Heroes of the Storm, Blizzard’s popular MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game, has been a topic of discussion among gamers and esports enthusiasts for quite some time. With the rise of other MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2, many have wondered if Heroes of the Storm is dying. In this article, we’ll delve into the current state of the game, exploring its history, player base, esports scene, and future prospects to determine if HotS is indeed dying.
A Brief History of Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm was first announced in 2013 and officially released in 2015. The game was designed to be more accessible and beginner-friendly compared to other MOBAs, with a focus on hero-specific abilities and a more relaxed gameplay experience. Initially, the game received positive reviews and attracted a dedicated player base.
However, over the years, the game’s popularity has waxed and waned. In 2018, Blizzard announced that they would be canceling the game’s esports program, citing a desire to focus on other areas of the game. This move was met with disappointment from the community, and many wondered if it was a sign of the game’s decline.
The Current Player Base
So, how many players are still active in Heroes of the Storm? According to Blizzard’s official statistics, the game’s player base has indeed declined over the years. In 2020, the game’s average monthly active users (MAU) were around 1.5 million, down from a peak of around 5 million in 2016.
However, it’s worth noting that the game still has a dedicated core of players. Many fans of the game continue to play and enjoy it, and the game’s community remains active and engaged.
Why Are Players Leaving?
So, why are players leaving Heroes of the Storm? There are several reasons, including:
- Lack of new content: The game’s last major update was in 2020, and since then, there have been few significant additions to the game.
- Balance issues: Some players feel that the game’s balance is off, with certain heroes being overpowered or underpowered.
- Competition from other MOBAs: The MOBA genre is highly competitive, and many players have switched to other games like League of Legends or Dota 2.
The Esports Scene
As mentioned earlier, Blizzard canceled the Heroes of the Storm esports program in 2018. This move was a significant blow to the game’s competitive scene, and many professional players and teams were forced to disband.
However, despite the lack of official support, the Heroes of the Storm esports scene still exists. There are several community-run tournaments and events, and some teams continue to compete at a high level.
Can the Esports Scene Recover?
While the Heroes of the Storm esports scene is not as vibrant as it once was, there is still hope for recovery. Blizzard has hinted at potentially reviving the game’s esports program in the future, and some community-run events have been successful in attracting viewers and participants.
Future Prospects
So, what does the future hold for Heroes of the Storm? While the game’s player base and esports scene have declined, there are still reasons to be optimistic.
- New content on the horizon: Blizzard has announced plans to release new content for the game, including new heroes and game modes.
- Community engagement: The game’s community remains active and engaged, with many fans continuing to create content and participate in events.
- Blizzard’s commitment: Despite the game’s decline, Blizzard has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Heroes of the Storm, and the company has a history of reviving and revitalizing its games.
What Can Blizzard Do to Revitalize the Game?
While there are reasons to be optimistic about Heroes of the Storm’s future, there are still steps that Blizzard can take to revitalize the game. Some potential strategies include:
- Releasing regular updates and new content: This would help to keep the game fresh and exciting for players.
- Rebuilding the esports scene: Blizzard could consider reviving the game’s esports program or providing support for community-run events.
- Engaging with the community: Blizzard could do more to engage with the game’s community, including responding to feedback and concerns.
Conclusion
Is Heroes of the Storm dying? While the game’s player base and esports scene have declined, there are still reasons to be optimistic about its future. With new content on the horizon, a dedicated community, and Blizzard’s commitment to supporting the game, there is still hope for Heroes of the Storm.
However, it’s clear that the game faces significant challenges, and Blizzard will need to take steps to address these issues if it wants to revitalize the game. By releasing regular updates, rebuilding the esports scene, and engaging with the community, Blizzard can help to ensure a bright future for Heroes of the Storm.
| Year | Average Monthly Active Users (MAU) |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 million |
| 2018 | 2.5 million |
| 2020 | 1.5 million |
Note: The MAU figures are approximate and based on Blizzard’s official statistics.
In conclusion, while Heroes of the Storm faces challenges, it’s not necessarily dying. With the right support and attention from Blizzard, the game can continue to thrive and attract new players.
Is Heroes of the Storm still receiving updates and new content?
