What Makes a Game a True MOBA?

“What makes a game a true MOBA?” is a question that has puzzled gamers for years. MOBA, short for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, is a sub-genre of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games that has taken the gaming world by storm. The first MOBA game was “Aeon of Strife” for StarCraft, and since then, many other games have been developed based on this concept. In a MOBA game, players work together to destroy the enemy team‘s base while defending their own. But what exactly classifies a game as a MOBA? Is it the gameplay mechanics, the characters, or the objectives? In this article, we will explore the key elements that make a game a true MOBA.

Definition of MOBA

MOBA Criteria

Real-time Strategy

A true MOBA game is defined by its inclusion of real-time strategy elements. This means that players must make decisions and give orders to their teammates in real-time, as the game is unfolding. This requires quick thinking, effective communication, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Real-time strategy is a key component of the MOBA genre, as it adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the gameplay.

Multiple Playable Characters

Another key criterion for a true MOBA game is the inclusion of multiple playable characters, also known as “heroes” or “champions.” Each hero typically has their own unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, and players must choose the hero that best suits their playstyle and the needs of their team. This adds a significant amount of variety and replayability to the game, as players can experiment with different heroes and strategies.

Team-based Gameplay

A true MOBA game is also defined by its team-based gameplay. Players must work together with their teammates to achieve a common goal, such as destroying the enemy team’s base or capturing key objectives. This requires effective communication, coordination, and cooperation. Team-based gameplay is a key aspect of the MOBA genre, as it encourages social interaction and promotes a sense of community among players.

Core Roles

Another important criterion for a true MOBA game is the inclusion of core roles. These roles, which include carry, support, tank, and marksman, provide a framework for players to understand their team’s needs and how they can contribute to the team’s success. Each role has its own unique responsibilities and objectives, and players must learn how to effectively fill these roles in order to be successful.

Summoner’s Rift

Finally, a true MOBA game would not be complete without the inclusion of Summoner’s Rift, the original MOBA map. Summoner’s Rift is a large, symmetrical map that is divided into three lanes. Players must work together to destroy the enemy team‘s base, which is located at the top of the map. Summoner’s Rift is a staple of the MOBA genre, and its inclusion in a game is a clear indication that it is a true MOBA.

MOBA Evolution

MOBA Timeline

The history of MOBA games can be traced back to the release of a custom-made map for the game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos in 2003. This custom map, known as “Aeon of Strife,” was created by a player named Steve “Guinsoo” Freak and was later updated by other players. The popularity of the map led to the development of similar games, with the first commercially released MOBA game being “DotA” in 2005.

In 2009, Riot Games released “League of Legends,” which quickly became one of the most popular MOBA games in the world. “Heroes of Newerth” was released in 2010, and “Smite” was released in 2011, both of which were also successful in their own right. In 2014, “Vainglory” was released for mobile devices, bringing the MOBA genre to a new platform.

Each of these games has contributed to the evolution of the MOBA genre, with new features and mechanics being introduced in each game. For example, “League of Legends” introduced the concept of “champion” and “item” shop, while “Smite” introduced a third-person perspective.

Overall, the MOBA timeline is marked by the continuous evolution of the genre, with each new game building on the successes and failures of the previous games. The popularity of the MOBA genre continues to grow, with new games and updates being released regularly.

MOBA Mechanics

Gameplay Elements

Objectives

Objectives are a crucial component of MOBA gameplay, as they provide players with a clear goal to work towards during the match. In most MOBAs, the objective is to destroy the enemy team‘s base while defending your own. This can be achieved by pushing through enemy defenses, securing kills on enemy champions, and capturing and controlling key objectives such as towers and forts.

Last-Hitting

Last-hitting is a mechanic in which players kill low-health enemy minions to earn gold and experience. This is an essential aspect of MOBA gameplay, as it allows players to build and power up their champions over the course of the game. Last-hitting also helps to control the pace of the game, as players must balance the need to push through enemy defenses with the need to last-hit minions for resources.

Jungling

Jungling is the act of controlling neutral monsters in the game’s jungle area. Players can earn gold and experience by killing these monsters, which can be used to power up their own champions. Jungling is a key aspect of MOBA gameplay, as it allows players to gain an advantage over their opponents by gaining a significant amount of resources.

Lane Control

Lane control is the act of controlling a specific lane in the game, typically by killing enemy minions and preventing the enemy team from doing the same. This can be used to deny the enemy team access to resources, such as gold and experience, and can also be used to push through enemy defenses and take objectives.

Crowd Control

Crowd control (CC) refers to abilities and mechanics that allow players to control the movement and actions of their opponents. This can include stuns, roots, slows, and other forms of crowd control. CC is a crucial aspect of MOBA gameplay, as it allows players to set up kills, secure objectives, and control the flow of the game.

