Who would have thought that the Hearthstone pros wouldn’t want to play in a crowded snack bar? The developers certainly didn’t.
Even though it’s often mocked by many, Hearthstone professionals have to perform at a high level. Only those who are mentally sharp are able to find the right move in any situation and ultimately defeat their opponent. It is not particularly helpful when the environment is loud, stuffy, and flooded with waiters asking every few minutes if one would like a refill.
Do you want chicken wings at your Hearthstone tournament spot?
In America, some of the qualifiers for the Hearthstone Spring Championship are held in locations of the “Buffalo Wild Wings” chain – essentially a fast-food restaurant.
Players complain that it is hardly possible to perform at full capacity in such a location when the noise resembles that of a train station. Playing Hearthstone at a high level requires utmost concentration, and if a single mistake can ruin the chance of reaching the finals, then distracting background noise is a thorn in the side of the players.
Blizzard, on the other hand, argues that through the cooperation with Buffalo Wild Wings, it was possible this time to find venues in regions that were previously not covered.
In general, Blizzard is trying to give Hearthstone a more “tavern-like” touch, which is why there are also many places with “Fireside Gatherings” where players can meet comfortably and play a few rounds of Hearthstone over some drinks and snacks.
What do you think? Much ado about nothing? Should even such small qualifiers be held in a “sterile” environment? Or do professionals just have to get used to the “tavern atmosphere”?
