MOBA: What is a MOBA game?

The basic concept of a MOBA, or multiplayer online battle arena game, is that, from a top-down perspective, players are to control units of fighters. However, unlike real-time strategy games, you only control one unit and the emphasis on material collection is less, making the game much quicker in pacing.

There are many types of games, especially popular online ones. First-person competitive shooters like Valorant, battle royale games like Fortnite, and so many more. None, however, are as unique as MOBAs such as League of Legends, Dota, and Pokemon UNITE ^[1].

Being popular enough to regularly be featured in esports competitions around the world, MOBAs are sometimes referred to as ‘action real-time strategy’ games because of the first MOBA being made by modding real-time strategy games.

Matches usually last around 40 minutes and two teams are pitted against each other, with the number of players on each team ranging from one to five. The main goal of the game is to destroy either the enemy team’s base or something representing it all the while defending your own base from meeting the same fate at the hands of the enemy players.

While character roles are given different titles depending on what MOBA you’re playing, their basic functionings are the same. There are some characters that specialize in attacking the enemy, some in defending the base or any structure, and some in supporting or healing their teammates.

What are the most popular MOBAs?

MOBA, along with battle royale, is currently the most popular genre of video games. League of Legends alone has over 117 million players that play monthly, a number that tramples the population of Australia.

Additionally, the game regularly has tournaments on a global scale that have hundreds of thousands of fans all over the world tune in to watch live either in person or by using streaming services such as YouTube or Twitch.

Dota 2 is another example of an insanely popular MOBA that has over five hundred thousand players monthly, although nowhere near the number of LoL, it’s still incredibly impressive. Even the most valuable media franchise in the world, Pokemon, came out with Pokemon UNITE to make a name in the MOBA industry, recognizing its scale.

If you’re looking to start with a MOBA for the first time, then we definitely recommend LoL. It’s much more beginner friendly than, say Dota 2, and we already have 6 tips from a League of Legends professional here for you to help you get started.

Which was the first MOBA game?

The first MOBA game is generally considered to be "Aeon of Strife", a custom map for the real-time strategy game Starcraft ^[2]. Aeon of Strife was created by a player named Aeon64, and was released in 2002. The map was heavily influenced by the "Defense of the Ancients" (DotA) custom map for Warcraft III, which was released in 2003.

Aeon of Strife was a pioneering game that introduced many of the features and mechanics that are now commonly associated with MOBA games. The game featured teams of players battling against each other, with each player controlling a single powerful hero unit. The game also featured lanes, towers, minions, and other elements that are now common in MOBA games.

While Aeon of Strife was not the first game to feature elements of a MOBA, it is generally considered to be the first game to fully embrace the MOBA format and to establish many of the conventions and mechanics that are now associated with the genre. As a result, Aeon of Strife is considered by many to be the first true MOBA game, and is an important milestone in the history of the genre.

How did the MOBA game genre evolve?

The MOBA game genre has evolved significantly since its inception, and has grown to become one of the most popular and influential game genres in the world. The genre has evolved through a combination of new game releases, updates and improvements to existing games, and the adoption of new technologies and gameplay mechanics.

One of the main ways in which the MOBA game genre has evolved is through the release of new games. Over the years, many different MOBA games have been released, each with its own unique features and mechanics. Some of the most popular MOBA games, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Heroes of the Storm, have helped to shape the genre and establish many of the conventions that are now associated with it.

Another way in which the MOBA game genre has evolved is through updates and improvements to existing games. Many MOBA games have received regular updates and improvements over the years, which have added new features, mechanics, and content to the games. These updates have helped to keep the games fresh and interesting, and have allowed them to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and preferences of players.

Additionally, the MOBA game genre has evolved through the adoption of new technologies and gameplay mechanics. As technology has advanced, MOBA games have been able to incorporate new features, such as improved graphics, more realistic physics, and more complex gameplay. These new technologies and mechanics have helped to improve the overall player experience, and have allowed MOBA games to become more immersive and engaging.

What makes MOBA games so addictive?

There are several reasons why MOBA games, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Heroes of the Storm, are so addictive. Some of the key factors that contribute to the addictive nature of these games include:

• The competitive nature of the games: MOBA games are highly competitive, with players working together in teams to defeat other teams of players. The thrill of competition and the rush of victory can be highly addictive, and can keep players coming back for more.
• The progression and reward systems: MOBA games often include progression and reward systems that allow players to earn rewards and recognition for their skill and dedication to the game. These systems can provide a sense of accomplishment and progress, and can keep players motivated to continue playing and improving.
• The social aspect of the games: MOBA games are often played with friends, and the social aspect of these games can be highly addictive. Players can form bonds and friendships through the game, and the sense of camaraderie and community can be a powerful motivator to keep playing.
• The ongoing support and updates: MOBA games often receive ongoing support and updates from their developers, which can keep the games fresh and interesting. These updates can introduce new features, mechanics, and content to the game, and can provide players with new challenges and goals to pursue.

Overall, there are several reasons why MOBA games, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, and Heroes of the Storm ^[3], are so addictive. The competitive nature of the games, the progression and reward systems, the social aspect of the games, and the ongoing support and updates all contribute to the addictive nature of these games, and can keep players coming back for more.

References

1. [1] "Pokemon Unite official website". unite.pokemon.com. Retrieved June 28, 2024
2. [2] "Starcraft official website". starcraft2.blizzard.com. Retrieved June 28, 2024
3. [3] "Heroes of the Storm official page". heroesofthestorm.blizzard.com. Retrieved June 28, 2024