BlizzBoss Calls BlizzCon Video Unacceptable

You probably noticed the brouhaha that emerged last week, after GayGamer and, in turn, RPS reported on a very strange decision by Blizzard, to include an outburst many could only interpret as homophobic, during BlizzCon. After one of the less pleasant comments thread RPS has witnessed, and much discussion internet-wide, Blizzard have issued a proper apology. (This happened a few days ago, but we've realised we've not mentioned it here, so it's only reasonable to post it.) You can read it below.

The president of Blizzard himself, Mike Morhaime, came forward on the forums to issue the apology. After making it clear that he has read the feedback, and takes full personal responsibility for the contents of BlizzCon, he goes on to say,

"It was shortsighted and insensitive to use the video at all, even in censored form. The language used in the original version, including the slurs and use of sexual orientation as an insult, is not acceptable, period. We realize now that having even an edited version at the show was counter to the standards we try to maintain in our forums and in our games. Doing so was an error in judgment, and we regret it.

The bottom line is we deeply apologize for our mistakes and for hurting or offending anyone. We want you to have fun at our events, and we want everyone to feel welcome. We’re proud to be part of a huge and diverse community, and I am proud that so many aspects of the community are represented within Blizzard itself.

As a leader of Blizzard, and a member of the band, I truly hope you will accept my humblest apology."

Which is pretty great, really. A stupid mistake, that perhaps requires some sort of internal investigation to figure out how it was able to happen, but a great apology.

You'll notice that comments are switched off on this article. That's because I personally don't want to spend the rest of today and tomorrow having to remove foul, offensive attacks, and deal with the barrage of extra communication such an event brings on. My choice. It makes me pretty bloody sick that this is what happened last time. I also recognise how many people were erudite, thoughtful, and considerate, on both sides of the discussion, and greatly appreciated that. That's what we expect from RPS readers, who we think are one of the best communities in the gaming world.