Barkley said:
No he did just shout the statement. Someone posted a literal translation of what the casters said to him before: "Casters: You can just say that 8 characters and then we stop talking about anything. You can start at any time. blitzchung: Liberate Hong Kong! Revolution of our age!" Basically it seems they just asked him if he had anything he wished to say. Basically it stems down to one thing, you don't use a platform given to you by someone else to make political statements against another nation and it's government. Sports and by extension Esports should be an escape, friendly competition where other BS can be put aside. Organisers of events shouldn't have to deal with political fallout and put in a position like this. |
Again, I do not view expressing the verbal support of a group of citizens fighting for basic rights as a "political statement." It's a statement of humanity. Others may disagree with this, but I certainly see it this way, and Blizzard should too.
I guess I just don't see where this "fallout" would come from? China? Good riddance! Blizzard shouldn't want to do business with them if that is their attitude in expressing support for basic human rights, and like, not getting beaten or shot up in the street by what's essentially a fascist government.
Again, why does an American company give a shit about China in any capacity? Especially considering doing so has seemingly caused a backlash of 90% of your Western audience. So now you've lost your core audience. The people that brought you to the level you're at in the first place. Terrific - so you essentially HAVE to rely on the Chinese to keep your brand afloat. A market that resides in a communist regime (which means the government can manipulate the market as it sees fit), and a market which is largely untested compared to the West.. Smart move, Blizzard!
"We hold these truths to be self-evident - all men and women created by the, go-you know.. you know the thing!" - Joe Biden
