Gaming

Blizzard is banning pro-HK Twitch viewers

Don’t say “Free Hong Kong”

Published

October 20, 2019

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: Twitch

The war against Chinese favoritism continues. Following a massive controversy a few weeks ago, Blizzard shows that it has not learned its lesson at all. The video game publisher is reportedly banning pro-Hong Kong viewers from its Twitch channel.

Blizzard’s games are particularly popular on the streaming platform. Thousands of streamers play World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Hearthstone on Twitch daily. Naturally, Blizzard has capitalized on this trend. Blizzard’s official Twitch accounts broadcast sanctioned tournaments regularly.

This year, Hearthstone’s official account (PlayHearthstone) broadcasted the Master Tour, an international Hearthstone tournament. The most recent European leg is currently ongoing on the platform. That said, the stream’s chatroom was (and is) a huge minefield. Thousands of viewers typed in pro-Hong Kong messages in chat. The outpouring comes from both Hong Kong supporters and dissenters against Blizzard’s blatant pro-China stance.

However, Blizzard already has Twitch on lockdown. As reported by Dot Esports, anyone who typed “Free Hong Kong” automatically received a 24-hour ban from the chatroom. (Though they can still watch, banned users cannot participate in the chatroom for the allotted time.) Moderators also instantly deleted the “offensive” messages.

Image source: Twitch

At the very least, Blizzard isn’t using an automated program to control the chat’s speech. Days after a live match, PlayHearthstone rebroadcasted the same match on the channel. Apparently, a rerun did not warrant enough moderation from Blizzard. During the rerun, thousands of pro-Hong Kong messages flashed in the chatroom without deletion or banning. Blizzard is still taking things manually.

Regardless, the company’s recent censorship is another nail in Blizzard’s made-in-China coffin. Previously, Blizzard penalized the winner of a Hearthstone tournament for including pro-Hong Kong protests in his victory speech. After an ambiguous apology note, the company eased on the punishment and reiterated that China was not involved in the decision.

Computers

AMD to bring FSR Upscaling 4.1 to RDNA 3 GPUs this July

Better visuals for players on PC, consoles soon

Published

May 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

AMD has announced through Senior Vice President and General Manager Jack Huynh that FSR 4.1 upscaling technology is coming to RDNA 3 GPUs this July.

Huynh confirmed that Radeon RX 7000 series graphics cards, among other older graphics architectures, will receive the update in July. Older RDNA 2 cards will also benefit in early 2027.

The decision directly benefits budget-conscious PC gamers and handheld console users who have opted out of expensive hardware upgrades. Instead of having to purchase new GPUs, they will simply have to download the software driver.

FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) 4.1 marks a major shift for AMD. It introduces a machine learning-powered algorithm that replaces traditional analytical upscaling.

By updating their software drivers, users can access cleaner image reconstruction, reduced motion ghosting, and better performance with FSR Upscaling 4.1 across more than 300 supported gaming titles on their RDNA 3 graphics.

Beyond desktop players, the rollout carries significant implications for the wider gaming ecosystem.

Devices like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go run on RDNA 3 integrated graphics. This means handheld gamers will see immediate frame rate and visual fidelity improvements this summer.

Furthermore, current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as Valve’s Steam Deck, rely on RDNA 2 architecture. This means AMD’s early 2027 roadmap lays the groundwork for massive visual optimization across the entire console market.

Gaming

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang partners with global fast food giant

Jollibee GameJoy x MLBB combos launched for in-game rewards, collectibles

Published

May 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has leveled up its partnership with the Philippines’ leading fast food chain, Jollibee.

MLBB players may have already secured the Jollibee emote on the popular 5-on-5 MOBA title.

And this time, the campaign is rolling out the GameJoy x MLBB Combos, available nationwide at Jollibee stores until August 19.

This seeks to sustain player engagement through a mix of physical hero card collectibles and exclusive in-game rewards available with every GameJoy combo purchase.

The combos are available in five variants, all priced at PhP 169:

Yumburger
Jolly Hotdog
Special Cheesy Yumburger
Crunchy Chicken Sandwich
Original Cheesy Yumburger

Each combo comes with fries, a drink, and the Peach Mango Pie.

Customers who avail of these combos will then get a GameJoy x MLBB pack, which includes one physical collectible card and a PIN which can be used to redeem mystery rewards within the title.

Players can expect skins, emotes, fragments, avatar borders, and the sought-after MLBB all-skin unlock.

For Jollibee, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang collaboration is a follow-up to its GameJoy x Unipin partnership last year, targeting audiences who are into mobile gaming while offering their affordable menu items.

MLBB is the most-played mobile game in the country, so the promo is expecting a warm reception.

Gaming

Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales set for physical SEA launch

Pre-orders now open

Published

May 19, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is set for a Southeast Asia physical edition launch on June 18.

Bandai Namco and Square Enix announced the developed. In addition, digital editions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Microsoft Store are now available for pre-order.

Those who place pre-orders will receive Elliot’s Departure Pack, which includes various items that can give the protagonist an edge.

There’s the Departure Brooch accessory, which increases the amount of currency and magicite fragments dropped by enemies. On the other hand, there’s also the Attack Up sword Magicite.

In addition to the standard digital edition, the Digital Deluxe Edition is also available for pre-order, and includes these perks:

Fairy Bangle accessory
Cherry Blossom Anklet accessory
Roselle Ring accessory

Meanwhile, the physical Collector’s Edition comes with the base game, original soundtrack, and desk clock statue featuring Faie.

In The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, the duo of Elliot and Faie traverse a vast world across four ages.

This world is teeming with enemy hordes, hidden caves, and ancient ruins. Elliot can wield seven weapon types, from close-quarters swords to versatile chains and sickles.

Each weapon is customizable through magicite, allowing players to tailor their combat style. On the other hand, Faie’s powerful Magic is formidable in and out of battle.

The title will also feature several new and improved features, based on feedback from the Debut Demo.

This includes faster movement speed, refinements to the weapon shortcut menu, and additional difficulty options.