Perhaps Hearthstone Would Be More Fitting for a Wing Stop?
Think of Hearthstone as a brain teaser when playing competitively. It gets no easier when playing in the championship qualifying rounds. Yet, somehow, the Hearthstone Championship Tour 2017 will include Buffalo Wild Wings as a venue. While we have nothing against a good plate of wings, the ambiance of such a place isn’t exactly what pros would call suitable.
Because of this year’s venue selection, participants in HTC couldn’t help but voice their concerns over chosen location, or “taverns” as Blizzard calls them. This is because, when you’re plotting out your meticulous card combos and trying to think moves ahead of your opponents, you tend to need a bit of thinking space. Since Buffalo Wild Wings is a certified sports bar for fanatics and loud conversation, it just doesn’t sit right with a Hearthstone pro. Think about it; as they lay their cards low, these players are trying to get into a $250,000 Championship. After that, the hope moving onto the grander $1 Million dollar prize.
Understandably, prospective players have taken to twitter to voice their opinion on this year’s tournament venues.
Not sure what blizzards philosophy is with playoff venues, the players who qualify don’t want a loud chaotic environment when playing.
— Sebastian Engwall (@Ostkaka) May 9, 2017
I have no idea why we play 7 hours of open cups 4 times a week + endless hours of ladder grind, just for a chance to play at buffalo wing
— Xzirez (@Xzirezhs) May 9, 2017
Legitimately considering going to Vegas instead of the BWW 20 minutes away to play HCT. Nice venues @HSesports LUL
— Aaron Garfinkle (@cheesee10HS) May 9, 2017
As you may be able to tell, the choice of venue is a concern, a serious concern. Players are legitimately worried about the atmosphere and how it might hurt their Hearthstone game. And, according to the attendees, choice of venue has been an ongoing concern, often leading to unstable wi-fi connections in what participants consider lousy places for intense online competition.
But, as a Blizzard spokesperson told Kotaku, trying to manage these events is nothing short of a nightmare:
“When considering Playoff venues for the Hearthstone Championship Tour, one of our goals is to encourage diversity in geographic location to provide more convenient venue options for our HCT competitors. We’re always looking at ways to reach new locales while still supporting previous locations where it makes sense. Working with Buffalo Wild Wings this season has allowed us to bring the Spring Playoffs to new locations including Denver, Colorado and Marietta, Georgia. The participating Buffalo Wild Wings locations have been vetted to the same standards as each of our other existing Playoff venues. This vetting process includes a review of the physical space and internet stability, among other factors. We’ve paired some of our most experienced Innkeepers with new venues to ensure smooth execution. Each Playoff Venue, including Buffalo Wild Wings, will also feature two dedicated tournament admins.”
North American Hearthstone taverns will see tournament play on May 27 and 28. So far, it sounds like Blizzard is choosing their locations based on logistical convenience while pros argue that their choices don’t offer suitable conditions for competitive play. Will there ever be a middle ground? Comment down below; we’d like to hear your thoughts on the matter. And to stay up to date on more gaming news, deals and outrageous decision-making be sure to check back with COGconnected.
Happy gaming.