The #BoycottBlizzard movement rages on without signs of stopping, and it only intensifies with the rapid approach of BlizzCon. With Blizzard suddenly backing out of its Nintendo New York City event, many fans are fearful that BlizzCon may likewise be canceled if the Hong Kong liberation movement and Blitzchung mess don't find some sort of resolution. One thing is clear: all companies that jump through hoops to deal with China, not just Blizzard, are in hot water right now.

What does this entail for the Valve-led integration of Steam China? Is there some kind of precedent to be had for the Chinese getting their hands on the beloved PC launcher? Will it even find approval, or will the- boycotts challenge Valve to discontinue its foreign involvement?

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Partnering With Perfect World

Together with Shanghai-based Perfect World, Valve intends not only on enhancing foreign relations to rectify video game restrictions but also wants to add more titles to its newly curated library. Having collaborated with Perfect World on local distribution for both Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2, Valve has already begun to familiarize itself with Chinese markets. Given the fact that well over a majority of players are based in China, it's no wonder they would want to streamline accessibility for that part of the world, not only for profit's sake but to draw in a far larger player base.

With Steam sales down dramatically from last year, Valve needs something new and inviting to ensure its rightful place on top of all gaming launchers. Epic has gone on a long stint of exclusivity deals and stellar marketing tactics, showcased specifically with Fortnite's black hole event. While Epic steals the show and Blizzard desperately attempts to relieve itself of attention, Valve merely languishes in the background, biding time and waiting for the most opportune moment to make its move. Yet, Valve could be on the receiving end of the same angry protests if it doesn't tread carefully.

What Necessitates Steam China?

Although the normal Steam launcher still works in China, even without a VPN, there's no forum for debate or feedback on games under the current platform. For this very reason, Steam China will be more centralized for the country's government to work around its restrictive stance on video games. In a Eurogamer interview with DJ Powers, an employee in Valve's business development team, he states:

"We want Chinese customers to have really high-quality access to Steam games, and that means getting a set of games approved through the appropriate channels, and a service that is local. The servers that are right there, they can have fast download times, features make their quality of life better obviously."

It's really about a more accessible platform for Chinese gamers, as Powers himself puts it, "We are expecting excitement from Chinese customers." It's unclear what Valve may expect from other countries, though Powers did stress that Steam would not be changing whatsoever. Even those in China will have their saved data and profiles ported to Steam China once it's completed, though others around the world remain wary. Will Steam China be a pandora's box, opening the same floodgates of criticism and backlash Blizzard now desperately attempts to plug up? Or, will it truly broaden and revolutionize video game accessibility for China?

Staving Off A #VilifyValve Situation

If there's one thing that has been made blatantly clear from the #BoycottBlizzard situation, it's the right to speak one's mind. There may be certain policies against this, especially under certain governments, yet still there remains a sense of wrongdoing on Blizzard's part. The company issued too severe a punishment and many believed it placed profit over customer. This is the fine line that must be drawn in relation to Valve and its overseas interests. So long as the launcher or Valve don't directly silence opinions, feedback, or the like, it may be promising in the long run and could very well lead to a truly global games market. A Steam launcher made specifically for China might actually be a step in the right direction if pulled off correctly.

Of course, there are those that remain skeptical, as having a China-based Steam launcher could possibly lead to internet hacking and online tampering, though it's unclear how the Steam China store will be integrated into the system. It's obvious that Valve's reach to the East may be met with initial concern, but in the end, it has a chance to bolster the industry and may well challenge the #BoycottBlizzard debacle entirely. What Blizzard is afraid of isn't exactly the same as what Valve faces in its launcher's approval, though it all comes down to public perception.

BlizzCon rapidly approaches and it will be interesting to see how the industry evolves in this gloomy climate.

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