Hearthstone timeline


Info

2008

Jun. or earlier

Videos

2009

Deadlines for StarCraft II cause all of Team 5 except Eric Dodds Eric Dodds Type: Minion Rarity: Legendary Cost: 6 Attack: 5 Health: 5 Abilities: Summon Battlecry: Summon a 2/2 Pirate and destroy all Ninjas.See this card on Hearthpwn data page] Eric Dodds is a Blizzard employee, hearthstone and Ben Brode Ben Brode Type: Minion Rarity: Legendary Cost: 3 Attack: 4 Health: 1 Your volume can t be reduced below maximum.See this card on Hearthpwn data page] "There is no way to contain the Brode." - Yong hearthstone to be reassigned to that game for around a year. Dodds and Brode begin prototyping, rapidly iterating through myriad designs.

2010

Dodds and Brode produce the first working version of Hearthstone, using Flash. The rest of Team 5 return from working on StarCraft II to begin developing Hearthstone from this basic prototype into the full game.

2012

Following mixed responses from within the company to Hearthstone`s initial announcement, in Dec. 2012 the game achieves "broad exposure" across Blizzard, with a substantial portion of employees playing Hearthstone, and beginning to get "really excited" for the game.

2013

Hearthstone Heroes of Warcraft logo.png

Mar. 22nd

Jun. 22nd - Patch 1.0.0.3388

Aug. 26th

Sep. 4th

  • The game`s closed beta test begins in the Europe region

Sep. 10th

  • Full-size Hearthstone game boards are added to World of Warcraft, with NPCs appearing to play the game
Elite Tauren Chieftain(682).png

Oct. 2nd - Patch 1.0.0.3890

  • All player accounts are wiped as part of the pre-announced beta reset
  • Maximum level increased to 60
  • Gold earned for winning games increased from 5 gold for 5 wins (1 gold per win) to 10 gold for 3 wins (3.33 gold per win)
  • Toasts are introduced for friends lists

Nov. - BlizzCon 2013

Dec. 10th - Patch 1.0.0.4217

2014

The Hearthsteed mount is introduced

Jan. 21

Mar. 11

Mar. 21

  • The remaining duration of the current Ranked season is now shown in-game. Prior to this players had to search outside the game to find out when the season would end.

Apr. 1

Apr. 2

  • Hearthstone is released for iPadtablet made by Apple in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Apr. 8

Apr. 11

Apr. 17

Apr. 26

Jun. 5

Curse of Naxxramas - where the fun never dies!

Jun. 24

Jul. 22

Aug. 15

Sep. 2014 saw Hearthstone reach the 20 million player mark

Sep. 15

  • Blizzard announces that more than 20 million players have now played Hearthstone.

Sep. 18

Oct. 21

Oct. 27

"I hope you like my invention!"

Oct. 30

"Goblins and gnomes... goblins and gnomes!"

Nov. 7

Nov. 20

  • The Goblins vs Gnomes DeviantART challenge is announced. The challenge is to create an original artwork based on Goblins vs Gnomes, and features a total prize pool of $8,500, as well as various other rewards.

Dec. 8

  • Hearthstone`s first expansion, Goblins vs Gnomes, is released in the US region. The expansion is released in the other regions over the course of the next 2 days.

2015

In Mar. an animated elemental was added to the official site

Jan. 29

  • Patch 2.1.0.7628 sees a minor adjustment to the China, Korea and Taiwan clients which cause the player `Hello` emotes to instead say `Happy New Year`. While trivial, this mark`s the game`s first seasonal customisation.

Feb. 26

  • Information gathered by fan sites from an upcoming patch leads to speculation regarding the game`s next adventure. With data referring to Molten Core, Ragnaros and `brm`, Blackrock Mountain is speculated to be the theme. The patch comes roughly a week before PAX East, where the new game`s content is widely expected to be announced.

Early Mar.

  • An animated elemental is added to the official site, just above the site navigation bar (see right). In addition, the sample cards on display are changed to Leeroy Jenkins, Twilight Drake, Core Hound, Dark Iron Dwarf and the ever-popular Magma Rager, all characters taken from Blackrock Mountain, apparently confirming the speculation regarding the theme of the adventure.
  • Screenshots of several claimed cards from the new content are released through third-party forums.
"Blackrock Mountain, a Hearthstone adventure!"

