Blizzard squalifica giocatore di Hearthstone che appoggiava le proteste di Hong Kong

Chung “Blitzchung” Ng Wai, giocatore a livello pro di di Hearthstone è stato sospeso da Blizzard per aver violato le regole del gioco

Durante l’ultimo fine settimana della regolare stagione di Hearthstone secondo quanto riporta il portale Inven Global, il giocatore della squadra asiatica Chung “Blitzchung” Ng Wai ha espresso durante un’intervista, dopo il match giocato, il suo appoggio per le proteste di Hong Kong. Chung “Blitzchung” Ng Wai durante l’intervista indossava una maschera antigas ed una mascherina; un chiaro riferimento di supporto alle proteste e quello che sta succedendo ad Hong Kong.

[BREAKING] Hong Kong Hearthstone player @blitzchungHS calls for liberation of his country in post-game interview:https://t.co/3AgQAaPioj

@Matthieist #Hearthstone pic.twitter.com/DnaMSEaM4g

— 🎃 Inven Global 🎃 (@InvenGlobal) October 6, 2019

Poco dopo la diretta streaming la Blizzard ha deciso di squalificare il giocatore, appellandosi e citando il regolamento ufficiale della competizione:

2019 HEARTHSTONE® GRANDMASTERS OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES v1.4  p.12, Section 6.1 (o)

Engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard image will result in removal from Grandmasters and reduction of the player’s prize total to $0 USD, in addition to other remedies which may be provided for under the Handbook and Blizzard’s Website Terms.

La Blizzard, secondo la sezione 6.1 del regolamento, può punire un giocatore che disturba attraverso le sue azioni la community, il giocatore viene squalificato e quindi sarà fuori dalla scena competitiva per un anno intero, nel caso di Chung “Blitzchung” Ng Wai la squalifica scadrà il 5 Ottobre 2020.

Oltre al giocatore sono stati sospesi anche i due caster ufficiali per aver applaudito il gesto di Blitzchung.

Di seguito il comunicato ufficiale di Blizzard, riguardo la sospensione:

“During the Asia-Pacific Grandmasters broadcast over the weekend there was a competition rule violation during a post-match interview, involving Blitzchung and two casters, which resulted in the removal of the match VOD replay.

Upon further review we have found the action has violated the 2019 Hearthstone Grandmasters Official Competition Rules section 6.1 (o) and is individual behavior which does not represent Blizzard or Hearthstone Esports. 6.1 (o) is found below.

2019 HEARTHSTONE® GRANDMASTERS OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES v1.4 p.12, Section 6.1 (o)

Engaging in any act that, in Blizzard’s sole discretion, brings you into public disrepute, offends a portion or group of the public, or otherwise damages Blizzard image will result in removal from Grandmasters and reduction of the player’s prize total to $0 USD, in addition to other remedies which may be provided for under the Handbook and Blizzard’s Website Terms. 

Grandmasters is the highest tier of Hearthstone Esports and we take tournament rule violations very seriously. After an investigation, we are taking the necessary actions to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Effective immediately, Blitzchung is removed from Grandmasters and will receive no prizing for Grandmasters Season 2. Additionally, Blitzchung is ineligible to participate in Hearthstone esports for 12 months beginning from Oct. 5th, 2019 and extending to Oct. 5th, 2020. We will also immediately cease working with both casters.

We’d like to re-emphasize tournament and player conduct within the Hearthstone esports community from both players and talent. While we stand by one’s right to express individual thoughts and opinions, players and other participants that elect to participate in our esports competitions must abide by the official competition rules.”

Non è la prima volta che il mondo eSport appoggia la protesta di Hong Kong durante un torneo di Dota Dominik “Lacoste” Stipic, massimo esperto di Dota, ha scelto di indossare appunto una spilla con Pepe the Frog.

Pepe the Frog è diventato simbolo della protesta di Hong Kong.