Blizzard apologizes for the way it handled Hong Kong protesters

Blizzard's J.Allen Brack apologized during BlizzCon 2019 regarding its decision to temporary ban Chung “Blitzchung” Ng Wai during the Hearthstone Grandmasters.

When discussing the situation, Brack acknowledged the team "moved too quickly," and were "too slow," to talk to fans about its decision.

"Blizzard had the opportunity to bring the world together in a tough Hearthstone esports moment about a month ago, and we did not. We moved too quickly and then we moved too slow to talk to you," he said. "We did not live up to the high standard we set for ourselves, and for that, I am sorry and accept accountability.

"We aspire to bring the world together through epic entertainment and believe in the positive power of video games.

"When we get it right we create a common ground where the community comes together irrespective of things that divide us. We will do better going forward and our actions will prove it. It is everyone's right to express themselves in all places."

The company also recently issued a six-month ban against three American university students who held up a sign during last week’s Hearthstone Collegiate Championships which read: “Free Hong Kong, Boycott Blizz”.

Protesters in support of Hong Kong are currently outside the conference center, and cosplayers inside are also showing support.

You can listen to Brack's apology in the on-demand BlizzCon 2019 opening ceremony video below.