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Tracks Blizzard employees across various accounts.

Hearthstone AMA #15 Ask me a question about Hearthstone! 5:30PM - 6:30PM https://t.co/H0ZgHYSy6r

Hearthstone AMA #15 Ask me a question about Hearthstone! 5:30PM - 6:30PM https://t.co/H0ZgHYSy6r

  • Iksar
    Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
    Hearthstone AMA #15 Ask me a question about Hearthstone! 5:30PM - 6:30PM https://t.co/H0ZgHYSy6r

    • discobungle
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Any regrets for certain HS mechanics?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @discobungle Regrets is probably the wrong word, there will always be mechanics that come together and some mechanics that don't. Wish we would have had more time to explore a better hero power mechanic than Inspire or a better thematic/useable mechanic that Twinspell.

    • Jkor92
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Are there any thoughts for adding cosmetics into battlegrounds (i.e. golden heroes)? Also, I played you in a wild last year I was emoting greeting not from toxicity but from pure joy that I played you. GG :D

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @Jkor92 We have plans for many battlegrounds cosmetics, I would expect the support for battlegrounds to increase significantly in the next 12-18 months. Players love the mode, it's massively popular, we're ramping up design/engineering/art support to match that. Just takes time.

    • sc24evr
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Any chance we will see new hero cards for all classes anytime so ala Knights of the Frozen Throne?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @sc24evr Hero cards are one of the most types of cards, so we'll reuse as a major mechanic again. Have some plans for that in progress, just a matter of not making them feel the same as before.

    • imik_plays
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS What are the Hearthstone goals for the next, let's say, 5 years, what do you think will be different from how the game looks/feels today?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @imik_plays Need to figure out how to make sustainable content rather than content that requires continuous upkeep. When we keep making upkeep content it makes it harder to make the next big improvement or new thing.

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @imik_plays Five years is a long time. Some things I'd like to achieve in that timeline that we aren't doing now. A: First-Class Experience in All Game Modes System support on the level of constructed for BG/Merc/Arena/Etc

          • Iksar
            Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
            @imik_plays B: Hearthstone as a Social Game You can play with your friends in real-time and accomplish goals together asynchronously. Getting your friends into the game makes it easier for them and is beneficial to you as well.

            • Iksar
              Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
              @imik_plays C: Best in class self-expression Look how you want, play how you want, show off to other players. Hearthstone becomes less about nameless class vs nameclass class and players can fully express their individuality to the friends and opponents.

              • Iksar
                Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
                @imik_plays D: In-game competition Would love to have avenues to express your competitive side for players of all skill levels that feel rewarding.

                • Iksar
                  Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
                  @imik_plays Lots more. Single-player, expanded AI, user-generated content, lots to consider... so little time. None of these things are currently in the works, we're pretty heads-down on mercs. As we prioritize for the future, these are the kinds of things we're considering next.

    • imik_plays
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS If you were trying to implement a new card type, which one would it be? (We have Hero Cards, Spell Cards, Weapons, etc) What could be the next step?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @imik_plays We've experimented with a few. There aren't any direct comparisons from other games but we've tried that is similar to Planeswalkers, captains on the battlefield. Also with static on board effects like weather/enchantments.

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @imik_plays I really like the idea of captains of the battlefield, they don't attack but instead have abilities of their own they can use right away. We didn't stick the landing but we'll probably come back to them at some point.

          • Iksar
            Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
            @imik_plays Hero cards have been tough to live up to. Hard to design something that is nearly as exciting with similar or less complexity. Hero cards are an underrated design. Used existing mechanics to make something simple yet hugely popular/exciting.

    • RTwoCTwo
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS I literally just finished the “start 50 turns with a full hand” achievement. Do you think it’s good design to have an achievement where the fastest / best way to complete it is to literally do nothing? Feels like it could have been a little more interactive.

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @RTwoCTwo Ideally all achievements point you in a direction of something at least a portion of people would consider fun. If an achievement is making you do something really unfun it's probably not a design we're happy with.

    • RidiculousHat
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS there's been a lot of very visible blizzard turnover over the past few years, including multiple game directors. it's a little worrisome - i doubt you can comment much on it, but is there anything you can share that might keep players from getting spooked?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @RidiculousHat We've been growing significantly over the last few years, so even a natural rate of turnover is going to come across as more people leaving than normal.

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @RidiculousHat As for GD level people leaving, it's also more normal than you would think The kind of people that become GD are talented, ambitious people. They've reached the next level in their careers multiple times and kept pushing onward.

          • Iksar
            Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
            @RidiculousHat Those kinds of people are rarely going to reach GD and say 'yeah, this is enough for me'. There is always a new challenge or new idea. When people that talented get a new calling, they tend to act on it.

