Blizzard on kokenut melkoisen määrän negatiivista julkisuutta viime aikoina. Blizzard antoi kovan bannin Hearthstone-pelaaja Ng 'Blitzchung' Wai Chungille tämän otettua turnauksen yhteydessä kantaa Hong Kongin protesteihin. Pelaava kansa älähti voimallisesti, ja Blizzard alensi Blitzchungin bannin 12 kuukaudesta kuuteen kuukauteen.
Blitzchung kommentoi käännettä TwitLongerissa kertoen olevansa kiitollinen.
"I told media that I knew I might have penalty or consequence for my act, because I understand that my act could take the conversation away from the purpose of the event. In the future, I will be more careful on that and express my opinions or show my support to Hong Kong on my personal platforms."
"For tournament prizing, I quoted what Blizzard said on the official website, they mention that I played fair in the tournament and they believe I should receive my prizing. This is the part I really appreciate, Blizzard also said they understand for some this is not about the prize, but perhaps for others it is disrespectful to even discuss it. People from Blizzard had explained this to me through a phone call and I really appreciate that and I accept their decision on this part."