Skillful or Deceitful? With just one card, Blizzard satisfies the “Casual” players of Hearthstone – because they can also have fun without spending a lot of money.
Hearthstone is facing an increasing problem with the growing number of cards: Those who want to start fresh or stay engaged with less time must invest a lot of real money to obtain new cards and keep up with the current meta. The underlying accusation is becoming clearer: Hearthstone is Pay2Win.
A large part of the players is Casual. In Hearthstone, one must not underestimate how many players casually play the card game in their spare time. A round on the subway, a match during lunch break, or just one more game before bed. This is particularly evident in the ranking system. If a player with rank 18 is already among the top 20% at the end of the season, it can easily be said: 80% of the players do not value their ranking at all. They only play occasionally and without much ambition – Casual indeed.
The new card Wurbelfitz the Miraculous is the perfect way to satisfy a large portion of the Casuals. Because if you possess this card, you receive one of 18 random decks at the start of the match – you don’t even have to own the corresponding cards of the deck.
Of course, Blizzard does not actually resolve the underlying problem this way. Anyone looking to compete at the top as a newcomer must still spend between €200 and €300 to acquire numerous packs.
Nevertheless, this step is brilliant. Because those facing the great entry hurdle to even want to start playing Hearthstone now have a clear goal in mind: 1600 Arcane Dust to craft Wurbelfitz the Miraculous.
So in Dr. Boom’s secret laboratory, it seems: If you want to play successfully, you still need a lot of money or a lot of playtime. But if you just want short-term and diverse fun, you only need one single card.
And at least satisfying the large portion of the casual player base this easily is a brilliant idea in my opinion. Now the more ambitious players just need a bit more opportunities to acquire the most sought-after cards more easily.
What is your opinion on Wurbelfitz and this passive “help” for newcomers and Casuals who do not want to spend much money? A real, good step? Or just a drop in the bucket?
