It’s been a tough week for esports companies with strong ties with China.

From Blizzard banning Hong Kong player Blitzchung to accusations against Riot for censoring its casters from saying Hong Kong, gamers across the world are more aware of the powerful influence Tencent and China have over companies involved in esports.

But a question in all of this remains unanswered: Did Tencent, and by extension China, force these companies to try and prevent those in their pro-scenes from speaking out on the Hong Kong protests? Or, were these cases of self-censorship?

Tencent and Blizzard

As we covered the other day, Blizzard’s statement on Bliztchung’s ban clarified the company banned the controversial pro for using his interview time to speak in support of the protest instead of focusing on the game; something Blizzard wants all their broadcasts to do.

They ended up reducing the ban saying it was a little overblown. Many called out how American University wasn’t banned for the same infraction. It took several days before Blizzard finally caved on the matter.

The fact that there was a difference in punishment in the first place would seem to indicate that Blizzard was more concerned about the fallout from China over the comments than what some kids in the US say.

China is a big market for Blizzard, and even though Tencent only owns 5% of the company, the Chinese firm still distributes its titles in the country.

Verdict: Blizzard self-censored itself on the matter to avoid losing their cash cow that is the Chinese market, though if you mention it in Twitch chat, get ready for a ban from commenting there.

Tencent and Riot

Riot was alleged to have been censoring its casters from saying the full name of the Taiwanese/LMS team Hong Kong Attitude, forcing them to call the team by their abbreviated name HKA.

Riot quickly responded to the situation, clarifying they did not want to escalate situations in regions dealing with sensitive issues and, like Blizzard, wanted to keep the broadcast focused on Worlds.

Riot has yet to ban anyone and has even had Rioters state that saying “Free Hong Kong” in chat will not get players banned, a surprise move given the company is 100% owned by Tencent.

Verdict: Riot self-censored itself to avoid controversy and problems for its Chinese league again, as well as to prevent issues with their owner Tencent.

Tencent and ESL

ESL entered the controversy lightly when their CEO informed staff not to discuss political issues, especially on social media and broadcast.

While a Chinese firm like Tencent does not own ESL, they did partner with the massive streaming platform in the region, Huya, to expand into the market in China.

Huya is owned by Tencent and has offered to buy $30 million in ESL shares, which would give them some ownership of the company and provide a huge boon for ESL’s profits.

There’s no indication, however, that Huya or Tencent forced ESL to make the decision, and ESL’s CEO likely was just protecting the share deal.

Verdict: ESL self-censored itself to protect its massive money deal with Huya, though it does not appear to have been forced to by Chinese firms directly.