Blizzard has canceled a planned livestream of its upcoming Hearthstone expansion, United in Stormwind. This comes on the heels of the revelation of several streamers who have canceled their own card in light of allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault at the company due to a lawsuit in California.
United in Stormwind is set to launch next Tuesday, August 3. Usually in the weeks leading up to the launch of a new expansion, Blizzard Spreads card is revealed through various websites, banners, and other influencers, culminating in the final card reveal event where it takes everything from the remaining cards. At this point, a patch is also often published so that players can download it in preparation for launch. Today’s stream is planned for 10 AM PT / 1 PM PT.
This year, however, allegations of abuse sparked by California’s lawsuit against Activision Blizzard derailed those plans. Popular Banners ALESTRAZAAnd Lieutenant Eddie, And trump Uncover their card in view of the suit, leaving those cards uncovered. In recent days, the question has been open as to whether Blizzard will continue its own reveal stream — and if so, if that stream will address the controversy.
Shortly before going live, Blizzard pulled the link from its official website, and there is no stream planned on Twitch schedule. Likewise, the Hearthstone Twitter account – along with several other social media accounts on Activision – have disappeared since news of the lawsuit broke.
GameSpot has reached out to Blizzard regarding its plans to reveal the remaining expansion cards, and whether the expansion is still slated for release on August 3.
The short notice of cancellation caused panic among fans in Hearthstone subreddit. Reaction to the allegations has been mixed over the past week, including many Brokers in the subreddit Express support and solidarity with the alleged victims.
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