Video game developer Blizzard Entertainment has lessened the punishment for a professional gamer who was penalized after expressing support for the Hong Kong protest movement.
Blizzard President J. Allen Brack on Monday stressed the company’s relationship with China had no bearing on its decision to suspend the player, Ng Wai Chung, who goes by Blitzchung, and strip him of his winnings from the Hearthstone Grandmasters Asia-Pacific Tournament this month.
“The specific views expressed by Blitzchung were not a factor in the decision we made,” Brack said in a statement. “I want to be clear: Our relationship in China had no influence on our decision.”
Brack stressed that if it were an “opposing viewpoint delivered in the same divisive and deliberate way, we would have felt and acted the same.”
Blitzchung, who is based in Hong Kong, was punished after he wore a gas mask and goggles in a live interview during the tournament and said, “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our age.” The mask is a symbol of the Hong Kong protest movement, which started in June in opposition to an extradition bill.
Brack acknowledged the company “reacted too quickly” in suspending Blitzchung from play for a year and taking away his prize money. He instead will be barred for competing in tournaments for six months and will receive the winnings after all.
“There is a consequence for taking the conversation away from the purpose of the event and disrupting or derailing the broadcast,” Brack said, adding that Blitzchung “played fair” during the tournament itself.
Blizzard, which is behind World of Warcraft, said last week Blitzchung’s conduct was a violation of tournament rules that prohibit players from “engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion of group of the public, or otherwise damages” the developer’s image.
The move, however, was met with swift backlash from other players, esports fans, and lawmakers who accused Blizzard of cowering to China to protect its profits.
Blizzard is one of a growing list of U.S. companies that has found itself caught in the middle of tensions between Hong Kong protesters and China.
Apple last week was lambasted for removing from its App Store an app that allows protesters in Hong Kong to see the real-time location of police. Google also pulled from its Google Play store a mobile game that lets players act as a Hong Kong protester.
The NBA’s relationship with China, meanwhile, frayed after Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey tweeted this month “Fight for Freedom. Stand for Hong Kong,” leading Chinese sponsors to distance themselves from the league.
