Publisher of both Magic: The Gathering and (formerly of) Pokemon Cards, Wizards of the Coast know the score when it comes to collectible card games (CCGs). So when Aaron Forsythe, their senior director of R&D, eyes up Blizzard’s own CCG, Hearthstone, we take notice.
They’ve a watchful eye on what Blizzard are doing but it’s left them unfazed.
Asked whether the company keep track of competitor’s games, Forsythe told Games.On.net “I have a large R&D department that is aware of what’s going on out there. In some ways it’s flattering that all these companies want to move in on the space that we’ve obviously shown you can be successful in.”
Blizzard in particular post a thread as, what Forsythe calls, “a heavy hitter in the industry.” Despite this, he diplomatically says Hearthstone doesn’t faze them: “I know that we couldn’t make an MMO as good as they could, but as far as trading card games I am confident in our team.”
Blizzard revealed Hearthstone at PAX East back in March. The CCG will see players trading and battling with card versions of heroes from across the World of Warcraft universe.
Blizzard aim to have it released before the end of the year.