Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas have been on the rise and have become largely popular ever since the first iteration of them back in the 90's from a modded game of Starcraft. Just to get a general idea of what they are, we can refer to Urban Dictionary's description of what a MOBA is:
"The objective of the MOBA Genre is for each team to destroy the opponents' Base, heavily guarded structures at opposing corners of the map. Players use powerful units known as heroes, and are assisted by allied heroes and AI-controlled fighters called 'creeps.' As in role-playing games, players level up their hero and use gold to buy equipment during the mission. Each human player must control one Hero, a powerful unit with unique abilities. In DotA-Allstars, players on each side choose one of ninety-five heroes, each with different abilities and tactical advantages over other heroes. The scenario is highly team-oriented; it is difficult for one player to carry the team to victory alone. Nevertheless, some heroes, given enough time, can change the outcome single-handedly, while countering the opposing team's heroes."
With that small description of what seems to be boring in mind, lets get to why we play these games.
1. To win.
2. Not only win, but to be completely better.
We not only want to win, but completely outplay our opponents. That feeling that you get from not necessarily getting lucky, (sports games) but actually thinking on your play is really want we want. It's not luck, (most of the time) but it's skill. Knowing when it is the right time to attack, when to play defensively and so on and so forth. It's another level of achievement and adds to the reason of why I trash talk.
3. Diversity in character selection and playstyle.
Whether you'd like to be on the prow for people to kill or the front-line taking damage for the rest of your team, there is something there for everyone to find and enjoy. I personally care to switch it up here and there. Taking the option of being a tank, which is being able to take a lot of damage while also keeping the enemy team in control around you, or just being the assassin, which is exactly how it sounds. There are also other roles that include mage, hunter and warriors, which take on different play-styles from attacking from a distance or getting really close and disruptive. However you'd like to play, a MOBA has got you covered. Just make sure you're still on board with the team.
4. It's free.
Most of the popular MOBAs we have available today are free-to-play. Which is great because as a gamer you don't necessarily want to spend money; however, you can spend money on your characters to make them look different and their abilities will also change. Which with League of Legends making 1.3 Billion (USD) last year on micro-transactions alone, it is a great way to make money off the game. Who doesn't want to look badass while putting their opponents to shame,,
5. Our friends play it.
Most of us didn't jump into the genre alone. We had a little bit of help, because this genre of gameplay is still relatively new. Not to mention the community it seems to breed is by far the most elite group you'll run into when it comes to video games. We've heard about these MOBAs from someone and now you're killing it in every match with the person who taught you. Once the teacher and now the master, and that is just another great feeling to have.
If you haven't tried a MOBA before, try one, and even if you don't like one, there is always another. Test out your strategic prowess and advance to another time sink of frustration and education.
