New animated short showcases the emotions felt during a game of Hearthstone

Blizzard has a knack for producing Hollywood-quality animated videos.

If you need proof, look no further than the newest animated Hearthstone short, “Win or Lose.”

Blizzard periodically surprises its communities with an epic cinematic based on one of its titles. For example, Overwatch regularly has stellar hero-themed shorts that leave the community in awe and in need of a feature-length film. Additionally, World of Warcraft expansion launches are usually accompanied by a number of in-game cinematics teasing the lore behind the upcoming content.

Although the Hearthstone team is beginning to take the game in a more story-driven direction with its solo content, Hearthstone shorts are generally about having fun. In “Win or Lose,” Blizzard does a tremendous job of conveying the variety of emotions a person might encounter while playing Hearthstone.

In the short, we see a very proper-looking Blood Elf take on a 1980s wrestler-type human in a game of Hearthstone. Our Blood Elf friend grows frustrated as his boastful opponent plays Murloc after Murloc. Finally, the Blood Elf gets retribution against his annoying foe when he successfully wins the game.

Much to the Blood Elf’s dismay, the Tavern-goers still shower their praise upon the human due to his entertaining antics. The Innkeeper notices what has transpired and prepares some tasty beverages for herself and the Blood Elf. She toasts to the winner of the game, and our Blood Elf friend is once again pleased with his victory.

Hearthstone is a game that can be frustrating for a variety of reasons, but each character’s story arc in this cinematic reminds us of why we should really play Hearthstone—to have fun. The community reaction to Hearthstone animated shorts has always been overwhelmingly positive, so maybe if we’re lucky, Blizzard will bless us with more.