I've definitely bought into the hype over China becoming uber powerful, with these recent events only solidifying that idea. I really hope that's true about them heading towards collapse.

lolz, they want to have their cake and eat it too, to be able to make money everywhere. Business-wise it's probably better to stay American as China wouldn't allow them to continue openly supporting LGBT and diversity.

He should stick to gaming analysis ... 

I think it might be America that won't be able to keep up. What makes a great civilization isn't political/diplomatic policy but it's the technology that's powered behind it and in some measures China is exceeding America in some categories ... 

Sorry, slightly off topic, but still.

>Chinese embassy threatened Prague city council
>threatened 

Yeah, that's not how you engage in talks with another City/State/Country

They need to fuck off with that totalitarian bullshit. 

I really hope they do, because I do not want them reeling in more power, because that's just flat out bad for the rest of the world. Their way of life is basically a living hell.

Also, the idea that these corps are going to make an infinite amount of cash from China alone, are in for one hell of a wild ride, because China doesn't like doing business long-term. Why do you think they steal patents and muscle out global competition within their own country?. They'd rather semi-welcome you, steal your shit and boot you out like last night's whore. They don't care about doing business, they care about being the top dog and stealing what they think is theirs to take. 

(inb4 some defender of this bs tries to throw in other country history of stealing shit, because that disingenuous shit posting is most definitely going to rear it's head, from someone in this thread. Count on it). 

https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/15/blizzard-cancels-overwatch-launch-event-in-wake-of-protests

Interesting, wonder if this could mean they'll cancel Blizzcon as well if the backlash doesn't let up, but I don't know the logistics of the event, perhaps it'd be too costly to do so at this point. Really hope they don't cause I want to see all them Pooh bears walking around hehe.

As for Overwatch on Switch, it'd be nice if the game bombs. Hopefully enough people wont feel they absolutely need it and can instead play Splatoon and Paladins, but I have no qualms with those who'll buy it still. If I'm to say I'm on the side of freedom, then I have to let people express their freedom to buy what they want. It's not like buying the game automatically means you support Blizzard's actions afterall.

They cancel that event, they can kiss their Western market goodbye, along with a tanking of stocks and a massive loss of trust.

They've dug this whole and made the bed within, they have to sleep in it regardless.

They should use that con to make things up to their Western users, not police them like they're in China, or ignore/censor their PR and consumer questions like it's China. Blizz are actually going to have to put some effort into trying to understand where we're coming from, rather than ignoring us like they did with Diablo Immortal, where they held that stupid conference, assuring China that they are there for them, then addressing us via a shitty blog post. 

Was it at a Blizzard event for the US protesters? That still proves my point that Blizzard doesn't care for communism as they allow freedom of speech where its allowed. People act like they are going out hunting protesters instead of understanding they are trying to save there brand in China. Yes I disagree with Blizzard and they should have taken a better approach but a business is a business and they only care for money. They just see numbers like 600m+ potential customers. Its greed and all major corps are the same.

Either way, I don't really care what happens next with this Chung vs Blizzard, its gone too deep now. All I can say is I wont be taking it out on quality games as the hard working devs don't deserve childish and immature practices. If you really love something you clearly wont give it up however it seems boycotters don't really love what they boycott so its not really a loss to them. Its a gain for me because it clears the servers out and allows me to avoid players that simply don't care for the games. Take that as you wish. If you think Boycotting Blizzard is going to save Hong Kong? Please tell me what you are drinking, they banned Winnie the Pooh you think they will stop there? They will just ban the people from Blizzard games as well. Ill never understand the logic behind it.

A bigger question would be if we reverse the situation and a protester spoke at a Blizzard event that was promoting communism in Hong Kong using Blizzards branding, would you be happy hearing that at a gaming event? Or would you rather Blizzard penalise them? Serious question.

@Azzanation I for one don't think boycotting Blizzard is going to save Hong Kong directly obviously. But it's the principle and the precedent it possibly sets. It hopefully sends a message for supporting human rights and opposing violations on these basic rights in addition to Totalitarianism. And I partially get the "majority rules" argument of 600 million + customers but surely a good chunk of them must be in support of HK too??

I've softened on this a bit, at least Blizzard cut some of the suspension and returned Chung's prize money, though I can't help but feel that is merely because of the major backlash. I still feel Blizzard acting like a harmless statement that's bascially naught but "pro-human rights" when you boil it down is some kind of crazy, provocative, or divisive statement is asinine to me.. And I'll always feel that way.

Regardless, a couple of buddies just bought Overwatch on Switch and I'll be damned if I'm missing out over one foolish company decision. But I'm still buying used when I would have bought new before this. And that includes the sweet Dva controller I'll be picking up too :P

Your point is irrelevant, what matters is that it further proves their double standard, that it wasn't about upholding rules and principles like they claimed. People are acting like they chose money over humanity and honesty because that is exactly what they did. That'd you make excuses and defenses for them knowing this is pretty sad.

I'm pretty sure you're being disingenuous here, there's no way you've never heard the term "put your money where your mouth is," but just in case I'll explain the point of a boycott. It's purpose isn't about punishing quality games and hardworking devs. It's not the consumers job to make sure products are a success, it's the business's job to make an appealing product people want to buy. If you want to separate business decisions from their products, fair enough, but it's also fair for others to take their actions into account.

As you've said, companies only care about money so the only way to affect them is to not buy their product. The hope is that enough people will do so to get them to listen. Even if not, it's also for the self, to feel good knowing you're not supporting something you don't agree with. You can be offended by this idea but don't make silly insinuations to justify your stance. No one believes boycotting Blizzard will free Hong Kong. They did something really shitty and people aren't going to stand for it, the logic is that simple.

I'd need to know what exactly is said and how it's said, but anything supporting the CCP is likely no good no matter the context.

I heard the game was digital only, that they sell a physical case but it only has a download code inside. Like what's even the point of that? xD