Although Heroes of the Storm is not receiving updates at the same pace as it did during its peak, Blizzard Entertainment still releases periodic patches and balance changes. These updates often focus on maintaining game stability, fixing bugs, and making minor adjustments to heroes and game modes. However, the frequency and scope of these updates have decreased significantly since the game’s prime.
New content, such as new heroes, battlegrounds, or events, is relatively rare in Heroes of the Storm. The last new hero, Deathwing, was released in 2019, and there have been no new battlegrounds added to the game since 2018. While Blizzard has not officially announced the end of new content for Heroes of the Storm, the lack of significant updates suggests that the game is no longer a priority for the company.
What is the current player base of Heroes of the Storm?
The player base of Heroes of the Storm has declined significantly since its peak in 2015-2016. According to various reports and player tracking websites, the game’s average concurrent player count has dropped to around 10,000-20,000 players per day. This is a substantial decrease from the game’s peak, when it had over 100,000 concurrent players.
Despite the decline in player base, Heroes of the Storm still maintains a dedicated community of players. Many fans of the game continue to play and enjoy it, and the game’s esports scene, although smaller than it once was, still hosts various tournaments and events throughout the year. However, the reduced player base can make it more challenging to find matches, especially in certain game modes or at specific times of the day.
Is Heroes of the Storm still a viable esport?
Heroes of the Storm’s esports scene has declined significantly since its peak in 2015-2016. The game’s premier tournament, the Heroes of the Storm Global Championship, was cancelled in 2018, and many professional teams and players have moved on to other games. However, there are still various smaller tournaments and events held throughout the year, often organized by the community or third-party organizations.
While Heroes of the Storm is no longer a top-tier esport, it still maintains a dedicated competitive community. Many players continue to compete in online tournaments and events, and some teams still participate in LAN events. However, the lack of official support from Blizzard and the reduced prize pools have made it more challenging for professional players to make a living playing the game.
Can I still purchase in-game items and cosmetics in Heroes of the Storm?
Yes, players can still purchase in-game items and cosmetics in Heroes of the Storm using real money or in-game gold. The game’s shop continues to offer a wide range of items, including hero skins, mounts, and other cosmetics. However, the frequency of new item releases has decreased significantly since the game’s peak.
Blizzard has also introduced various bundles and discounts over the years, making it easier for players to acquire in-game items at a lower cost. Additionally, the game’s seasonal events and holiday-themed items are still available for purchase, often with exclusive rewards and bonuses. However, the lack of new content and updates has reduced the incentive for players to spend money on in-game items.
Is Heroes of the Storm still available on all platforms?
Heroes of the Storm is still available on PC and Mac, and can be played through the Battle.net launcher. However, the game is no longer available on the Microsoft Store, and its mobile companion app has been discontinued.
Players can still access the game’s website and forums, where they can stay up-to-date with the latest news, patch notes, and community discussions. Additionally, the game’s social media channels are still active, although the frequency of updates and posts has decreased significantly since the game’s peak.
Will Heroes of the Storm ever receive a major overhaul or reboot?
There has been no official announcement from Blizzard regarding a major overhaul or reboot of Heroes of the Storm. While the company has acknowledged the game’s decline and expressed a desire to revitalize it, there are no concrete plans for a significant update or reboot.
However, Blizzard has explored various ways to revitalize the game, including the introduction of new game modes and features. The company has also engaged with the community, gathering feedback and suggestions on how to improve the game. While a major overhaul or reboot is possible, it is unclear at this time whether Blizzard will pursue such a project.
Is it still worth playing Heroes of the Storm?
Whether or not Heroes of the Storm is still worth playing depends on individual preferences and expectations. If you’re a fan of the game’s unique blend of MOBA and hero-based gameplay, you may still enjoy playing it. The game’s dedicated community and regular updates, although less frequent than before, can still provide a fun and engaging experience.
However, if you’re looking for a game with a large player base, frequent updates, and a thriving esports scene, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, if you’re new to the game, you may find it challenging to find matches or learn the game’s mechanics, which can be a barrier to entry. Ultimately, whether or not Heroes of the Storm is still worth playing depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.