Mar. 3

  • The official PlayHearthstone @@@#@@@Twitter(twitter.com)###@### account tweets an image of a Hogger plushie holding a Hearthstone plushie, with the caption "Adventure Awaits!" (see right). The background also appears to depict Redridge Mountains, a zone immediately to the south of the Burning Steppes, the zone in which Blackrock Mountain is located.

Mar. 6

Hearthstone Now on Phones! promo.jpg

Apr. 2

  • The first wing of Blackrock Mountain is released.

Apr. 14

  • Hearthstone is released for iOSApple iOS is a proprietary mobile operating system for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. and Android phones.
"What this character lacks in height, he makes up for in ferocity! Can you guess his identity?"

May 11

  • All EU accounts more than a week old are awarded two free Classic card packs in compensation for extensive server outages the previous week.

Jun. 3

Jun. 4

Jun. 10

Jun. 11

Jun. 12

  • The third alternate hero, Medivh, is revealed.
"These two epic bosses of Blackrock Mountain are settling things once and for all... with your help!"

Jun. 15 - Patch 2.7.0.9166

  • The alternate hero feature is activated, with Magni, Alleria and Medivh available for purchase.
  • In anticipation for the coming Tavern Brawl mode, the as yet blank fourth button on the game box begins to sparkle each time the player enters the main menu.
  • The Collection is upgraded, allowing players to assign a specific card back (and soon a specific hero) to each custom deck.
Courtesy of PCPersonal Computer Gamer

Jun. 17

Jul. 2

  • Blizzard begins sending special packages to the press, which when opened play the fanfare from the Argent Tournament theme. Inside is a scroll which reads:
Champions are gathering from around the world to witness the next exciting thing Hearthstone has in store. News travels far and wide in search of brave new faces ready to answer the call to arms — Are you one of them? Muster for battle and mark Jul. 22 on your calendar. The next bit of news won’t come by carrier pigeon — thankfully, we have much better ways of communication now. Victory awaits.


Jul. 8

  • The latest The Innkeeper`s Tale blog is released, apparently a teaser for the coming expansion. The blog specifically describes a large gathering, with everyone wearing plate - even the magic users and murlocs - as well as a unicorn. The blog ends by teasing that all will be revealed soon.
Argent Tournament - sword.png

Jul. 9

  • The official PlayHearthstone TwitterTechnology company account begins a series of tweets with a theme of "champions".

Jul. 15

  • The official`s site menu is changed to tease the coming announcement. Opening loading the main page, a sword falls from above the window down into a pile of snow, becoming thoroughly embedded in the menu bar. The sword remains there, with occasional golden sparks appearing from the blade.


Jul. 22

"From east to west, heroes are sent, seeking glory in the greatest of events..."

Aug. 24

Oct. 20

  • Added with Patch 3.2.0.10604, Hearthstone launches in Japan, with a fully localised client. This is the first major new territory since China`s addition during the game`s beta. Players in Japan are granted immediate access to the current version of Hearthstone, including all card sets, making this the first territory to join the game in a relatively advanced stage.

Nov. 4

  • Hearthstone`s first cooperative Tavern Brawl, Unite Against Mechazod!, is released, marking the first cooperative two-player experience within the game.
"We are the Explorer`s League, and we are in need of explorers!"

Nov. 6

Nov. 12

Dec. 2

  • With disconnections and downtime in the Europe region coinciding with the release of the latest Tavern Brawl becoming a regular occurrence, Blizzard announce that they will be adding additional testing measures to help prevent this in the future.
"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the Inn is so delightful. With our decks all good to go, Play Hearthstone! Play Hearthstone! Play Hearthstone!"

Dec. 9

Dec. 15

  • As part of efforts to reduce downtime following the release of new Tavern Brawls, the release schedule is changed to have new Brawls debut in the Americas region instead of the Europe region, better suiting the development team`s working hours.