            • Iksar
              Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
              @RidiculousHat All that said, it does make me sad to lose the Brodes, Chayes, Dodds, Morhaimes, and Kaplans of the world. Whenever you lose people that immensely talented it pains everyone around. Again, though. People that talented are always on loan until they find a new challenge.

    • ZuidermanHS
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Has the team ever tested increasing the starting hand of each player by one card? If so, what was the conclusion?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @ZuidermanHS Not since I've been around, which feels like forever. Generally we try to make games feel more different than each other than more of the same. Increasing hand size creates more consistency which makes for more game-to-game same-ness.

    • Draketh90
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS The achievement for completing Book of Mercenaries with Rokara hasn't been working since it came out (pack is awarded but still shows 0/8 progress). Any ETA for a fix for us achievement hunters out here? Thank you! 👏

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @Draketh90 I know the team is aware and I'm sure a fix is in the works soon. I'll check in on it just in case.

    • elilong
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS As the back catalogue of sets keeps growing, is there any plan to make them more accessible? Whether that’s through lowering the price of old packs or something else entirely?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @elilong Rewards increase and core set for free were some of the ways we've tried to address that recently. Goal is that getting into the game and getting a fun deck or two that you can play with very little friction.

    • Hylung
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS We go agane Curious about potentially getting animations and special "trays" for previously released alternate heroes? Is that something with the potential that you may go back and do? Is that something that may be more like how some of the classic legendaries got animations?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @Hylung I think if we were going to spend time on creating cosmetic content we'd be spending it on the new rather than the old. It's often a question of volume vs features. If every hero-skin had a new tray/animations/fullscreenart/newheropower we'd end up with far less options.

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @Hylung I'd really love to do alternate art cards at some point. I think you could have different tiers of alt art where some also come with new animations. We're ramping cosmetic content currently and I think what people have been seeing in the last 6 months is just the beginning.

    • FilmCriticKurt
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Has there ever been thought into a 'Random Deck' option that would start a game with a random deck from your collection?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @FilmCriticKurt Yes, though we're very stingy with button/option adds. In the case of random deck, didn't meet the bar of usability we'd like for something to have to create a new option.

    • bmkibler
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS What’s up with Tidal Surge and Drain Soul being in the same core set, with the one that costs half as much mana for one less damage going to the class that can leverage its life for cards with its hero power?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @bmkibler A reasonable question. Cards are targeted at different goals. Drain Soul is meant to be a core contributor to making Warlock archetypes work. It's at a power level to hold that class up as a generic use card.

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @bmkibler Tidal Surge is less important to making Shaman archetypes work and is powered as a fringe card that might see play in heavy control shaman decks whenever that is a thing.

          • Iksar
            Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
            @bmkibler Shaman does also have SP, just not in great quantities atm. All that said, it might be a little soft :).

    • OliechHS
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Hi Iksar ! Can we consider a hearthstone tower defense in future game modes ? 👀

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @OliechHS I'd love to. I really want to explore a mario-party style game mode with battlegrounds tech where players go into an 8-player match and play minigames with one-another. Things like tower defense are good fits for role-players in that mode. This is just Dean dream-land for now.

    • BionicDoor
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Are there any talks of buffing some of the old gods, N’Zoth and Yogg in particular, I feel they didn’t get to be played as much as they should have and in there current state I’m not sure they will.

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @BionicDoor Not unless we brought them back to core. Not all wild cards are meant to be the same power, meant to be a lens into the history of Hearthstone.

    • HolyKnight077
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Have you guys considered a legendary Paladin minion Arthas for the future? Since Liadrin came out, would love to see him soon. 💛

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @HolyKnight077 Arthas is way too big of a character to come back to one way or another...

    • imik_plays
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS So, the real question... When can we expect a viable Control Shaman list in the future? 🙄

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @imik_plays No reason why not, they theoretically have all the tools in their kit for a reasonable control deck. Removal and life-gain are generally the most important for this. Just a matter of time.

    • ZuidermanHS
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS How many packs in total have been opened since the game was released?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @ZuidermanHS I wonder if I could even find this out if I wanted to. Definitely not information I have off-hand. A LOT

    • derajn
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS What is the most surprising data insight in battlegrounds that you have seen?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @derajn honestly, probably hours played bg is a lot more popular than people realize, would be a top 5-10 game on steam most days by itself

    • Luker_HS
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS How are Chakki and Gallon doing? Are they as op at card design as they were at Hearthstone?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @Luker_HS they are excellent, yes @Chakki_HS has been working on BG lately and @GallonHS currently working on the last set to release this year alongside @GW_Alec and @BoarControl

    • Zelfie_Taker
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Is there a reason you stuck to King Krush w/ new Alex being made. Like sure beast synergies but it feels like you guys could have choosen a new or better legendary because Krush.

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @Zelfie_Taker Goal with core cards isn't to make must-include-generic-power-cards. Normally to make fringe options you can feel good about including in the right deck. Krush and Alex might be violaters for different reasons.

