Blizzard Cancels Overwatch Switch Launch Event

Blizzard cancelled a launch event for the Nintendo Switch release of Overwatch on Tuesday amid fan outcry concerning its punishment of Wai Chung "blitzchung" Ng for supporting protestors in Hong Kong.

The event, scheduled to take place Wednesday at the New York Nintendo Store, promised 150 fans the chance to attend a meet-and-greet with voice actors from Overwatch. The only limiting requirement was an active Nintendo account.

Nintendo announced the cancellation of the event on Twitter.

"Please be aware that the previously announced Overwatch launch event scheduled for Wednesday, 10/16 at NintendoNYC has been cancelled by Blizzard," NintendoNYC wrote. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

Neither Blizzard nor Nintendo has commented on the cause of the cancellation.

Blizzard received heavy criticism last week after punishing blitzchung for speaking out in support of demonstrators in Hong Kong fighting for expanded democracy in the region. Blizzard's initially rescinded blitzchung's Hearthstone winnings, removed him from the league and suspended him from pro play for a year.

Fans saw the punishment as censorship motivated by Blizzard's business connections with mainland China, and began initiatives on social media to hold the company accountable. After days of controversy, Blizzard reduced blitzchung's punishment by reinstating his winnings and lowering his suspension to six months.

Blizzard has yet to revise its decision to fire the casters interviewing blitzchung during his outburst.

Photo courtesy of Blizzard