Blizzard has also witnessed at least one notable change in its competitions. Brian Kibler, a WoW cataclysm Gold streamer who has also turned into an a frequent caster and event host, released an official statement regarding the decision. He explained that he is aware of the reason Blizzard needed to take steps to prevent its platform from being used to express political opinions, however, this decision appears excessively harsh and heavy-handed.

"That type of harmony just not something I would without guilt accept," Kibler said. "When I was informed of the decision I contacted Blizzard and told them that I don't believe I can cast in the Grandmasters finale at BlizzCon. I will not put smiling on camera, implying this decision. If nothing changes or is averted, I will not have any involvement in Grandmasters' decisions moving forward."

In a live stream, Kibler spoke about the controversy with James Kostesich aka "Firebat," the first WoW Cataclysm Classic World Champion. Kostesich said he agrees that the punishment is too severe and called it "ridiculous" in addition to "unreasonable," and suggested Blizzard intends for a way to create an image for the participant.

The incident began when professional footballer Ng Wai Chung aka "Blitzchung" displayed the support of Hong Kong protests during a post-match interview. Blizzard barred Chung from competing for a year, and also canceled the $10,000 he won in a reference to a policy against any activity that "brings the player into public disrepute, irritates a segment or a group of people or damages the image of Blizzard." It was reported that the WoW Cataclysm Classic subreddit quickly became awash with numerous threads of players who said they were or were planning to stop playing the game. The hashtag "Boycottblizzard" also trended on Twitter.

Chung himself admitted to AFP that the turmoil in his hometown city often kept him away from the game He has no regrets in making his voice heard.

"I gave up time with my classmates and studying due to this contest. Although it was apparent that I was wasting four years of my life but I hold something that is more significant in my heart. If we fail to win the competition, Hong Kong will end forever."

BlizzCon 2019 begins on November 1st, and Blizzard could be required to address the issue in person.

WoW Cataclysm Classic Pro Banned Over Hong Kong Protest Support

Activision Blizzard banned a professional WoW Cataclysm Classic player from competition and then refunded his winnings following his the support of protesters for democracy on the streets of Hong Kong. The move has prompted harsh criticism from some within the community, and even demands for boycotts.

CBS News reports that Ng Wai Chung also known as "Blitzchung" was conducting an interview after the match when he shouted "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time." Blizzard determined that this was in violation of their WoW Cataclysm Classic Grandmasters competition rules and outlined the rule in violation:

WoW cataclysm Gold for sale is introducing another one of its Halloween events, but this one with an elven twist. The event series continues the ongoing story that the game has been narrated through various expansions as well as introducing a variety of new events, couple of special bundles, as well as the reintroduction of some older cards to Standard games.