What Are MOBA Games?
by John Uke Last update: October 6, 2024
💡 MOBA Meaning in Gaming
- MOBA or Multiplayer Online Battle Arena is a competitive video game genre where two teams of players control individual characters with unique abilities, aiming to destroy the opposing team’s main structure while defending their own, typically on a map with distinct lanes and objectives.
Hey there, fellow gamers! Ever wondered what all the buzz is about when people talk about MOBAs? Whether you’ve heard your friends raving about epic team fights or you’ve seen massive esports tournaments featuring these games, you’re in the right place to get the lowdown. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas – a genre that’s revolutionized competitive gaming. Buckle up as we explore what makes MOBAs tick, where they came from, and why millions of players worldwide are hooked on these strategic showdowns. Let’s level up our gaming knowledge together!
What Does “MOBA” Stand for in Video Game Genres?
MOBA stands for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. It’s a mouthful, right? But don’t worry, the concept is pretty straightforward. In a MOBA, two teams of players face off against each other in an arena-style map, each trying to destroy the other team’s base while defending their own.
The Origins of The Term
The term MOBA is relatively new, but the genre has roots going back to the late 1990s. It all started with custom maps in real-time strategy games, particularly a mod for Starcraft called “Aeon of Strife.”
However, the genre really took off with the release of “Defense of the Ancients” (DotA), a mod for Warcraft III. As the genre grew, different names were thrown around, like “action real-time strategy” or “DotA-style game.”
The term MOBA itself was coined by Riot Games in 2009 to describe their game League of Legends. It stuck, and now it’s the go-to term for this type of game.
Key Elements of MOBA games
MOBAs have some distinct features that set them apart from other genres:
- Team-based gameplay: Usually 5v5, but can vary.
- Character roles: Each player controls a unique character with specific abilities.
- Lanes: Maps are typically divided into lanes where most of the action happens.
- Minions: AI-controlled units that march down the lanes.
- Towers: Defensive structures that players must destroy to reach the enemy base.
- Leveling and items: Characters gain experience and buy items during the match.
- Jungle: Areas between lanes with neutral monsters that provide bonuses when defeated.
- Ultimate goal: Destroy the enemy’s main structure (often called an “Ancient” or “Nexus”).
MOBA vs. Battle Royale
While both MOBAs and Battle Royales are popular multiplayer genres, they have some key differences. Let’s break it down:
| Feature | MOBA | Battle Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Player count | Usually 10 (5v5) | Often 100+ players |
| Map | Fixed, symmetric map with lanes | Large, open map that shrinks over time |
| Goal | Destroy enemy base | Be the last player/team standing |
| Character progression | Level up and buy items within each match | Find better gear during the match |
| Match length | Usually 20-40 minutes | Typically 15-25 minutes |
| Respawning | Players respawn after a short delay | No respawning (with some exceptions) |
Most Popular MOBA Games
The MOBA genre has given us some of the biggest games in esports. Here are some of the most popular:
- League of Legends (LoL): Often credited with popularizing the genre.
- Dota 2: Known for its deep gameplay and massive tournaments.
- Heroes of the Storm: Blizzard’s take on the genre, featuring characters from their other games.
- Smite: A unique MOBA with a third-person perspective and mythological theme.
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: A popular mobile MOBA.
- Arena of Valor: Another successful mobile MOBA, also known as Honor of Kings in China.
Other Related Terms
When diving into the world of MOBAs, you might come across these terms:
- Jungling: The act of killing neutral monsters in the jungle area.
- Ganking: Surprise attacking an enemy, often by coming from the jungle.
- Creep score (CS): The number of minions a player has killed.
- Meta: The most effective strategies and character choices in the current state of the game.
- Laning phase: The early part of the game where players mostly stay in their assigned lanes.
- Farming: Killing minions or jungle monsters to gain gold and experience.
- Teamfight: When most or all members of both teams battle each other.
And there you have it, champions! You’ve just completed your crash course in the world of MOBAs. From their humble beginnings as custom game mods to becoming esports phenomena, MOBAs have carved out a unique space in the gaming universe. Whether you’re drawn to the strategic depth, the thrill of teamwork, or the satisfaction of outplaying your opponents, there’s a MOBA out there waiting for you to jump in.