Core Roles

Carry

The Carry is typically the player who deals the most damage in a team fight, often through the use of a powerful core item such as a sword or bow. Carries are typically the ones who engage in fights and deal the finishing blows to enemy champions. They also tend to have a higher skill ceiling and require more practice to master.

Support

Supports are responsible for keeping their team’s champions alive. They provide healing, crowd control, and utility through items such as potions and trinkets. Supports are often the glue that holds a team together, and their effectiveness can make or break a game.

Jungler

Junglers are the players who control the neutral monsters in the jungle, which provide experience and gold to help level up and gear their champions. Junglers are also responsible for ganking (attacking enemy champions who are low on health) and contesting objectives such as dragons and towers.

Roaming Mid

Roaming Mids are similar to Carries in that they deal a lot of damage, but they tend to do so from a distance using abilities such as long-range spells or projectiles. Roaming Mids often have high mobility and can quickly dart in and out of fights, making them difficult to pin down.

Roaming Support

Roaming Supports are similar to traditional Supports, but they also have the mobility and damage potential of a Roaming Mid. They can provide sustain and protection to their team’s champions while also dealing significant damage to the enemy team. Roaming Supports are a relatively new archetype, but they have quickly become popular in many MOBA games.

MOBA Design Principles

Balancing

Power Creep

In the world of MOBAs, “power creep” refers to the continuous increase in the strength of heroes or champions over time. This phenomenon arises from game developers’ attempts to keep the game fresh and engaging by introducing new heroes, items, and abilities. While power creep can introduce new strategies and keep the game exciting, it can also upset the balance of the game if not managed properly. To counteract power creep, developers must carefully assess the impact of new additions on the game’s balance and make necessary adjustments.

Nerfing

“Nerfing” is the process of reducing the effectiveness of a particular hero or ability in the game. This may be done in response to a hero or ability becoming too powerful or dominant, leading to an unbalanced game experience. Nerfing can take various forms, such as reducing the damage dealt by a hero’s abilities, decreasing the range of an ability, or increasing the cooldown time between uses. It is essential for developers to strike a balance between maintaining game integrity and preserving player enjoyment when nerfing heroes or abilities.

Buffing

“Buffing,” the opposite of nerfing, involves increasing the effectiveness of a particular hero or ability. This may be done to counteract a hero or ability that is underperforming or to introduce new strategies and gameplay elements. Buffing can lead to a more diverse and exciting game experience, but it must be done carefully to avoid upsetting the game’s balance. Developers must consider the potential impact of buffing on the game’s competitive landscape and player experiences when making adjustments.

Gameplay Tuning

Apart from heroes and abilities, gameplay tuning is another crucial aspect of balancing in MOBAs. This includes adjusting various game mechanics, such as gold generation, item costs, and user interface elements, to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players. Gameplay tuning is an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and tweaking to maintain balance and address any issues that arise during gameplay.

Map Design

The design of the map in a MOBA game plays a crucial role in determining the overall experience of the game. The following are some of the key elements that make up the map design in a MOBA game:

River

The river is a permanent feature that divides the map into two sides. It also serves as a visual cue to players, highlighting the location of the enemy base and other important objectives. In addition, the river provides a natural barrier that can be used to prevent enemy units from crossing over to the player’s side of the map.

Dragon

The dragon is a neutral object that can be controlled by either team. It is located in the center of the map and provides a significant advantage to the team that manages to capture and control it. The dragon provides a buff to all members of the team that controls it, increasing their movement speed and attack damage.

Herald

The herald is another neutral object that can be controlled by either team. It is located in the center of the map, near the dragon. Unlike the dragon, the herald can be controlled for a shorter period of time and provides a different set of buffs to the team that captures it. The herald provides a buff to the team’s attack damage and ability power, making it easier for them to deal damage to the enemy team.

Baron Nashor

The Baron Nashor is a neutral object that is located in the enemy team’s base. It is a powerful enemy champion that can be defeated to provide a significant advantage to the team that kills it. The Baron Nashor provides a buff to all members of the team that kills it, increasing their movement speed and attack damage.

Turret

The turret is a static defensive structure that is located on the player’s side of the map. It provides a passive bonus to all friendly units that are near it, increasing their attack damage and health. Turrets also have a range of abilities that can be used to damage enemy units, making them an important part of the player’s defensive strategy.

Character Design

In a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, character design plays a crucial role in determining the success of the game. Characters in a MOBA game are typically unique, with their own set of abilities, items, and skill trees. In this section, we will explore the various aspects of character design in a MOBA game.

