Blizzard is overhauling the pro 'Heroes of the Storm' scene
The top level of competitive Heroes of the Storm is going to a look a lot more stable in 2017. thanks to moves to standarize the scene across the globe and compensate its players.
Blizzard is restructuring its HotS Global Championship league structure so the major regions have more uniform online league formats that feed into international events and global tournaments. Along with that, top players can look forward to contracts, guaranteed compensation and regular competition in 2017 -- promised by Blizzard itself.
These perks are coming to players on the top eight teams in each major region -- North America, Europe, China and Korea. Instead of requiring team organizations to follow these new guidelines, like how Riot Games does with its League of Legends Championship Series, a Blizzard spokesperson told Mashable it will be upheld via a direct connection between Blizzard and the players. No additional details about the player-developer relationship have been released yet.
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To make it into these top 32 spots in HGC leagues, teams will compete in qualifiers starting in November following the world championship at BlizzCon.
Teams aren't guaranteed these spots for too long, though. Twice a year, each region's two best amateur teams that compete in Blizzard's HotS Open Division will have a chance to earn HGC spots by competing against any current, struggling HGC teams.
Currently, HGC teams have the chance to compete in three world championships in the spring, summer and fall. Starting in 2017, three more international events and a global tournament will be added into HGC rotation. Additional teams in Taiwan, South East Asia, Latin America and Australia/New Zealand Leagues will also be able to compete at these international events by qualifying through local competitions.
More details will be announced as the 2017 seasons come closer.
