BlizzCon protests begin to officially organize in response to the Hong Kong controversy

In news that will come as no surprise to anyone, word has surfaced of an organized protest scheduled for the first day of BlizzCon. Mobilization efforts are being arranged by the non-profit organization Fight for the Future as well as by the organizers of a ProtestBlizzcon subreddit.

Fight for the Future has opened up a dedicated website to help those interested in joining in the protest, along with a Discord and with efforts organized via social media. The protest is set for November 1st outside of the Anaheim Convention Center.

Top heads of Fight for the Future have spoken up against Blizzard’s actions against Hearthstone player Ng “blitzchung” Wai Chung, which were recently walked back to a shorter suspension time for Wai Chung and the two Taiwanese casters caught in the splash damage, as well as a return of Wai Chung’s prize money. “This is not going away,” stated deputy director Evan Greer. “We’re going to make an example out of them to make sure that all companies know that throwing human rights and free expression under the bus to make some extra money will not be tolerated.”

The organization’s work is being helped by a recently opened ProtestBlizzcon subreddit, which is already gaining a large amount of active posts from visitors and subscribers to the sub. Other organizing efforts are being put together there like a GoFundMe page, an encouraging post about how action is starting to have an effect on China, and calls to keep things civil.

According to reporting from Kotaku, ensuring the ProtestBlizzcon subreddit and the protest itself doesn’t devolve into an extremist, harassing, or racist event is important to the mods. “We also don’t want this to become a subreddit of hate against Chinese people,” says Mel “Kazemel89″ Thomspon, one of the sub’s moderators. “So far this subreddit hasn’t become extremist, and I’m glad that most people who have joined support protesting Blizzard in legal and well thought-out plans to gain awareness.”

The Anaheim Convention Center staff are also in the loop and state that they are prepared. “As a major visitor city, we have significant experience hosting high-profile events,” reads an emailed statement from a spokesperson. “The Anaheim Convention Center works closely with event organizers and the Anaheim Police Department to ensure a safe experience for both attendees and those who may want to peacefully express themselves.”