Abilities

Abilities are an essential aspect of character design in a MOBA game. Each character has a set of abilities that define their playstyle and role in the game. Abilities can range from simple attacks to complex spells that require careful timing and coordination. Characters can have both active and passive abilities, which can be used to damage enemies, support allies, or provide buffs to the character themselves.

The design of abilities in a MOBA game should be balanced to ensure that no single character is overpowered or underpowered. This requires extensive playtesting and adjustments to the game’s balance to ensure that all characters are viable options for players.

Items

Items are another important aspect of character design in a MOBA game. Items can be used to enhance a character’s abilities, increase their health and mana, or provide other beneficial effects. The design of items should be balanced to ensure that no single item is overpowered or underpowered.

In a MOBA game, items can be purchased using in-game currency, which is earned by killing enemies and completing objectives. The availability of items and their effectiveness should be balanced to ensure that players have meaningful choices when it comes to building their characters.

Skill Trees

Skill trees are a way to represent the progression of a character’s abilities in a MOBA game. Skill trees allow players to choose which abilities to unlock and upgrade as they progress through the game. The design of skill trees should be balanced to ensure that all characters have viable paths to success.

Skill trees can be divided into different branches, each representing a different playstyle or role. For example, a character might have a branch focused on dealing damage, another branch focused on supporting allies, and a third branch focused on providing utility. The design of skill trees should be balanced to ensure that all branches are viable options for players.

Synergies

Synergies refer to the interactions between different abilities or items that can enhance a character’s effectiveness. Synergies can be between abilities, items, or even between different characters. The design of synergies should be balanced to ensure that all characters have meaningful interactions with each other.

For example, a character might have an ability that deals extra damage when combined with a specific item. This creates a synergy between the ability and the item, which can enhance the character’s effectiveness. Synergies can also be created between different characters, such as a healer and a tank working together to create a powerful combo.

In conclusion, character design is a crucial aspect of a MOBA game. Abilities, items, skill trees, and synergies all play a role in defining a character’s playstyle and role in the game. The design of these elements should be balanced to ensure that all characters are viable options for players, and that no single character or strategy is overpowered or underpowered.

Player Interaction

Communication

In a MOBA, communication is key to success. Players must be able to effectively communicate with each other in order to coordinate their actions and work together as a team. This can include using in-game chat to discuss strategy, call out enemy positions, or provide support to teammates. Additionally, some MOBAs have a range of voice commands that allow players to quickly and easily communicate with each other.

Coordination

Coordination is another essential aspect of player interaction in a MOBA. Players must work together to strategize and execute plans, which often involves coordinating their movements and actions. This can include positioning themselves in certain areas of the map, working together to take down enemy towers or structures, or coordinating to defend against enemy pushes. Effective coordination requires not only good communication, but also a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and strategies.

Team Dynamics

Team dynamics are a crucial part of player interaction in a MOBA. Players must work together as a team, supporting each other and building a cohesive strategy. This can involve players with different roles working together to achieve a common goal, such as a carry and support working together to take down an enemy tower. It can also involve players with similar roles working together to create a strong team composition, such as multiple assassins working together to take out an enemy team. Effective team dynamics require not only good communication and coordination, but also a strong sense of trust and camaraderie among teammates.

Community Influence

Professional Scene

The professional scene of a MOBA game plays a significant role in shaping its community. Tournaments, leagues, and teams can generate a lot of excitement and engagement among fans. They provide a platform for skilled players to showcase their abilities and earn recognition. As a result, the professional scene can influence the game’s design and popularity. For instance, tournaments can lead to the development of new strategies and gameplay mechanics, which can then be incorporated into the game. Additionally, the success of teams and players in professional tournaments can increase the game’s visibility and attract new players to the community.

Esports Tournaments

Esports tournaments are a key aspect of the professional scene in MOBA games. They provide a stage for the best players to compete against each other and showcase their skills. Tournaments can range from small local events to massive international competitions with millions of dollars in prize money. The popularity of these tournaments can have a significant impact on the game’s design. For example, if a particular strategy or hero becomes popular among professional players, it is likely that the game’s developers will take notice and make adjustments to balance the game.

Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms, such as Twitch and YouTube, have also played a significant role in shaping the MOBA community. These platforms allow fans to watch live broadcasts of professional tournaments and games, as well as follow their favorite players and teams. Streaming has created a new form of celebrity, with popular streamers gaining large followings and influence over the community. As a result, streaming platforms can impact the game’s design by popularizing certain strategies or heroes, leading to their inclusion in the game.

Social Media

Social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, have also become an important part of the MOBA community. Players can use these platforms to share their experiences, strategies, and opinions with other players. Social media can also be used to follow professional players and teams, as well as stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the game. The influence of social media on the MOBA community can lead to the development of new trends and popular opinions, which can then shape the game’s design. For example, if a particular strategy or hero becomes popular on social media, it is likely that the game’s developers will take notice and make adjustments to balance the game.

