Boards›[ARCHIVED] Miscellaneous

@Riot This needs to be explained or addressed IMMEDIATELY.

Teslablade·12/16/2015, 8:02:51 PM·73 votes·5,318 views

Today, I stumbled across this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHcTKWiZ8sI . It explains how Tencent, the majority shareholder of Riot [edit: now owns 100% of Riot http://www.riotgames.com/articles/20151215/2132/riot-comp-changes-incoming ]

(read Riot's own words on it here: http://www.riotgames.com/sites/default/files/uploads/110204_NEWS_lol_tencentinvest.pdf ) is working with the Chinese government to develop the most immoral manipulation of people I've heard of in a long time: Sesame Credits.

Basically this system is a gameification of being a good Chinese citizen. That in itself seems harmless, right? Well, if you think the following things are benign, disregard this post.

  • Mandatory participation by 2020
  • Real-world penalties for purchasing things unbecoming of a 'good citizen.'
  • Restricted Internet access for low-scorers
  • Penalties for voicing opinions contrary to the Chinese government
  • Penalties for criticism of the Chinese government
  • Rewards for people who conform to the official policies of the Chinese Communist party
  • Rewards for purchasing items indicative of a loyal Communist

Riot, this needs to be addressed. I, and certainly many others will not buy a single credit of RP or watch a single LCS match, we will not give a single cent (let alone Ten) to you and your stockholder until we have assurances that playing League of Legends isn't funding agents of Orwell's nightmare. If not, well, maybe League just isn't destined to be the most played PC game on Earth.

I love League. I really do. However, I HATE having the burden of supporting totalitarianism by playing my favorite MOBA. Please fix this.

More info: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/2015/10/in-china-your-credit-score-is-now-affected-by-your-political-opinions-and-your-friends-political-opinions/

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-08-13/china-s-lenders-want-to-check-your-social-media

http://www.care2.com/causes/is-china-introducing-citizen-scores-to-rank-social-media-dissent.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-alibaba-group-credit-ratings-idUSKBN0L10LF20150128

76 Comments

D rok12/16/2015, 8:16:14 PM45 votes

I mean... I get your moral outrage, but the truth is riot has no say in any of that, and more than that, has no way of affecting it. China operates differently as a communist country with a very different political leaning. I won't speculate on whether it's good, bad, or ugly here.

I commend you on your social awareness and willingness to do something about it, but it's really up to the Chinese people and politicians to make changes for themselves, unless it affects international agreements.

That being said, while I wouldn't expect a response from Riot, I always find it good practice to stick to your guns. Hold off on RP buying if you feel like it means something to you.

HigurashiDragon12/16/2015, 8:28:20 PM22 votes

I must admit Riot should at least give us some sort of response on the matter. This ain't great news.

Deep Terror Nami12/16/2015, 8:06:19 PM13 votes

Lol, what is Riot supposed to do about that? Take the stocks away?

chipi9912/17/2015, 3:25:06 PM7 votes

Orwells nightmare was constant surveillance and control of the masses (which the chinese government falls under) not specifically communism. I agree with the thread just putting that out there.

AjabikiFTW12/17/2015, 7:04:23 AM4 votes

Down vote me if you want, but i like how some people can't understand the world is not AMERICA and not every where wants (or would do better) as a democracy.

Mr Vulcanator12/16/2015, 11:27:34 PM4 votes

Someone on YouTube said that Tenecent does not have anything to do with Sesame Credit, and that Sesame Credit is Alibaba and the Chinese Government.

T RexHasTinyArms12/18/2015, 12:31:04 AM4 votes

So I'm guessing you don't buy any products made in China right? Bc all goods made in China have taxes on their revenue/export at some point that goes back to the government and supports the government you're so upset about. No one has really said that China has a great government in a LONG LONG time. They have a bad record on human rights, are very restrictive of information, and have a horrible environmental record as well.

TNHA Baritone12/29/2015, 5:23:43 PM3 votes

"I love League. I really do. However, I HATE having the burden of supporting totalitarianism by playing my favorite MOBA. Please fix this." <------ A G R E E 1 0 0 %

As for wanting Riot to speak out on this, well I'm sure their workers are just human beings like us and even if you got one regular Red to comment on this they might be in the Champion Rework, Game Balance, or Lore Team so they would have nearly nothing to input. But that doesnt mean someone bigger could step up and say something.

JedenVojak12/17/2015, 5:50:25 AM3 votes

Well, the only thing that we as consumers can do is boycott the products that support the companies which engage in such chicanery - I doubt that there is really much that Riot themselves can actually do about the situation.

It's truely unfortunate.

The Bearded Bard12/28/2015, 5:59:41 AM1 votes

And who are you to decide what's good for China? My friend there are tons of countries that do things that you or I would perceive as horrible, while we do things here that I'm sure they perceive as horrible. Does that make either act horrible? Absolutely not.