Just two days ago, Blizzard announced that its online card game HearthStone: Heroes of Warcraft is now available in North America as an open beta. Previously, the game was in a Closed Beta Test, and the company now promises that there will be no more card wipes for those participants.
"It's been a crazy past few months for all of us on the HearthStone team. We announced Hearthstone at PAX East back in March, began the Closed Beta Test in August, had a blast at BlizzCon with the Innkeeper's Invitational, and we were excited to announce Android and iPhone support. Now we're ready to unleash the awesomeness of Hearthstone to you with Open Beta," reads the company blog.
The update adds that Blizzard plans to extend the open beta to other regions within the next few days, so stay tuned. Blizzard also points out that the Open Beta doesn't mean the HearthStone team is completely done: they'll closely monitor many aspects of the game to ensure a positive play experience.
Gamers should also keep in mind that Blizzard is keeping an eye on server traffic as well, and may need to restrict access for new players at times to ensure a smooth experience and until the servers can take on the extra load. To check out Blizzard's new card game, head here.
Meanwhile, Gamespot reports that Blizzard and its Chinese partner NetEase have filed a lawsuit against developer Unico over the mobile card game Legend of Crouching Dragon. The lawsuit seeks ¥10 million (around $1.65 million) in damages, and requests the closing of Legend of Crouching Dragon based on infringement of Blizzard's intellectual property rights.
"I am aware of another game that is infringing on our HearthStone intellectual property, and so our legal department is taking legal action against that to protect our intellectual property," said Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime back in November during BlizzCon.
Legend of Crouching Dragon, developed for Android and iOS, currently isn't available to download. However, those who downloaded and installed the game before it was pulled can still play. The game allegedly contains assets and gameplay that are noticeably similar to Blizzard's free-to-play card game. Even the logos look very similar.
Currently, Blizzard has not responded to press inquiries regarding the lawsuit.
