Hearthstone wants to become more attractive for fans again – especially in eSports and on Twitch. Therefore, they are trying out a new format in eSports that forces players to use specialized decks.
The eSports of Hearthstone is struggling a bit. This is not only said by the view counts on Twitch, but also by Sam Braithwaite, the Esports Franchise Lead of Hearthstone.
This is why they want to experiment and try out a new format. The hope is that players will become more interested in eSports again and be able to identify more with the game situations.
This is how it has been so far: So far, the “Conquest” format was used. Players had to bring three decks with different heroes and win at least one match with each deck. Whoever won with a hero had to switch to one of their other decks afterward. The loser could stay with their deck.
This is how the new format works: In the “Specialist” format, each player can only compete with one class – they must specialize. Overall, they bring three decks of their chosen class to each tournament.
- The primary deck has no restrictions. It can be built freely from all currently valid Standard cards.
- The secondary and tertiary decks may differ from the primary deck. However, each may only differ by 5 cards. In other words: The secondary and tertiary decks must each contain 25 cards from the primary deck.
Do you think the new format is good? Is it a good idea that each player must focus on a type of deck? Or does this harm eSports instead?
Thus, players are forced to consistently choose the same class in a tournament and only play slight variations of the deck.
This is how a match proceeds: In a duel, both players must compete with their primary deck in the first round. After that, they can freely choose from their three decks – either switch to the secondary or tertiary deck or stay with the primary deck. The opponent does not know in advance which deck was chosen.
The games then repeat until a winner is determined (usually a “Best of 3” or “Best of 5”)
Spectators should find easier access: For spectators, eSports in Hearthstone is different than in games like MOBAs, shooters, or real-time strategies, as explained by the eSports head of Hearthstone. It is much easier to empathize with the professionals’ situations and they try to learn from the professionals’ decisions.
After all, as a player, you encounter the same situations. Moreover, it feels good when you anticipate the move the professional will make – you feel validated and good for having recognized that step beforehand.
This educational aspect is an especially important detail and a reason why many viewers tune into Hearthstone streams at all: they want to learn from the professionals.
The format should also help eSports newcomers: At the same time, the “Specialist” format makes it easier for new players to take the step into eSports. For many, it has been a hurdle to come up with four or even five completely different decks to compete with multiple classes. Many players just want to play one deck or one class that they enjoy playing in their free time.
Even the professionals have often criticized that the preparation is significantly greater when so many decks are required – especially when a tournament takes place immediately after the release of a new expansion.
This is how fans react to the new format: However, the Specialist format has already had to face a lot of criticism beforehand. In the comments under the presentation of the format, fans are concerned that there will only be one archetype per tournament.
That would mean a large part of the matches would be decided before the game even begins. Whether this will really be the case remains to be seen.
However, the new “Specialist” format is only an experiment for now. If it turns out in a few months that the format is boring and does not have the desired effect, they want to explore other options – according to Braithwaite, they still have several alternatives in store.
Do you think the new format is good? Is it a good idea that each player must focus on a type of deck? Or does this harm eSports instead?