2016

Standard format Year of the Kraken promotional banner.jpg

Feb. 2

  • Plans to introduce game formats are announced, providing a solution to the problem of the game`s ever-increasing card pool. Scheduled for spring 2016, it is stated that the arrival of Standard format will also see balance changes to numerous Basic and Classic cards, as well an increase in the pace of the release cycle, with two new expansions and one new adventure each year.

Mar. 4

  • A blog on the official site announces that Hearthstone will become available in Thailand, as part of the Americas region, later in the month. Senior Game Producer Yong Woo explains, "It`s took a little while for the Innkeeper to learn Thai, but he`s super excited to try it out!"
  • A blog announces that the upcoming expansion will be revealed in a live stream on Mar. 11. The blog begins with the text "Something inside the Tavern stirs . . . what could it be? Don’t worry – you won’t be alone!", inviting readers to "Tune in Mar. 11 at 10:00 a.m. PST to see what has been lurking unfold live on Twitch!"
The arrival of the expansion was heralded by the creation of murals such as this one in Brooklyn, New York

Mar. 5

Mar. 7

  • Invitations are sent to select gaming press, inviting them to join the revealing of the upcoming expansion on Mar. 11. The invite reads "There are whispers around the Tavern…"

Mar. 8

Mar. 9

  • Pictures surface of half-painted murals boldly proclaiming the new expansion and its title, and depicting what are clearly faceless ones and other Old God-related creatures.

Mar. 11

  • Hearthstone`s third expansion, Whispers of the Old Gods, is announced live on the Americas Winter Championship stream, on the second anniversary of the game`s full release.
Lady Liadrin full art.jpg

Mar. 14

Mar. 16

  • A few days after being revealed, a special poll is opened on the official forums allowing players to vote on which text will become C`Thun`s official flavor text, as seen in-game in the Collection. The poll, titled The Old God C’Thun DEMANDS flavor text, mortal!, runs from Mar. 16 to Mar. 20, and is presented with the introduction "The bane of contact lenses everywhere, the ancient many-eyed Old God C’Thun is great at winking, but not particularly good at describing itself. That’s where you come in! Cast your vote on what flavor text makes it into Hearthstone for the Legendary card, C’Thun!" While voting on card reveals has become common practice for new releases, this is the first time players have been able to determine actual in-game content, albeit only flavor text.
"Now I`ve got a tale to tell you... of the ones from long ago."

Apr. 24 - Patch 5.0.0.12574

  • `Sorry` emote is replaced by the new `Wow` emote
  • The largest set of card changes since the game`s release is made, nerfing Basic and Classic cards in preparation for game formats
  • The special quests that originally awarded the Reward cards are removed, with the cards now craftable
  • The addition of card data for Fandral Staghelm marks the first time a set had added new cards to another set, with Whispers of the Old Gods serving to add three new minions to the Classic, Blackrock Mountain and The Grand Tournament sets
"Aaaaaaughibbrgubugbugrguburgle!"

Apr. 26

  • Whispers of the Old Gods is released in the Americas region
  • Game formats are added to the game, and the first Standard year - the Year of the Kraken - begins

Jun. 1

  • The official Chinese Hearthstone site announces the first ever seasonal rewards for Arena play. Each month the players with the highest number of 12 win-runs are eligible for special prizes, including tickets to BlizzCon 2016.

Jun. 11

  • Hearthstone`s official Brazilian @@@#@@@Facebook(facebook.com)###@### account posts an image depicting an "Old Gods Travel Agency". The image features leaflets for three destinations: Icecrown Citadel, the Vale of Eternal Blossoms and the Dark Portal, with the image of each destination featuring the Old Gods` distinctive tentacles invading the area. Some speculated that this could be a teaser for an upcoming adventure, or another feature.
No Wonka Bar purchase necessary.

Jul. 12 - Patch 5.2.0.13619

Jul. 16

  • Players at a Fireside Gathering on the UCI campus in California receive a special golden invite. The invite reads,
"You are cordially invited to a most majestic, marvelous, magical event, the likes of which have never been seen before! It is our most sincere hope that you`ll be able to join us!"
The invite is widely taken as referring to the upcoming revealing of the game`s next adventure.

