An Interview with Kranich about the current state of the game and meta in general

This past week gave me the chance to talk to one of our own Hearthstone players, Hakjun 'Kranich' Baek. Rather than ask him specific questions on how to improve as a player, I decided to ask him questions related to the direction that Blizzard is taking their game, what his thoughts are on the buffing and nerfing of cards, and his own personal feelings about the current state of the game, and meta in general. Without further ado, let's get to the interview.

First of all, I’d like to welcome you to the Team Dignitas family! In regards to joining a team, how important do you feel it is to be on one for a game like Hearthstone, which is mostly known for your individual play?

Kranich: Thanks! Joining Team Dignitas means turning into a pro gamer for me. It does not directly effect my plays but still I have to remind myself that I play for the team now.

 

When it comes to preparing decks for a tournament, what are some of the factors you consider when building your decks?
Kranich: The most important thing on preparing decks is countering the current meta-game. I really try to make difference in my decks which counters popular decks.

 

What do you feel is the best tournament format in terms of fairness for the participants?

Kranich: Double elimination format might be a good one. Hearthstone is a game which is effected by RNG, so tournaments need a format which tests the players several times.

 

The most recent patch in Hearthstone introduced a nerf to the card ‘undertaker’ which had one of the craziest snowball potentials in the game. Do you feel that the nerfs were necessary?

Kranich: Well, I had been one of players who  benefited from the old undertaker since I played hunter a lot. The nerf was sad but necessary to the meta-game.

Continuing on the nerfs for the undertaker, do you think that the nerf was too harsh, or just right? How would you have nerfed the card if you were a designer?

Kranich: It seems a bit harsh because to increase his health was pretty important factor to it being such a good card. I have no idea if there was another proper way to nerf it.

 

In the past, Blizzard has stated that they’d rather not nerf cards and let the meta game sort itself out, do you agree with their stance, or feel that they should have a more active role in the changing of cards?

Kranich: Blizzard is doing a good job. If they change too many cards at once, some deck archetypes might never be developed.

 

Blizzard has also stated that they don’t feel that cards that are underplayed need buffs, and that they serve a purpose in the game, do you think they should be more inclined to revisit these lower quality cards?

Kranich: The developers said there is no need to make all cards to be good, and I agree with it. At least most of them has their own character strengths to be used in certain decks.

With the release of Goblins vs. Gnomes, a lot of people are complaining about two cards in particular that feel deserve to be nerfed, Dr. Boom and Mechwarper. What are your opinions on these two cards, and do you agree with the communities outrage over the cards?

Kranich: Maybe. I usually do not care about over powered cards since they are in the okay-range. Dr.Boom is too good for all decks so it might be get nerfed. Mechwarper is strong but it is necessary to build mech-decks which means blizzard will not nerf for a while.

 

Let’s get back to you as a player. What’s your favourite style of deck to build and why?

Kranich: My favourite style is to be sneaky; I love to use unpredictable cards which changes the ordinary aspect of tournament games.

 

Why do you feel that aggro decks seem to be the most prevalent deck archetype seen in ladder?
Kranich: Aggro decks are fast and fun to play. It is not weird that people like to play them in ladder.

 

In your opinion, what class do you absolutely hate going up against in ladder? What about in a tournament setting?

Kranich: Warrior is the most boring deck to play in ladder. However sometimes I like to use warrior in a tournament because of mage or hunter.

 

According to a rumour, the next expansion or solo adventure is scheduled to be released in April. What are your thoughts on the pacing of new card releases? Do you feel new sets are being released too quickly, too slowly, or just about right?
Kranich: Card game players should try to adapt themselves on new environment. April won't be too early to face a new set cards and seems fine.

 

Thanks for your time, and your insightful answers! Are there any shout outs that you’d like to give?

Kranich: Hope to see you guys at Inven Invitational & others! 

 

It was a pleasure to have the oppurtunity to talk to Kranich on topics that related to Hearthstone. Although the community is rash to come up with criticisms towards Blizzard's approach to the game, it's refreshing to see the sentiments of a pro players own thoughts on the way that they approach the game themselves.