Launching in 2014, Blizzard's free-to-play digital collectible card game Hearthstone quickly became a global success. Set in the Warcraft universe, initial reactions were naturally varied but once players got the digital cards in their digital hands it all but immediately sparked an interest in the concept. And has since seen more game like it.

With continued support from Blizzard in the form of new timely expansions and updates and seasons though, with the most recent announced at BlizzCon this past weekend, it's no wonder that the overall Hearthstone player-base has reached the impressive 100 million mark. And still as popular as ever. At launch we noted that the "level of polish and accessibility that Blizzard have infused into Hearthstone make it a great success", which still rings true today.

“Reaching 100 million players is a huge milestone for Hearthstone, but what matters to us even more is the fact that so many people around the world have embraced the spirit of the game,” said J. Allen Brack, president of Blizzard Entertainment. “Whether at events like BlizzCon and Fireside Gatherings or just in tuning in to watch their favourite streamers, it’s been so inspiring to see millions of players and fans coming together, online and in real life, to participate in the Hearthstone community.”

And to celebrate Blizzard are holding a 100 Million Players Celebration event, with everyone who logs in to the game from November 8-11 receiving six free packs from the expansion set, The Boomsday Project. Also event quests will offer additional gold so players can buy packs from any set.