What Are MOBA Games?
MOBA means Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. While the name sounds complicated, the idea is simple. In a MOBA, two teams compete against each other.
They play on an arena-like map their goal being to destroy the opposing team’s base while protecting their own.
Why Are MOBAs So Popular?
Have you ever heard people talk about MOBAs and wonder what they’re all about? You’re not alone if you’ve seen your friends excited over epic team battles or watched huge esports events.
MOBAs have taken competitive gaming by storm. Today, let’s explore what makes MOBAs so thrilling, their history, and why millions of players love these fast-paced, strategy-driven games.
Get ready to level up your knowledge!
The Start of the MOBA Genre
The term “MOBA” is fairly new, but its idea dates back to the late 1990s. It began with custom maps in real-time strategy (RTS) games, especially a mod for Starcraft called “Aeon of Strife.”
The genre gained more attention when “Defense of the Ancients” (DotA), a mod for Warcraft III, was released.
As the genre’s popularity grew, people used different names, such as “action real-time strategy” or “DotA-style game.”
In 2009, Riot Games coined the term “MOBA” to describe their game League of Legends. It quickly became the standard term for this type of game.
Core Features of MOBA Games
MOBA games are known for their unique gameplay. Here are the main parts that make them stand out:
- Team Play: Typically 5v5, but can vary.
- Character Roles: Each player controls a unique character with special abilities.
- Lanes: The map is divided into lanes where most action happens.
- Minions: AI-controlled units that move down lanes.
- Towers: Defensive structures to destroy before reaching the enemy base.
- Leveling Up and Items: Gain experience and buy items during the match.
- Jungle: Area between lanes with neutral monsters that provide bonuses.
- Main Goal: Destroy the enemy’s central structure (Ancient or Nexus).
Top MOBA Games
MOBA has produced some of the biggest esports titles. Here are some fan favorites:
- League of Legends (LoL): Known for helping bring MOBA games into the mainstream.
- Dota 2: Famous for its complex gameplay and large-scale tournaments.
- Heroes of the Storm: A MOBA by Blizzard, featuring iconic characters from their other games.
- Smite: A distinct third-person MOBA with a mythology-based setting.
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: A top mobile MOBA, popular across many regions.
- Arena of Valor: Another widely-played mobile MOBA called Honor of Kings in China.
Wrapping Up Your MOBA Journey
Congratulations! You’ve just finished learning about the exciting world of MOBAs. These games started as simple mods and grew into major esports events.
Today, MOBAs hold a special place in the gaming world. Whether you enjoy planning strategies, working with a team, or beating your rivals, you can try a MOBA game.