We won’t have a Fireside Gathering for Hearthstone in Singapore…unless someone steps up

Many enthusiasts will be stepping up this weekend to host Fireside Gatherings for their local communities, following Blizzard’s announcement of a worldwide celebration of Hearthstone for iPad. Unfortunately for gamers in Singapore, that won’t be the case.

“I can’t find a venue,” said 22-year-old Silfer of Hearthstone Alley, who has been trying to organize a get-together for the Singapore Hearthstone community. He has already conducted an interest check, with many pledging to turn up for the Fireside Gathering, should it happen. Silfer estimates 30 to 50 players will show up.

(See: Singapore-based Hearthstone Alley first wants Southeast Asia, then the world)

Except that they have nowhere to show up to. Silfer is still awaiting a response from long-time venue sponsor Dell, who has been allowing local communities use of its Alienware Arena LAN centre. Other venues and schools he has enquired at have either turned him down or been unsuitable.

Silfer is presently completing his National Service—mandatory conscription in Singapore—and isn’t in the best place financially to rent a venue. Venues in Singapore are also usually expensive, given the scarcity of land here. When asked if he would consider getting the community to chip in, he said that he felt the “community should enjoy it,” but that he would ask if push came to shove.

A snapshot of Singapore’s fledgling Hearthstone community back in Dec 2013.

Should it happen, Singapore’s Fireside Gathering for Hearthstone will be more of a social get-together to promote community bonding rather than anything competitive. Local team Manasurge will also be there to do a meet and greet session. Silfer doesn’t want to hold it in a Starbucks like some of the official Fireside Gatherings; his worry is too many people might show up and disrupt the coffeeshop’s business.

(See: Epic Gaming TV’s first Hearthstone league finishes with a bang)

Silfer has plans to speak to Colosseum, a local LAN centre known for its support of the community, but it’s not likely that their venue will come free of charge.

If you’re an avid Blizzard or Hearthstone fan with a venue to spare, perhaps you can consider helping the local community out! Simply leave a comment and we will put you in touch with them.