‘Blitzchung” might have some new friends in high places. After he won the Hearthstone Grandmasters in China last weekend, blitzchung used the post-game interview to support the Hong Kong protests. Blizzard President J. Allen Brack responded by withholding the prize money. A few days later, Brack released an official statement explaining the company’s position. Brack admits that blitzchung should receive the prize money, but he also states that players should not use their platform to drive political agendas. Multiple Senators disagreed and used the power of Congress to apply pressure.

On Friday, Senators responded with a letter to Blizzard CEO Robert Kotick. The bipartisan response urged Kotick to “look beyond the bottom line and promote American values” and “reconsider your decision with respect to Mr. Chung”.

Content control is the heart of the issue. Blizzard believes their platform should only be used to promote the company’s games. Congress implies that companies should not censor their live content. These circumstances raise many questions. Do companies own their live streaming content? Should gamers use a company’s platform to promote their own agenda? Or should they only comment on the game? Should companies moderate streamed content? Are they violating freedom of speech? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and social links on the right.

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