Side-by-Side Comparison: Diablo Immortal and Chinese Game

The gaming industry is no stranger to controversy, and recent events surrounding Diablo Immortal's release have sparked a wave of interest. The game's publisher, NetEase, found itself at odds with the Chinese government after posting a seemingly innocuous message on its Weibo account. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between cultural sensitivities and freedom of expression.

In 2019, the horror game Devotion faced backlash for including an Easter egg that likened China's President Xi Jinping to Winnie the Pooh. The game was subsequently removed from Steam, and its publisher lost their business license in China. This incident highlights the Chinese government's intolerance towards any perceived slight against President Xi.

Fast-forward to Diablo Immortal, which was set to release indefinitely in China before being blocked by the authorities. According to Bloomberg, NetEase's Weibo account was suspended for 'violating relevant laws and regulations.' The reason behind this ban is a statement posted on the account that translates to 'Why hasn't the bear stepped down?' This innocuous question appears to be a veiled reference to President Xi Jinping, who has been unfavorably compared to Winnie the Pooh in the past.

The Chinese government's reaction to Diablo Immortal serves as a stark reminder of its zero-tolerance policy towards any perceived slight against President Xi. The banning of Christopher Robin, a 2018 film featuring Winnie the Pooh, is another example of this overreaction.

In conclusion, Diablo Immortal and the Chinese game Devotion share a common thread – both have been caught in the crosshairs of China's restrictive laws and regulations. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's crucial for developers to be aware of these cultural sensitivities and navigate them carefully. The side-by-side comparison between Diablo Immortal and Devotion serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting cultural norms and avoiding any perceived slight against prominent figures.

Side by side comparison diablo immortal and chinese game