Blizzard`s mobile ARPG, Diablo Immortal, is introducing a unique crossover event with its popular digital card game, Hearthstone. This new in-game event will allow players to utilize abilities inspired by some of Hearthstone`s most recognizable cards. However, the announcement has been overshadowed by community concerns regarding the alleged use of AI-generated artwork in the event`s promotional materials.
Scheduled from July 30 to August 27, the Hearthstone event in Diablo Immortal offers players the chance to collect 18 distinct abilities. These abilities are directly inspired by classic Hearthstone cards, including fan favorites such as Polymorph, Ice Block, Windfury, Flame Imp, and Holy Nova. These card-based powers will significantly impact gameplay within the Enchanted Planes and Trial of the Hearth modes. Additionally, a new Legendary gem, the Manaflux gem, will be introduced, echoing Hearthstone`s iconic mana system. This gem accumulates mana stacks, eventually unleashing powerful Hearthstone cards like Ragnaros or Acidic Swamp Ooze when a skill is used, devastating foes.
While a complete collection of these special cards will require in-game purchases, Blizzard is also providing some complimentary items. Players can use the promo code `CARDCOLLECT` to receive a random card, along with other valuable resources like gems and crests. Furthermore, any player logging into Diablo Immortal with a character at level 10 or above during the event period will earn an exclusive Hearthstone-themed card back.
Beyond the card abilities, the event introduces new Warcraft-themed cosmetic items, including pets like the Core Rager and Lil` Ragnaros, and character outfits inspired by the legendary couple Malfurion Stormrage and Tyrande Whisperwind. This isn`t the first time Diablo Immortal has ventured into the Warcraft universe, as a prior event featured the Lich King as a formidable boss.
Prior to the event`s official launch, observant fans on Reddit, as reported by PC Gamer, raised concerns about the appearance of the promotional artwork for the Diablo Immortal and Hearthstone collaboration. These observations swiftly led to widespread accusations that either Blizzard or its co-developer, NetEase, had employed generative artificial intelligence to produce the image.
The controversial artwork depicts a Night Elf, likely Tyrande, seated at a tavern table engaged in a card game. Numerous anomalies in the image drew criticism, including what appeared to be a `melted` necklace on Tyrande, incorrectly rendered Hearthstone cards, oddly placed pieces of toast on the table, and a distorted ear on the human card player.
Blizzard has yet to comment on these specific allegations. However, this isn`t the first instance where the company has faced accusations of using AI-generated art within the Hearthstone franchise. Last year, the studio launched an investigation into similar claims regarding a set of upcoming Hearthstone hero skins. Although Blizzard never officially confirmed the use of AI, the skins in question were ultimately removed.
In recent developments, Diablo Immortal also introduced a fresh take on the classic Diablo Druid class. This marks the third new class added to the free-to-play mobile ARPG since its release, following the vampiric Blood Knight and the aquatic Tempest.
For players eager to explore the new Hearthstone event in Diablo Immortal, here is a comprehensive list of all the cards and their unique effects:
Diablo Immortal Hearthstone Cards
Mage
- Polymorph (Common): You have a chance to transform nearby enemies into Yaks. Polymorphed enemies take increased damage.
- Ice Block (Epic): Instead of dying, become immune to damage, heal yourself, and release a blast of ice, dealing damage to and freezing nearby enemies.
Warrior
- Bash (Common): When you deal damage, create a damaging area and gain a shield that can resist damage for a few seconds.
- Blade Storm (Epic): When you deal damage, a storm of blades surrounds you, dealing damage to nearby enemies and blocking projectiles.
Hunter
- Explosive Trap (Common): When you take damage, an explosion occurs, causing damage to surrounding enemies.
- Snake Trap (Rare): When you take damage, become immune and summon 3 Hellfire Deceivers that spit poison at nearby enemies.
Priest
- Holy Nova (Common): When you take damage, you release a blast of light that knocks nearby enemies back, dealing damage and healing you.
- Shadowform (Epic): You have a chance to enter Shadow Form, increasing your Primary Attack damage, and firing shadow projectiles that deal extra damage.
Warlock
- Flame Imp (Common): You have a chance to summon an imp that throws a fireball at you and nearby enemies, dealing damage and applying Burn.
- Defile (Rare): You have a chance to mark nearby enemies with Defile. Marked enemies are damaged, and if they die while marked, spread defile to other unmarked nearby enemies.
Shaman
- Windfury (Common): You have a chance to gain Windfury, increasing your Primary Attack speed.
- Lightning Storm (Epic): You have a chance to trigger a damaging lightning storm becoming Overloaded, reducing the cooldown all skills.
Paladin
- Blessing of Wisdom (Common): You have a chance to gain Blessing of Wisdom during which Primary Attacks will reduce the cooldown of other card effects.
- Lay on Hands (Epic): You have a chance to restore Life and refresh all skill cooldowns.
Druid
- Swipe (Common): Your Primary Attack deals extra damage to the target enemy and damages other nearby enemies.
- Ancient of Lore (Epic): When you take damage, heal, and reduce the cooldown of other cards.
Rogue
- Backstab (Common): Deal extra damage to undamaged enemies.
- Preparation (Epic): You have a chance to shorten the cooldowns of all your skills for a short period of time.