Blizzard has recently shared a first look at Hearthstone Esports for 2019. Like many of their games, Blizzard’s Hearthstone has its own esports scene and is slowly gaining attention around the world.

Despite having a successful esports season for 2018, complains from fans exists mainly on the challenge of keeping up with the Hearthstone Championship Tour (HCT). In response, Blizzard decided to share their plans for the coming year.

Hearthstone’s new competitive system

Following the end of the HCT next year, Blizzard plans to introduce a new three-tiered competitive system. The system will include online qualifiers, live global tournaments and an exclusive top-tier ladder. The process of the system is relatively system. Online qualifiers around the world (no region lock) will determine who gets to qualify for the next tier of the system. Next, the live global tournaments are invite only and success will allow players to enter the top tier. In the top tier, players play in a seasonal round-robin online competition where their performance determines their invite to live global events from the previous tier.

Hearthstone Master System update

In addition, Blizzard acknowledges the possible consequences to Hearthstone’s Master System. The system’s primary purpose is to recognise top players based on their consistency. Due to changes in the esports scene for 2019, Blizzard plans to reward players who achieved the Masters status. Moreover, points earned in 2018 Season 1 will not expire on December 1st. Instead, players will have a ‘transitional’ period to gain more points for next year benefits until 31st of March.

With the esports scene growing around the world, Blizzard’s changes to the Hearthstone esports scene seems necessary. In order to keep up with other games, certain maneuvers need to be implemented. Furthermore, the release of Valve’s Artifact may have prompted Blizzard to act quickly to secure a more stable esports scene.

For the full announcement, head over to the Hearthstone site.