by JR Cook - 9 years ago     show comments

Our BlizzPro Weekly host Chris Arnone was able to sit down with Hearthstone Production Director Jason Chayes to discuss their new expansion Goblins vs. Gnomes. We end the interview showing off a little show match with the new cards in an epic battle of Chris the Gnome Priest vs. Jason the Goblin Mage. Watch to find out who wins this battle to the death.

• How much does the current meta affect the design of the game? Have a small team that is completely focused on balance. Want to provide new tools (cards) to be able to counter particular powerful decks in the meta. Example is the “Clockwork Giant” which is an 8/8 that gets cheaper to play based on how many cards your opponent has in your hand.
• What drove this idea of Goblins vs. Gnomes? Curse of Naxxramas was a bit darker so was looking for something a bit more lighthearted yet explosive. Liked the idea of the crazy inventions and what they would release in Hearthstone. Last but not least, people either love Goblins and Gnomes or love to hate them.
• Neutral weapons or spells? Not directly – indirectly they did with Blingtron which gives you and your opponent a random weapon.
• Is there now a timetable set up for future content? Don’t want to release too quickly to overwhelm new players, since there’s a lot of cards this set as opposed to Naxx they are looking to see how the meta plays out to let them decide how often it will work.
• Favorite Card? The piloted mechs. Especially Sneed’s Old Shredder which can drop a random legendary creature when it’s destroyed.
• How will this be rolled out – starter packs? Still trying to decide. Earn packs through gold, buy them, or craft the cards for now.
• Any thoughts on retiring cards as the game grows? Too early to tell right now.
• New type of dust for crafting? Everything will use the same pool.
• Spectator mode still coming? Yep, will be out with the expansion.
• How will the cards be introduced to the arena? Will see cards immediately in arena. Reward out of the arena will be Goblins vs. Gnomes card packs.
• Will we see ways to help tournament organizers with their events? No plans, could be added if the community is looking for. Every time we add something new it adds new elements and we want to keep Hearthstone continue to be simple.