To say that video games exist outside the realm of politics is naive. The process in which a game is made is political, depending on how the developers are treated, if they’re allowed to unionize, etc. How a game is treated by fans and developers can send a political message of its own and, in the past few days, Activision Blizzard sent a strong political message, one so controversial that it’s a rare instance in which most of the gaming community is united. Blizzard punished a game player for protesting in the name of Hong Kong, and we should protest Blizzard in turn.

Hong Kong has been going through mass protests since March in response to an extradition bill that would undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy from mainland China. The protests have since escalated, with harsher police action cracking down on protesters that demand for more freedoms and oversight, with solidarity from people around the world.

Professional Hearthstone player, Ng “Blitzchung” Wai Chung, was one of those championing the cause. After a victorious Sunday Grandmasters match, Blitzchung was interviewed and he used the platform to say “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our age!,” wearing a mask in referenced defiance to an “anti-mask” law recently introduced by the Hong Kong government. The casters, likely fearing consequences, hid under the desk as he said this.

And consequences did come. Citing a rule that prohibits offending groups and slandering Blizzard, the company banned Blitzchung from Grandmasters, banned him from participating in Hearthstone esports and took away his winnings. Also, despite clearly not wanting to be associated with Blitzchung, the casters were let go by association. This move has largely been attributed to outside pressure, Blizzard bowing down to demands of the Chinese government.

Usually when some big political event happens in the game space, I typically see a sharp divide. In this case, however, at least for Americans, most gamers are united against Activision Blizzard, and I don’t blame them. Communities associated with Blizzard games have been in an uproar, mainly siding against the creators of the games they love. A Collegiate Hearthstone tournament expressed solidarity, with production quickly cutting away as a pro-Hong Kong sign was flashed. Disgruntled Blizzard employees even took to covering statements on the statue outside of the company building, likely feeling that the company no longer has the right to claim that.

Not everyone at Blizzard agrees with what happened.

Both the "Think Globally" and "Every Voice Matters" values have been covered up by incensed employees this morning. pic.twitter.com/I7nAYUes6Q

— Kevin Hovdestad (@lackofrealism) October 8, 2019

If you’re somebody that supports the autonomy of Hong Kong in the face of an authoritarian government, Activision Blizzard is not your friend. It’s shown that it will gladly ruin the livelihoods of players protesting for freedom for the sake of not alienating Chinese audiences. Do not play Hearthstone, do not play Overwatch, do not play World of Warcraft. Heck, extend this protest to Activision games in general. Stand in solidarity with Blitzchung and the people of Hong Kong. Show Activision Blizzard that it is on the wrong side of history.