Future of MOBA Games

Emerging Trends

Auto Chess

• Auto Chess has gained significant popularity as a subgenre of MOBA games, offering a more strategic and less skill-dependent gameplay experience.
• Players place and move units on a chess-like board, and the units automatically engage in combat, with the goal being to destroy the enemy’s base.
• Auto Chess’s success has inspired the development of similar games, such as Dota Underlords and Teamfight Guardians, further diversifying the MOBA genre.

Mobile MOBAs

• Mobile MOBAs are becoming increasingly popular, catering to a wider audience and offering a more accessible entry point into the MOBA genre.
• Games like Vainglory and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang have gained a large player base by offering similar gameplay experiences to PC MOBAs but adapted for touchscreens.
• These games have the potential to expand the MOBA market and reach new audiences, as mobile gaming continues to grow.

Battle Royale Games

• Battle Royale Games, such as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Fortnite, have incorporated MOBA elements into their gameplay, creating a new subgenre of games.
• These games often feature character abilities, items, and power progression similar to MOBAs, but with the last-man-standing gameplay of a battle royale.
• The blending of MOBA and battle royale elements has proven successful, attracting millions of players and inspiring other games to adopt similar concepts.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games

• The core gameplay mechanics of MOBAs have inspired the development of other multiplayer games, such as Heroes of the Storm and Smite, which blend elements of MOBAs with other genres.
• These games offer unique gameplay experiences that differentiate themselves from traditional MOBAs while still maintaining the core concepts of team-based combat and character progression.
• The continued evolution of MOBA games and their influence on other multiplayer games demonstrates the lasting impact and versatility of the MOBA genre.

Continued Innovation

Technological Advancements

As technology continues to advance, MOBA games will be able to incorporate more complex and sophisticated features. This includes improvements in graphics, animation, and artificial intelligence, which will enhance the overall gaming experience. For example, more realistic character models and environments, more dynamic lighting and particle effects, and more intelligent NPC behavior will make the game world feel more immersive and alive. Additionally, advancements in networking technology will enable smoother multiplayer connections, reducing lag and latency issues that can negatively impact gameplay.

Player Preferences

As the MOBA genre matures, player preferences will continue to shape the direction of these games. Players will demand more diverse gameplay options, customization, and social features. Developers will need to stay attuned to these preferences and continue to evolve their games to meet these demands. For example, players may want more choices in terms of character abilities, or more opportunities to interact with other players outside of the game. Developers will need to balance these requests with the core gameplay mechanics that make MOBA games unique and enjoyable.

Market Saturation

As more MOBA games enter the market, competition will increase, and it will become more difficult for new games to stand out. To succeed, developers will need to differentiate their games by offering unique features, gameplay mechanics, and social experiences. For example, some developers may focus on creating a more casual-friendly MOBA, while others may aim to create a more hardcore, competitive experience. In order to attract and retain players, developers will need to continually innovate and add new content to their games.

Evolving Game Design Principles

Finally, game design principles will continue to evolve as developers learn from each other and experiment with new ideas. This includes a greater focus on accessibility, user experience, and player psychology. For example, developers may explore ways to make the game more intuitive and user-friendly for new players, or to create more engaging and rewarding progression systems. As the MOBA genre matures, these design principles will become increasingly important for creating games that are not only fun to play, but also accessible and inclusive to a wide range of players.

FAQs

1. What is a MOBA?

A Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) is a subgenre of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games where players compete against each other or AI in a team-based battle to destroy the enemy team‘s base.

2. What are the key features of a MOBA?

The key features of a MOBA include a persistent world, multiple players per team, a strong emphasis on teamwork, real-time action, a wide variety of units and items, and a large number of unique strategies.

3. What makes a game a true MOBA?

A game can be considered a true MOBA if it includes the key features mentioned above, such as a persistent world, multiple players per team, a strong emphasis on teamwork, real-time action, a wide variety of units and items, and a large number of unique strategies. Additionally, the game should have a clear objective, such as destroying the enemy team’s base, and players should be able to level up and acquire new items and abilities as the game progresses.

4. What are some popular MOBA games?

Some popular MOBA games include League of Legends, Dota 2, Heroes of the Storm, and Smite.

5. Can a game be a MOBA on mobile devices?

Yes, a game can be a MOBA on mobile devices as long as it includes the key features of a MOBA, such as a persistent world, multiple players per team, a strong emphasis on teamwork, real-time action, a wide variety of units and items, and a large number of unique strategies. Examples of MOBA games on mobile devices include Vainglory and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

What is a MOBA?