Jul. 18

Teaser invite Jul. 19 2016.jpg

Jul. 19

  • Evidence begins to surface of an upcoming Public Test Realm.
  • Emails are sent from the developers to the fansites and other game press containing a special invite, reading,
"Greetings, my dear friend! Your valiant effort and masterful display of strategy in channeling the power of the Old Gods has won you the admiration of people across Azeroth.
We would would be honored if you would join us for a once-in-a-lifetime event that will be full of magic and celebration. We also have something very special in store for you!
Please be prompt, as we have an unforgettable adventure planned!
Stream date and link
Sincerely,
An old friend!"
Both the invite`s text and graphic details are widely taken as confirming Karazhan as the upcoming adventure, with the visual style and celebratory tone making many think of a "magical dinner party" at the tower, and the feathers seen at the top and bottom of the invite widely assumed to represent Medivh.
"He’s got dance moves like a man possessed! …oh."

Jul. 22

  • Paper versions of the emailE-mail (electronic mail) is the exchange of computer-stored messages by telecommunication invites previously sent out are sent to members of the Chinese community, coming in decorated envelopes complete a ribbon and Hearthstone swirl wax seal. The text of the invites is largely the same, but also includes a footnote translated as "Please open at night". When opened in the dark, the invite was revealed to feature glow in the dark properties, with the embossed sections illuminated in similar colours to the email invite, but with one notable difference: the star in the top-left corner is replaced by a glowing eye, precisely matching the design shown on Arcane Intellect.
  • The official Hearthstone TwitterTechnology company account begins tweeting images of preexisting card art, modified to fit a "party" theme.

Jul. 25

  • An official announcement confirms that the upcoming adventure will be revealed in a special presentation stream from China, making it the first Hearthstone content to be revealed from somewhere other than the US.
"Anything goes - for one night, in Karazhan!"

Jul. 28

  • One Night in Karazhan is revealed as Hearthstone`s fourth adventure, in a special stream from ChinaJoy in Shanghai.

Aug. 11

  • One Night in Karazhan is released.

Sep. 8

  • An official blog announces the removal of 45 cards from the Arena, marking the first large-scale effort to balance the format separately to constructed play.
Tyrande Whisperwind full.jpg

Sep. 12

  • The Welcome Bundle is announced, a limited-availability card pack bundle offering cards from the Classic set at a deeply discounted price.

Sep. 30

Oct. 3

Greetings from Gadgetzan teaser.jpg

Oct. 20

Oct. 24

  • The official Twitter account releases what appears to be a teaser for the upcoming expansion, titled "Greetings from Gadgetzan". The image contains a lengthy hidden text in exceedingly small letters, providing comprehensive disclaimers for any and all eventualities that may result due to visiting the city or receiving the goblin-made postcard.

Oct. 25

  • Apparently as part of the same teaser campaign, the official Twitter account posts the first of several pages of the "The Gadgetzan Gazette" ("The city`s BEST newspaper. The city`s ONLY newspaper.").
"Gadgetzan, where the gangs rule the streets..."

Nov. 2

  • The official Instagram account posts an image of the Gadgetzan postcard, along with a handful of pirate coins bearing the text "Absolutum Dominium".

Nov. 4

Hearthstone logo.png

Mid-Nov.

  • Blizzard quietly change the title of the game from Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft to simply Hearthstone. Logos on the official site are changed, and the developers ask the moderator`s on the game`s subreddit to update their logo to match the new title, but no press release or statement is made. The change is widely considered to mark (if somewhat belatedly) the game`s shedding of its initial identity as a "spin-off" from World of Warcraft. Yong Woo would later confirm the change was not intended to mean "anything special".

Nov. 25

  • The official Twitter account shares a link to a Hearthstone Murloc Yule Log video, featuring a variety of carols sung by murlocs.

Dec. 1

  • Mean Streets of Gadgetzan is released in the Americas region, followed by the other regions on Dec. 2.
  • A Hearthstone commercial for The Murloc Winter Veil Album is released. A telephone number provided to order the album leads to an encounter with murloc line operators.

2017

Feb. 9

  • The first ever official Arena rankings are posted, listing the top 100 players in the Americas and Europe regions.

Feb. 23

  • The first ever official Wild format Ranked play standings are released, for the Jan. season.