Hearthstone provides a toxic atmosphere that serves as the basis for much of the aggravation that is present, particularly in the thread in which players are allowed to voice their displeasure. It is quite fascinating that these behaviors are accepted instead of contesting Blizzard for creating this negative environment to begin with.
Consider the emote system. It is highly unlikely Blizzard implemented such a system with the idea that players would use it in good faith by promoting sportsmanship. Instead, the exact opposite has occurred. For a game that is advertised as being fun, it has much work to do to succeed with that standard.
Another layer of aggravation is the RNG element that provides even more frustration. There are too many instances where RNG decides the winner of a match. What Blizzard has done is manufacture a game that serves to annoy much more than to please. Even more perplexing is they have earned a considerable profit doing so.
Questions: How does one explain such a conundrum? What is Hearthstone at it's core? Is it simply a game or is it an addiction with terrible side effects?
A major issue, in my opinion, is how Blizzard markets the game. They push the line that it’s a skill-testing competitive esport. So, when try hard players get screwed over by RNG, and lose to worse players, it feels really bad.
On top of that, the game is extremely expensive. If you have spent hundreds of dollars on your decks, but are still losing to bad RNG, it feels even worse.
The fact is, Hearthstone is not a real esport, it is really an extremely high variance game which is designed for casual fun. If you play perfectly, you will still lose 30%+ games. If you view the game as casual fun, and probably don’t spend money on it, it becomes much more enjoyable and less toxic. Don’t take Hearthstone too seriously.
I have no proof that anyone I play in ranked play is an actual human, so why should I care how 'it' behaves. If it does turn out to be some sick, vile sack of bones, fat and water, I should care even less.
RNG doesn't make the game toxic. What was toxic was when it was a legitimate strategy to emote spam and rope every single turn to get your opponent to concede by pure frustration alone. Blizzard also removed the sorry emote which while in its implementation was supposed to be genuine, they were somehow the most sarcastic sounding of all. If you are that bent out of shape about RNG then I'm sorry to say Hearthstone isnt the game for you. That's how its always been and while its been pushed more or less depending on the expansion, its Blizzard's continuing design choice to add plenty of random elements.
The Hearthstone community, such as it is, seems to enjoy using the emote system to rub salt in the wound. It's anonymous and completely safe, so they are free to be themselves and that's what they do. I try to remember to squelch and I no longer buy cards with real money.
"What is Hearthstone at it's core? Is it simply a game or is it an addiction with terrible side effects?"
Speak for yourself. Realize that for 90% of the player base, they don't play or care enough to be salty often. To them, it's a game. If it's an addiction for you that mostly leads to salt and toxicity, that's something you need to change in one way or another.
People who frequent forums like these are the minority of the player base, who happen to be more active than the average player. The salt thread is the concentration of those more active players who get salty. Don't take that as a representation of how people react.
As long as people have anonymity, they will be awful whenever they feel like it, for whatever their reasons.
Hearthstone itself is no more toxic than anything else people have blamed over the years for ruining society. It's people. People are often terrible. Hearthstone doesn't make people awful just like video games don't make players violent and books weren't the source of "corruption" when they became common to the public for consumption. People are just plain awful sometimes.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Rage quitting: the best way to ensure your opponent knows they beat a giant baby.
There are times when I absolutely hate this game. It infuriates me like no other I’ve ever played. Earlier this week I actually uninstallled the game from my phone in a rage after losing to like five warriors in a row.
At the same time some games I play are truly exciting, different and memorable and filled with so many ups and downs. I’ve won games from positions that seemed impossible and have had several hour long games of super greedy value control vs super greedy value control that have been thrilling regardless of whether I won or lost. This game gives is an emotional rollercoaster unlike any other I’ve ever played.
You cant have one without the other. Accept the fact that sometimes this game will make you want to smash your head against the wall and break you pc, other times it will be an absolute joy and memories of those games will stay with you for a long time.
This fucking game makes me crazy and I love it. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
A lot stems from the fact HS is luck based, not skill. But Blizzard is guilty of advertising the game as a skill-oriented experience much like MTG. This is obviously not the case but most players still don’t get that luck is above all the most significant factor in winning.
But, IF you embrace that and accept that RNG is the primary basis of winning than you will absolutely have fun and not be tilted all the time. I solely play memes and love it.
Hearthstone provides a toxic atmosphere that serves as the basis for much of the aggravation that is present, particularly in the thread in which players are allowed to voice their displeasure. It is quite fascinating that these behaviors are accepted instead of contesting Blizzard for creating this negative environment to begin with.
