Blizzard chief apologises for Blizzcon "error of judgement"

Blizzard president Mike Morhaime has issued an apology for the use of a controversial video during Blizzcon 2011, and taken responsibility for what he describes as a mistake.

GayGamer posted an apology letter sent from Blizzard, signed by Morhaime. Here's the missive in full:

"I have read your feedback and comments about this year's BlizzCon, and I have also read the feedback to the apology from Level 90 Elite Tauren Chieftain. I'd like to respond to some of your feedback here.

"As president of Blizzard, I take full responsibility for everything that occurs at BlizzCon.

"It was shortsighted and insensitive to use the video at all, even in censored form. The language used in the original version, including the slurs and use of sexual orientation as an insult, is not acceptable, period. We realize now that having even an edited version at the show was counter to the standards we try to maintain in our forums and in our games. Doing so was an error in judgment, and we regret it.

"The bottom line is we deeply apologize for our mistakes and for hurting or offending anyone. We want you to have fun at our events, and we want everyone to feel welcome. We're proud to be part of a huge and diverse community, and I am proud that so many aspects of the community are represented within Blizzard itself.

"As a leader of Blizzard, and a member of the band, I truly hope you will accept my humblest apology."

Prior to a performance by death metal group Cannibal Corpse at Blizzcon 2011, Blizzard aired a bleeped-out version of a video featuring front man George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher. An uncensored version of the video revealed a violent and offensive tirade against Alliance players, featuring multiple homophobic slurs.