro's ban to six months and allowed him to keep his prize money.
"The specific views expressed by Blitzchung were NOT a factor in the decision we made," wrote Blizzard president J. Allen Brack. "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."
The Blizzard president went on to explain that, since Blitzchung did not break any rules while playing Hearthstone, he'll get to receive his prize money after all, but he will still be suspended for six months instead of a year. "We understand that for some this is not about the prize, and perhaps for others it is disrespectful to even discuss it," Brack said. "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."
One day after Blizzard released their statement about Blitzchung's suspension, the Hearthstone pro shared his response on TwitLonger, and you can read the full English translation below. Blitzchung seems grateful to Blizzard for reconsidering its decision, but still considers the six-month ban is too long, and he wishes the company to reconsider its firing of the two casters who hid behind the desk when he expressed his support for the Hong Kong protesters.
You can read Blitzhung's full statement below:
"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."
Related: Gods Unchained Supports Banned Hearthstone Player Blitzchung; Offers Lost Winnings
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