Blizzard has confirmed a crossover event between Diablo Immortal and Hearthstone, kicking off the “Heroes of the Hearth” event on July 30, 2025. The integration will bring iconic Hearthstone cards into Diablo Immortal, altering gameplay in modes such as Trial of the Hearth and Enchanted Planes, and offering collectible cosmetics and a new Manaflux Legendary Gem.
Collaboration Brings Iconic Cards Into Diablo
From July 30 through August 27, players in Diablo Immortal can earn and wield 18 classic Hearthstone cards—two for each character class. Cards like Polymorph, Ice Block, Windfury, and Lay on Hands will introduce new strategic mechanics tailored for the ARPG format. Players logging in with characters above level 10 also receive an exclusive Diablo Immortal card back to use in Hearthstone itself.
New familiar skins such as Core Rager and Lil’ Ragnaros, as well as Phantom Market costumes of Malfurion Stormrage and Tyrande Whisperwind, add further crossover flavor. The Manaflux gem grants players the ability to generate and play cards during combat based on health thresholds.
AI Art Controversy Clouds Crossover Announcement
Soon after the official announcement, the promotional artwork posted to Diablo Immortal’s social media channels provoked a wave of criticism. Fans and artists dissected the image, citing anomalies such as distorted facial features, malformed hands, odd lighting effects, and inexplicable floating objects. These inconsistencies led many on Reddit and X to conclude the image was generated using AI rather than hand-drawn.
The accusations echo a previous controversy in Hearthstone, where promotional pixel art released in late 2024 was pulled after fans raised similar AI-related concerns.
Blizzard Responds with Silence and Context
Blizzard has not issued a public statement responding directly to the AI accusations surrounding the crossover art. Notably, the image was shared by Diablo Immortal’s official accounts but not on Hearthstone’s channels, which some interpret as a deliberate distancing. The lack of artist credit has only intensified community frustration, especially given Blizzard’s history of high-quality hand-crafted artwork.
Meanwhile, Blizzard reiterated in earlier communications that AI-generated art is strictly prohibited in Hearthstone’s official assets—a policy reinforced internally after the 2024 scandal.
Bigger Picture for Blizzard and Fan Trust
This incident highlights growing tensions around the use of AI in game promotion and development. As generative tools become more prevalent, fans increasingly demand transparency, especially from studios with reputations built on artistic authenticity. For Blizzard, the blend of two major franchises in this event raises expectations—and scrutiny.
Whether or not Blizzard addresses the controversy directly, its handling of the art issue could influence broader discussions around AI use in game development and marketing going forward