Blizzard reveals Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Blizzard had already announced that they would unveil a new game at the ongoing PAX East exhibition - and that we should expect something different from the usual offerings from the studio. And indeed we got it when the developer unveiled Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, a card game (think Magic: The Gathering) set in the Warcraft universe.

So we'll gather maps, build decks and duel for life and death over the net when the game ships later this year. The beta will start this summer, promised Blizzard.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft does not cost anything in itself, but as usual collectible card game-style cards must be purchased in so-called booster packs, as yet the price is not fixed. Many of the game's mechanics are inspired by World of Warcraft.

One of the features that Blizzard mentions in the press release, they call The Forge. Here you're not playing with cards from your collection, but must instead build a deck from a stack of new cards, and then duel with other players, based on the same rules.

"We've always loved collectible card games at Blizzard, so it's been exciting to bring everything we love about the genre to life in Hearthstone," said Blizzard's Mike Morhaime.

"We're putting a lot of focus into creating a fun new game that's easy to pick up and play, but also has a lot of depth. We can't wait to share it with everyone."

You can play as a total of nine heroes, here are over 300 cards, and of course there is cross-play between different platforms. Hearthstone released first on PC and Mac, and shortly thereafter the iPad. More info on game website.