Hearthstone is a dynamic, fun, and intense card game engineered for both mobile and PC gaming. Similar to chess, it involves timed turns during which players counter and launch defensive attacks with the goal of destroying all of their opponent’s cards. During Championship games, players from around the world go head-to-head to determine who will become the Hearthstone Champion. Conducted in Burbank Studios Studio 1, this event is played tournament style, with winners’ and losers’ brackets, meaning that even a player from the losers’ bracket can make a comeback and go on to win the Championship title.
In order to emulate the atmosphere of the game itself, Lightswitch created a warm and cozy tavern ambiance for the Championship — artificial crackling log fire included. Players began facing off amidst this welcoming lighting. However, as the tournament advanced to the semi-final and final rounds, the look and feel of our design intensified, mirroring the rising stakes of the competition. By the final match, the remaining players competed by the light of two strong spotlights, while everything else faded around them.
Our team also integrated the audience seating area into the design of the stage itself. By using the same flexible studio lighting rig from the Overwatch League, we crafted a truly immersive experience for players and audience alike.
Our team was able to bring the cozy tavern ambience to life for players, broadcasters, and viewers, resulting in a completely immersive experience. We used inventive lighting design to advance the narrative of the tournament, illustrating a journey from the bright, fun tavern to the serious, dark showdowns in the semi-final and final rounds.
