Toward geopolitical gaming: exploring the tension between Blizzard Entertainment and political forces

ABSTRACT Why did Blizzard Entertainment sanction a professional esports player for showing support for the 2019 Hong Kong protests during an official streaming event and later reduce the penalty? Drawing on public primary source documents including press releases, tweets, statements, and the Congressional Record, I argue competitive gaming has developed to a level where various forces are politicizing esports events to increase the visibility of social issues and influence the policymaking process. This is possible because the global nature of esports provides an economic incentive for video game developers to maintain a presence in particular markets through actions other markets may deem politically untenable, while also giving players a worldwide platform to communicate activist messages. The case study explores the broader political context around esports by offering a novel description illuminating the #BoycottBlizzard consumer movement and how esports events can act as fora for geopolitical tensions to unfold.