by JR Cook - 10 years ago     show comments

With the release of the iPad version of Hearthstone, now is the time to get out there and start meeting local enthusiasts of the game. Not only is Hearthstone the #1 most downloaded app right now according to Business Insider, but it’s expected to make over $30 million in revenue this year.

The Blizzard Hearthstone team has decided to get people out in the wild and start holding events called “Fireside Gatherings” with the first such event happening April 26. Fireside Gatherings are a way for local enthusiasts to get together in a public setting and play Hearthstone together, and if you play 3 games on the same network you’ll be able to unlock a new card back that shows you took place in the gathering.

That’s not all, BlizzPro is hosting 2 of these events. One in Kansas City, MO and one in Orlando, FL. BlizzPro co-founder Eldorian (me) and the Bearded Gamer Chris Arnone will be at Snow & Co. at 12 PM CST in Kansas City to play some Hearthstone. BlizzPro Senior Site Manager Zenstyle will be hosting an event in Orlando (venue and time to be determined still).

You can sign up for the BlizzPro Kansas City event on our Facebook event. Please bring your own laptop or iPad if you wish to play. Not only will you be able to unlock the new card back but we also plan on having some physical prizes to give away as well courtesy of Blizzard themselves. You’ll just have to come to the event to find out what we have!

If you wish to learn more about Fireside Gatherings or learn about how to host your own, check out the new blog here:

Well met, fellow tavern-goers! Do you love Hearthstone? Looking for other worthy opponents to challenge? Want to just enjoy the game with likeminded Hearthstone players in your area? Then Fireside Gatherings are exactly what you’re looking for!

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Hearthstone on iPad by attending a Fireside Gathering.  Fireside Gatherings are get-togethers in public hangouts like coffee shops, book stores, and dorms where you can meet and mingle with local Hearthstone players. Trade strategy secrets, show off your decks, or even host mini tournaments—it’s all up to you! These events range in size from 5-10 people in a small group to 100+ in a huge gathering, and require absolutely no minimum skill level. The more the merrier!

Behold . . . the power of friendship! Fireside Gatherings offer the opportunity to add the new “Fireside Friends” card back to your collection! This card back can be obtained by playing three matches against another player on the same network using the following criteria:

• At least three people (including yourself) must be logged into Hearthstone on the same subnet.
• Each match must be played against a player that is playing on the same subnet as you.
• These matches can be played against your friends or using the Player Near Me feature, as long as the above two criteria are met.

The Fireside Friends card back will become available starting on Saturday, April 26thfor a limited time! The last day that you can add the Fireside Friends card back to your collection will be announced at a later date. Be sure to attend a Fireside Gathering near you or utilize the Players Near Me feature in Hearthstone so you don’t miss out on this opportunity to collect this unique card back that’ll make you feel right at home.

While you don’t need to attend a Fireside Gathering to get this card back, attending a Fireside Gathering is a great opportunity to meet some new friends, enjoy a few rounds of Hearthstone with good company,  and gain this card back in the process! The Fireside Friends card back will be instantly added to your collection as soon as you finish your three matches provided that they follow the friendly guidelines above!

To find an official Hearthstone get-together in your area, visit the all-new Fireside Gatherings website here. These events are hosted in direct partnership with Blizzard Entertainment and are a great place to take your iPad and meet up with other Hearthstone-loving locals. To host these awesome events, we’ve partnered with colleges such as Brigham Young University Hawaii, University of California Irvine, University of North Texas, and University of North Carolina Charlotte!

Can’t find a Fireside Gathering nearby? Don’t sweat it. Hosting a Fireside Gathering is easy! Head over to the official Fireside Gatherings website for all the resources you will need to get started. You’ll find helpful tips and tricks about how to host a great event, as well as a poster template that you can print and display at your venue!

When you’re ready to share your event with the world, or to find locally-run events in your area, visit LiquidHearth. LiquidHearth’s event listing can be used to promote your event and find other Hearthstone players in your community to play with.

We want to encourage Fireside Gatherings everywhere there are passionate Hearthstone players, so if you don’t find an event near you, don’t hesitate to work with local gaming groups in your community to spread awareness of Fireside Gatherings near and far.

Well, what are you waiting for? Sign up to attend or host a Fireside Gathering today!