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @Zelfie_Taker I would consider it more likely Alex gets nerfed than Krush gets buffed, though. We do a fair bit of beast mana-cheating so there is always hope for big beasts like Krush to see play in those decks.

    • jwilli
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS What card has your favorite animation?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @jwilli maybe deathwing, it's pretty iconic/epic

    • Tacticalian
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS @IksarHS Third time's the charm? Would you consider changing Dark Inquisitor Xanesh so that it discounts already corrupted versions too? The deck is low power enough and would make the card feel way better without pushing it over.

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @Tacticalian Not crazy, I'll bring it up with @GW_Alec

    • ChaosOS_59
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Would the team ever do a round of buffs for Wild?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @ChaosOS_59 Not something I'd be very excited for. Part of Wild is a look into the history of Hearthstone. Not supposed to be a place where all cards are similar power level. Also, in order to impact Wild at all you have to buff cards to pretty extreme power levels.

    • JonathanLoyd
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Any chances of another limited format? Something comparable to MTGs sealed maybe? Or is that what duels was meant to fill?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @JonathanLoyd more likely we'll improve/revamp something like arena/duels rather than make an entirely new format

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @JonathanLoyd have some ideas for system and ranked additions to arena but probably won't kick off that pitch for another month or two

    • Durianstorm1
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Are there any plans about rebalancing Wild? APM mage really takes the fun out of my favorite format, it's like naga sea witch all over again but even worse

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @Durianstorm1 No changes planned currently. I play a significant amount of Wild and I'd say the most busted feeling things are definitely APM Mage and Darkglare Warlock. APM Mage got a population jolt due to some Barrens cards so still waiting to see how meta settles.

    • coolboypai
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS More counterspells in the game? When or if? I've always wondered why such a common card game mechanic is only on one card after all these years

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @coolboypai If we do, they will probably be one-offs. Hearthstone is really light on 'mean stuff' and counterspell is in that category for sure. When we do make mechanics that mess with your opponent's things they are usually weak and still cause much distress. Tickatus, OhMyYogg, etc.

    • MusicalRhea
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS How often is the team planning ahead for future expansions?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @MusicalRhea We work about a year in advance. For example, we are going to start the pitch process for the July/August 2022 set in a few weeks. Will start work on it in 5-6 weeks.

    • doudouillitsa
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Will battlegrounds ever go out of beta ? 😂

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @doudouillitsa have some plans for that, want to do it right

    • ven0m_symbi0te
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Don't you think Crabrider is too overpowered?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @ven0m_symbi0te Not yet. It's an early/mid-game card for minion style of control decks. Different but not completely different from cards like Firefly/TarCreeper/SludgeBelcher. Cards like that promote on-board fighting and punish decks that don't engage.

    • Riokaii
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Will hearthstone allow more custom-rule Gamemodes, rather than purely card expansions in the future? Pauper has been proposed before, but even something like You're allowed to use X number of cards from another class when building your deck.

      • Riokaii
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @IksarHS Or i guess a better way to reframe my question: Why has hearthstone been fairly limited in its supported formats thus far?

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @Riokaii Hearthstone has more formats that most games, we're just trying not to go overboard. We have casual/wild/standard/classic/bg/duels/arena/tavernbrawl/adventures and mercenaries coming. Only interested in creating modes that will have healthy medium to long-term populations.

    • TheyCallMeBrino
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Any plans to change how class leveling works? With the core set changes, it feels a bit weird that you get basically nothing for leveling past 10, especially since we have total wins as a stat to track progress with a class, that DOES come with rewards

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @TheyCallMeBrino Not currently, though I agree it's not ideal. Essentially we had a way we were happier with for golden card acquisition and had originally removed class levels completely.

        • Iksar
          Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
          @TheyCallMeBrino We opted to keep them around even if their purpose wasn't very relevant to the new rewards scheme. Sometimes people just like to see their bar go up. It's still a reasonable representation of how much you've played something, which some people like.

          • Iksar
            Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
            @TheyCallMeBrino If we were designing the system from scratch, I think we'd probably have removed the levels or tied them to wins or something rather than a background XP system.

            • Iksar
              Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
              @TheyCallMeBrino We might still do that. Imagine leveling was 1 win per level rather than some number of XP. That way getting to level 500 would mean something (golden hero). Some downside in changing the definition of very old things, though. This is just a long way of saying I agree it's weird.

              • Iksar
                Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
                @TheyCallMeBrino Also, congrats on winning that Yugioh tournament.

    • DracoCatt
      Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
      @IksarHS Has anyone ever considered making a leaderboard of ranked wins per class? Someone might have a lot of wins with a class like Demon Hunter and want to to know if someone has more or if they have the most in the world?

      • Iksar
        Posted 4 years, 4 months ago (Source)
        @DracoCatt I’m guessing a bot would be winning
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