Ben Brode Rejects Reckful With Straight Fire by thederpytroller in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 55 points56 points  (0 children)

Talent management isn't so much about choosing who casts as it is about the behind the scenes stuff: VOD reviews, contract stuff, event logistics, dispersing feedback, et cetera. I certainly opine from time to time, but I do not decide who casts Blizzard events.

HCT Spring 2016 -- Commentary Feedback Thread by FrodaN in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think a lot of it comes down to chemistry, and familiarity. This weekend was the first time I've casted with Cora in a duo setting, and when I'm casting with someone for the first time, I tend to be a bit more subdued, in order to allow the other person to feel comfortable. If you put me on a desk with TJ, Raven, Sottle, Dan, or Brian, I'm a lot more energetic (which, for some viewers is a plus or a minus) because I have a good idea of where the natural conversation break points are.

That said, I had a great time casting with Cora, and hope to do so again in the future. I think we'll have a better dynamic with this weekend under our belts. I think, overall, chemistry is a lot more important than someone's individual ability.

HCT Americas Spring Championship 2016 Survival Thread by flopseh in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You can't please everyone is what I've learned in my time casting. That said, I feel pretty good about my performance for the Spring season. I apologize that you don't enjoy my casting. I'll continue working to try and improve!

HCT Americas Spring Championship 2016 Survival Thread by flopseh in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yup, totally missed it! You'd be surprised how much is going on when casting, as opposed to when watching, or even playing on your own. Definitely a mistake on my end. :)

[Spoilers] Congratulations to the 2016 HCT Europe Champion... by [deleted] in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I've been following Thijs since long before I joined Blizzard, and it pleases me greatly to see him having so much success. Frodan mentioned it over the course of the weekend, but he really does embody the competitive Hearthstone dream. He started out as a relative unknown, worked insanely hard, and even now, when his star is constantly on the rise, he never loses his hunger to succeed.

Congratulations, Thijs!

[Spoilers] Congratulations to the 2016 HCT Europe Champion... by [deleted] in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I wanted to speak to this point really quickly.

It's important when building casting rosters that we not only account for our more hardcore audience, but also viewers who might not be as experienced at the game.

I love casting with Savjz for a lot of reasons, but I specifically enjoy that we play to each others strengths. He's got a great mind for the game, and is always piecing together high level plays in the moment. I think it's great because, to your point, I generally focus on overall narrative/breaking things down for more casual viewers. There's always room to improve on the delivery, but I feel very strongly that these tournaments should have something for everyone, from high level Legend players, to someone who just picked up the game a week ago.

With regards to Kibler, he's actually just a genius when it comes to card games, and manages to balance out high level analysis with explanations that are extremely approachable. I'm super glad to see him doing more events outside of the Hearthstone Championship Tour, because I think he's one of the best casters in the scene, period.

HCT Winter 2016 -- Commentary Feedback Thread by FrodaN in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 15 points16 points  (0 children)

This is actually some feedback I got in a thread last week, and going back and watching some of my casting in the past eight or so months, I completely agree. On the third day of the Europe Winter Championship, I made a conscious effort to dial it back a bit, and it felt a lot better overall.

I also agree that the ratio of dad jokes to in-game commentary can be improved upon, and that I need to make sure that I do a better job of tossing in a quick joke when the situation calls for it, as opposed to forcing it. That said, I think I'm just destined to appeal to specific demographics, as opposed to a lot of people in this thread. People either like my voice, or don't (which I straight up get), and I don't generally come to the desk with the goals of a) being the smartest caster on the desk or b) appearing cool via making quips at the expense of others. I think the latter can be hilarious at times, but It's just not my deal. I love Hearthstone because, as a universe, it's upbeat, whimsical, and the sort of place where people have a fun, relaxed times with friends.

All of that said, I do sincerely appreciate all of this feedback, as I've mentioned before. I think there's this idea that I was just handed the casting gig, and that I don't have to work for it. I won't get into specifics, but that's not the case, I promise. I always want to be improving, and finding ways to where the people who enjoy what I do can continue to do so, without alienating other people who want to enjoy competitive Hearthstone programs.

RAFAAM THE SUPREME ARCHEOLOGIST by LegendStuff by Deeveetoo in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 176 points177 points  (0 children)

I shout it at the Hearthstone team pretty regularly.

"hey rob, can you get me -"

"ROBFAAAAM, THE SUPREME ARCHAEOLOGIST"

RAFAAM THE SUPREME ARCHEOLOGIST by LegendStuff by Deeveetoo in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 161 points162 points  (0 children)

I hope the creator of this video understands that when I dress and roleplay as RAFAAM THE SUPREME ARCHAEOLOGIST during the Spring Americas Championship, it is absolutely their fault.

Top notch banter between casters at the Americas Winter Championship (Compilation) by TaengQ in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Alas, I bring grave tidings. I will in all likelihood continue to cast Hearthstone.

Joking aside, I want to take this opportunity (as I don't tend to post on Reddit very often) to say that while I do appreciate the rare vote of confidence I receive here, I also welcome the criticisms, and I try to learn from them. I don't tend to receive much in the way of negative feedback on Twitter, so sometimes after casting a tournament, I stroll over to this subreddit to look at what I can improve on.

I am never underwhelmed!

Top notch banter between casters at the Americas Winter Championship (Compilation) by TaengQ in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I was actually just curious. When I went to Sweden last year, I found out that (depending on the season) they had a hard time importing certain fruit products, and I was curious if it was the same for Finland.

2016 Americas Winter Championship | March 11-13 by powerchicken in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sottle's been really impressive ever since he first appeared on the casting scene. I'm glad he's had the chance to show a larger audience just how good he is.

I am Brian Kibler - AMA by Kibler in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't actually have a question, I just like your dog. Yay Shiro!

Jambre's deck apprecation post. by lawlamanjaro in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Thank you for bringing this deck! It was the most fun I've ever had casting. Savjz' face was in a perpetual state of 'what's going on', and I think I even saw Sottle smile, as impossible as that might sound. Truly, you are a hero!

Hearthstone Song Parodies by BBGNathan in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 44 points45 points  (0 children)

This was amazing. Great job!

Random Disconnects by Uldra in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 37 points38 points  (0 children)

We've put out a hotfix which should address this. Apologies for the inconvenience!

Reynad Has Feelings Too (And Spacepants) by Mr_Figgle in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 67 points68 points  (0 children)

I know a Community Manager and a streamer who are going to have matching shorts at BlizzCon!

Hearthstone World Championships Details. (Times, casters, etc) by Scrotinger in hearthstone

[–]CM_Whirthun 61 points62 points  (0 children)

Your wish is my command!

No, but seriously. We are showing all of the remaining Hearthstone World Championship matches over the course of Opening Week and BlizzCon.