Write Blizzard an essay to PvP... if you're Canadian
by Matthew Rossi 
Mar 26th 2008 at 8:00PM
No, seriously. Stop laughing. That's actually how they enter.
"Instead, Canadian residents may enter by submitting a 250 word typewritten essay comparing the video gaming culture in Canada to the video gaming culture in the United States on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper and mailing their essay to Essay Entry for The North American Blizzard Entertainment Arena Tournament, P.O Box 18979, Irvine, CA 92623." It's in section four of the legal for the tournament.
Apparently, according to the forums, people have called in and been told there is no payment option for Canadians, it's write the essay or nothing. Being somewhat of a stubborn cuss, I decided to call Blizzard myself and ask via the Billing and Account Services department. After spending some time on hold being creeped out by the Diablo music (seriously, I don't need to hear the 'Stay awhile and listen' music on the phone) a very helpful Blizzard rep explained to me that they would be happy to take my money to play in the tournament and that the essay is in fact optional.
Unless you live in Quebec, he said. It's illegal to enter any such contest there. So there you have it, Canucks! You can pay or write an essay as you choose, unless you're in Quebec, in which case your local laws force you to take the role of spectator.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Blizzard, PvP, Contests, Arena
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Freelier Mar 26th 2008 8:06PM
It's great that Blizzard found a way around weird Canadian laws, but it sure is funny!
Moketronics Mar 26th 2008 8:12PM
AMAZING! I'm canadian and over-joyed!
(and a bit confused? - silly Canadian gambling/contest laws)
turkeyspit Mar 27th 2008 11:48AM
I wonder how many of these essays will be:
"Buff Shamans/Paladins/Mages/Shadow Priests Plz"
repeated 84 times :D
lokikins Mar 26th 2008 8:11PM
rofl, i knew I put up with all that snow for a reason
DangerDave Mar 31st 2008 3:41PM
Go team Canada! lol []x[] sucks to be in Quebec tho.
Harmun Mar 28th 2008 1:59PM
No way- you, dangerdave, live in Quebec?
Michael Mar 26th 2008 8:29PM
Getting close to April 1...
Marcus Mar 26th 2008 8:38PM
I'd hate to be the person who reads these essays.
Omar Mar 26th 2008 8:46PM
lol. they are most likely just going to glaze them over and throw them out.
Feoremar Mar 26th 2008 8:47PM
"Unless you live in Quebec, he said. It's illegal to enter any such contest there. "
):
Verses Mar 26th 2008 9:30PM
The consumers protection law in Québec is really strict and one of the main reason why you can't enter various contests over various media (internet, magazines, Tv, etc.) Is because
1- The legal statement must be translated in French (Québec's official language), include every modalities, conditions and be void of any typos or various rough translated mistakes, aka: Google translator just doesn't make the cut.
2- Blizz would have to pay rights to Loto Québec (nationalised lotery and games) which may be equivalent to .5%,3% or 10% of the prize money you can obtain (depending on the aimed audience)
That's pretty much what i've found on the "Office de la protection du consommateur" site.
for more info go here
http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_hotline/map_site.asp
Feoremar Mar 26th 2008 11:04PM
I know that much. It just sucks.
Steel Mar 26th 2008 9:18PM
ahhh I live in Québec...stupid loto-québec and their laws about contests...
Rydolomo Mar 26th 2008 10:15PM
Australians have to write 200 times ...
"I must not complain about the latency"
Rydolomo
voggz Mar 27th 2008 7:36AM
lol
ScytheNoire Mar 26th 2008 11:43PM
That's cool, as a Canadian. Although still not interested in the Arena in any way, shape, or form.
As for Quebec, yet more proof they really aren't part of Canada, but their own little nation leeching off of other provinces.
Pharmacy Mar 27th 2008 1:10PM
Leeching off other provinces? I love hearing ignorant comments from anglophone Canadians who have no idea what Quebec is really about.
Might I remind you that we have the second largest population and the second highest GDP among Canadian provinces (according to statscan). If that doesn't contribute to the health of the Canadian economy, I don't know what does >_>
Blacksword Mar 27th 2008 2:15PM
Your data is off Pharmacy,
Quebec's GDP is middle of the road for Canada, and Quebec, in fact, is the largest population province receiving Equalization payments.
Alberta and Ontario, the two provinces that do not receive Equalization payment, would be the ones that contribute to the Canadian economy
Savant Mar 27th 2008 2:54AM
The key reason why there has to be a 'free' option to enter is since the laws in Canada prohibit a mandatory charge to enter a contest. So a company that has a contest where you have to call a 1-900 number or something will have to provide a 'free' option, either by mailing in an entry, or entering on the web etc. Blizzard had to offer a 'free' entry option if they wanted to offer the contest to Canadians. (with the exception of Quebec, since they have their own set of laws.)
Snailking Mar 27th 2008 5:29AM
Exept for the lottery...