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Mar 11, 2025

What Are MOBA Games? A Complete Guide

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If you are interested in the video game industry or planning to invest in video games, it's important to know what types of games are popular.

MOBA games are a key part of this trend.

You might be asking, what are MOBA games?

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games have changed the gaming world, attracting millions of players around the globe.

In this article, we will explore MOBA games and explain why they are a good investment opportunity in 2025.

So, What Are MOBA Games?

A MOBA, or multiplayer online battle arena game, is a type of video game where players control fighting units from a top-down view.

The setup is pretty interesting since two teams go head-to-head on a battlefield, trying to take down the other team's base.

Each player controls one character, called a "champion" or "hero," and works with their teammates to win using strategy, teamwork, and skill.

Many popular online games exist, including first-person shooters like Valorant and battle royale games like Fortnite.

This kind of AAA game is popular right now, so big-name studios are jumping in to create more to keep up with the demand.

The Origins of MOBA Games

MOBAs are way older than you think.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas actually started in the 1990s.

They were not a game per se; they began with a custom map in StarCraft called Aeon of Strife, which is often seen as the start of MOBA gaming. (If you have played a MOBA, you know what we're talking about.)

But the genre really took off with "Defense of the Ancients" (DotA), a mod for Warcraft III that launched in 2003.

DotA attracted millions of players.

Next, in 2013, Valve released a standalone version called DotA 2.

However, it was Riot Games who popularized the term MOBA in 2009 when they released League of Legends.

Since then, we use MOBA when talking about this specific type of game.

Key Features of MOBA Games

MOBAs have unique features that set them apart from other game types.

Teamwork

MOBA games usually have two teams of five players.

Players must work together and communicate well to win by defeating the opposing team.

Character Roles

Each player picks a character with special abilities and different styles.

Characters fall into roles like tanks, damage dealers, and support.

Map Layout

The maps in MOBA games are divided into lanes, jungles, and objectives.

Players move through these areas to fight, gather resources, and take control of objectives.

Leveling Up

Players gain experience and gold during matches.

This helps them level up their characters and buy items to improve their abilities.

Main Goal

The ultimate aim is to destroy the enemy’s primary structure, usually called an “Ancient” or “Nexus.”

Benefits of MOBA Games

Just like RPGs and MMOs, MOBAs offer different benefits.

  • Players develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Players learn to work together and collaborate.
  • Players improve their hand-eye coordination.
  • Players reaction time can improve.
  • Players engage socially and connect with their community.
  • Players learn to set goals and achieve them.
  • Players can join pro tournaments, stream online, or make content, transforming their passion into a job.

Why Invest in MOBA Games

If you're curious about "What are MOBA games", you may be interested in investing in them as an angel investor or starting your career in venture capital.

MOBA games are competitive and have built a vibrant esports scene with many ways to make money.

These games earn revenue from in-game purchases, battle passes, cosmetic items, and subscriptions.

Major tournaments like The International for Dota 2 and the League of Legends World Championship attract millions of viewers and offer large prize pools.

If you want to invest in MOBA games, consider joining investment groups or networks focused on gaming and technology.

Start by subscribing to our newsletter here.

In Summary

What are MOBA Games?

MOBA games combines strategy, teamwork, and competition.

They are becoming so popular that investing in them can be a smart choice for the future.

As more popular games join the MOBA category, there will be more esports events and more ways to make money and see a return on investment.

If you have any questions, reach out to us here.

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