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Chinese game companies have grown huge not just because of market size, but because the government subsidizes them. They get free land, free offices, and huge infusions of cash. This cash was and is used to do expand and buy up stakes in US gaming companies.
I’ve seen firsthand the corruption of Chinese gaming companies, and I was removed from a company I founded (after Blizzard) for refusing to take a 2 million dollar kickback bribe to take an investment from China. This is the first time I’ve ever spoken pubically about it.
I’ve also seen how American company reps in China have been offered similar bribes to get licenses for large AAA titles. Not everyone refused like I did.
Chinese companies tried to ruin my career with planted press stories. Money is often paid for favorable press in China and some of that money flows here to the US as well. Unfortunately, money talks. China has succeeded in infiltrating all levels of tech, gaming and more.
Unfortunately, US and European companies are loath to take risks and invest in game companies legally as much as China was. China remained one of the few places mid tier studios could get funding. So again, China influence grew. I’m sure this is the same for movies as well.
But now we are in a situation where unlimited Communist money dictates our American values. We censor our games for China, we censor our movies for China. Now, game companies are silencing voices for freedom and democracy. China is dictating that the world be authoritarian.
Of all the companies in the world, Blizzard is the LAST company I ever expected to give in to China’s demands. Blizzard was always about “gamer first” and “don’t be greedy.” At least, it was when I was there.
It’s one thing to keep politics out of games, which I am still a proponent of doing. It’s another to unfairly and harshly punish voices that speak out against corruption, against abuses of human rights, and freedom.
I take a huge risk by saying this. China monitors all social media and I know this means that we will probably never get an investment from China for my new MMO, and probably never get a license to operate there.
But enough is enough. I stand with Hong Kong, and I oppose Blizzard’s obvious and laughably transparent fear of China. It’s time for Blizzard to grow the spine it used to have, and to do what’s right for gamers once again. Gamers, rise up.
And yes, this means I will be refusing any deal for Epic exclusivity. The money comes from Tencent. Em8ER will never be an Epic game store exclusive. This might mean we never make a dime, but more is at stake now than just games. A line has to be drawn, and I’m drawing it now.
scary as hell. thanks for sharing
Not surprised, kickbacks are common in China. Did you ever get the 'suggestive woman delivering cash to your hotel room' trick?
Thank you for speaking out and standing with core values of democratic societies. Kickbacks are v common in China, even in pharmaceutical and food sectors. People sell their souls for money. Many food and drug scandals in China ruins the healths and even lives of general public.
Thanks for speaking up. Not many individuals or companies are willing to tell the truth which will be equal to giving up Chinese market or even being detained as the gov can do anything 'politically correct'.pic.twitter.com/OjoFpC7QYt
Thanks you for voicing out! Just let China #CCP know we all refuse to be the slave of money! Support freedom of speech, refuse self-censorship!
Thank you Mark for standing with and speaking up for Hong Kong. We know it take huge courage to talk about this. Sorry that I didn't play your creations but still want to send a big Thank You from a HK gamer.
What can be done? Can anything done?
Or publicly? :)
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