10 Most Controversial Video Game Moments Of 2019
1. Blizzard Starting An International Incident Over Hong Kong Censorship
The biggest blunder of the year and one that has major ramifications outside the world of gaming - Blizzard choosing to side with the Chinese government over the censorship of "Blitzchung" expressing his views on the Hong Kong protests, rather than sticking to their American-originating values.
The comments - "liberate Hong Kong" - were said during a professional Hearthstone tournament, and saw an immediate ban for Blitzchung, and the removal of his prize money.
For additional context on why the Hong Kong protests matter and why a streamer would be motivated to express support for them, I recommend the above video, but that's almost besides the point:
In America, the government prides itself on - and respects - free speech. In China, not so much.
Blitzchung playing a Blizzard game, talking about the Hong Kong protests, then became a massive quandary of business interests (Blizzard want to operate in China) vs maintaining their fanbases and moralities back home.
The situation led to an apology from Blizzard at 2019's Blizzcon, a restoration of Blitzchung's prize pool, but no wider comment on where they stand as a company.