Balancing Going Second in Hearthstone: Insights from the Game Director

Summary

In this article, we delve into the insights shared by Ben Brode, the Game Director of Hearthstone, as he discusses the challenges of balancing the advantage of going second in the game. He also talks about the Classic set, the addition of less powerful cards that represent class fantasy, the decision to add Lord Jaraxxus as a hero character, the creation of intentionally bad cards, and the possibility of making wild sets purchasable with in-game gold. Additionally, he shares details about the new expansion with exciting single-player content, tips on becoming a Hearthstone world champion, the in-game tournament mode, and insights on the inspire mechanic.

Balancing Going Second
The Classic Set and Class Identity
Lord Jaraxxus and Card Buffs/Nerfs
Wild Sets and Adventures
New Expansion and Single-Player Content
Becoming a Hearthstone World Champion
In-Game Tournament Mode
Female Kobolds and Inspire Mechanic

Balancing Going Second

One of the challenges of Hearthstone is balancing the advantage of going second. Brode and his team had several ideas on how to address this, such as starting with more life or a bonus minion, but they found that the coin was the best solution. The coin is an active and skill-testing tool that creates strategic moments in the game and has reduced the first turn advantage to 51-49.

The Classic Set and Class Identity

The Classic set is meant to provide a baseline of power for players to build decks, but it can be problematic as it doesn’t rotate like other sets. The team is considering adding cards to the Classic set, but must be careful not to make them too powerful and cause the same problem of stagnant gameplay. Brode suggests adding less powerful cards that strongly represent class fantasy to give players an idea of their class identity.

Lord Jaraxxus and Card Buffs/Nerfs

The decision to add Lord Jaraxxus as a hero character was inspired by a playtest where a player asked for a Jaraxxus card that did not exist. While there are many cards that could benefit from a buff, nerfs are made to bring overpowered cards in line with others. Some intentionally bad cards are created to provide a challenge or to make future cards better.

Wild Sets and Adventures

Wild sets and adventures can be purchased on the Battle.net website, but the in-game shop is kept simple. The possibility of making wild sets purchasable with in-game gold is under consideration.

New Expansion and Single-Player Content

The Hearthstone team has announced a new expansion with exciting single-player content that follows along with the theme of Dungeon Run but has a different twist.

Becoming a Hearthstone World Champion

To become a Hearthstone world champion, one should play the game, ask for advice from experienced players, and put together a play group. Resources such as the Hearthstone subreddit and streaming platforms are available to help players get back into the game.

In-Game Tournament Mode

The in-game tournament mode is designed for competitive play with friends or small communities and will start with simple formats such as conquest and last hero standing. The team is open to feedback from players to improve the tournament experience.

Female Kobolds and Inspire Mechanic

There are female kobolds in Hearthstone, but they are hard to tell apart from males. The inspire mechanic was a fun design that explored new spaces and might be revisited in the future, but the team is focused on creating exciting and groundbreaking new sets.

Conclusion

Balancing going second in Hearthstone is a challenge, but the coin has been a successful solution. The Classic set is being carefully considered for updates, and the addition of less powerful cards that represent class fantasy is a possibility. Lord Jaraxxus was added as a hero character due to player demand, and buffs and nerfs are made to keep the game balanced. The team is open to feedback on the in-game tournament mode, and the new expansion promises exciting single-player content. With resources available for players to improve their skills, becoming a Hearthstone world champion is within reach.