Consider the emote system. It is highly unlikely Blizzard implemented such a system with the idea that players would use it in good faith by promoting sportsmanship. Instead, the exact opposite has occurred. For a game that is advertised as being fun, it has much work to do to succeed with that standard.
Another layer of aggravation is the RNG element that provides even more frustration. There are too many instances where RNG decides the winner of a match. What Blizzard has done is manufacture a game that serves to annoy much more than to please. Even more perplexing is they have earned a considerable profit doing so.
Questions: How does one explain such a conundrum? What is Hearthstone at it's core? Is it simply a game or is it an addiction with terrible side effects?
Discuss.
Heh, Greetings.
stockholm syndrome
Wow!
*Heals +2*
Sorry that happened.
A major issue, in my opinion, is how Blizzard markets the game. They push the line that it’s a skill-testing competitive esport. So, when try hard players get screwed over by RNG, and lose to worse players, it feels really bad.
On top of that, the game is extremely expensive. If you have spent hundreds of dollars on your decks, but are still losing to bad RNG, it feels even worse.
The fact is, Hearthstone is not a real esport, it is really an extremely high variance game which is designed for casual fun. If you play perfectly, you will still lose 30%+ games. If you view the game as casual fun, and probably don’t spend money on it, it becomes much more enjoyable and less toxic. Don’t take Hearthstone too seriously.
My thanks to you.
I think Hearthstone at its core is a game based on luck. And its pretty damn reasonable for a game that is based on luck to have angry players.
It's internet. Welcome to the future.
I have no proof that anyone I play in ranked play is an actual human, so why should I care how 'it' behaves. If it does turn out to be some sick, vile sack of bones, fat and water, I should care even less.
I feel fortunate to have witnessed this.
Its not toxic. You feel it toxic. Just relax, man.
This is a teaching moment.
Google search: Is Hearthstone free to play?
RNG doesn't make the game toxic. What was toxic was when it was a legitimate strategy to emote spam and rope every single turn to get your opponent to concede by pure frustration alone. Blizzard also removed the sorry emote which while in its implementation was supposed to be genuine, they were somehow the most sarcastic sounding of all. If you are that bent out of shape about RNG then I'm sorry to say Hearthstone isnt the game for you. That's how its always been and while its been pushed more or less depending on the expansion, its Blizzard's continuing design choice to add plenty of random elements.
The Hearthstone community, such as it is, seems to enjoy using the emote system to rub salt in the wound. It's anonymous and completely safe, so they are free to be themselves and that's what they do. I try to remember to squelch and I no longer buy cards with real money.
"What is Hearthstone at it's core? Is it simply a game or is it an addiction with terrible side effects?"
Speak for yourself. Realize that for 90% of the player base, they don't play or care enough to be salty often. To them, it's a game. If it's an addiction for you that mostly leads to salt and toxicity, that's something you need to change in one way or another.
People who frequent forums like these are the minority of the player base, who happen to be more active than the average player. The salt thread is the concentration of those more active players who get salty. Don't take that as a representation of how people react.
As long as people have anonymity, they will be awful whenever they feel like it, for whatever their reasons.
Hearthstone itself is no more toxic than anything else people have blamed over the years for ruining society. It's people. People are often terrible. Hearthstone doesn't make people awful just like video games don't make players violent and books weren't the source of "corruption" when they became common to the public for consumption. People are just plain awful sometimes.
Rage quitting: the best way to ensure your opponent knows they beat a giant baby.
There are times when I absolutely hate this game. It infuriates me like no other I’ve ever played. Earlier this week I actually uninstallled the game from my phone in a rage after losing to like five warriors in a row.
At the same time some games I play are truly exciting, different and memorable and filled with so many ups and downs. I’ve won games from positions that seemed impossible and have had several hour long games of super greedy value control vs super greedy value control that have been thrilling regardless of whether I won or lost. This game gives is an emotional rollercoaster unlike any other I’ve ever played.
You cant have one without the other. Accept the fact that sometimes this game will make you want to smash your head against the wall and break you pc, other times it will be an absolute joy and memories of those games will stay with you for a long time.
This fucking game makes me crazy and I love it. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
Missing lethal since June 2015.
A lot stems from the fact HS is luck based, not skill. But Blizzard is guilty of advertising the game as a skill-oriented experience much like MTG. This is obviously not the case but most players still don’t get that luck is above all the most significant factor in winning.
But, IF you embrace that and accept that RNG is the primary basis of winning than you will absolutely have fun and not be tilted all the time. I solely play memes and love it.
My apologies. *clicks steady shot for lethal*