Was Warcraft 3 the First MOBA? Untangling the Roots of a Genre
The short answer is no, Warcraft 3 was not the first MOBA. However, it played a pivotal role in popularizing and shaping the genre we know today. While Warcraft 3 (2002) wasn’t the originator, its robust custom map editor and massive player base created the perfect environment for the birth of Defense of the Ancients (DotA), a mod that would ultimately define the modern MOBA. To understand this fully, we need to delve into the historical timeline and contributions of different games.
The Precursors: Proto-MOBAs
Before we get to Warcraft 3, it’s important to acknowledge games that featured elements that would later become staples of the MOBA genre. Some argue that titles like Herzog Zwei (1989), a Sega game featuring strategic army control and base defense, can be seen as an early influence. Others point to Precinct Assault mode in Future Cop: LAPD (1998), with its lane-pushing and hero-like characters. These games laid some groundwork, but they lacked the specific blend of elements that would later define MOBAs. They were more like proto-MOBAs, showing that some of the core ideas were germinating before Warcraft 3’s release.
Warcraft 3: The Fertile Ground for MOBAs
Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos (2002) and its expansion, The Frozen Throne, weren’t MOBAs themselves. They were real-time strategy (RTS) games with a strong focus on base building, resource management, and large-scale unit battles. However, Warcraft 3 had something truly special: a powerful and user-friendly map editor. This tool allowed players to create custom maps and game modes, fostering innovation and creativity within the community.
This powerful tool was the catalyst that spawned countless custom maps, including the groundbreaking Aeon of Strife (AoS) for StarCraft, which came out before Warcraft 3. Aeon of Strife is also often considered an early MOBA, as it has some similar characteristics. However, it was not as popular as DotA.
The Birth of DotA: The Definitive MOBA Emerges
It was within Warcraft 3’s vibrant custom map scene that Defense of the Ancients (DotA) emerged, initially released in 2003 as a fan-made mod. The concept was simple yet revolutionary: players would each control a single powerful hero, working with a team to destroy the opposing team’s base, while managing their heroes and using various skills. Unlike the traditional RTS gameplay of Warcraft 3, DotA focused on hero progression and team-based battles, introducing a new style of play.
DotA quickly gained traction and underwent multiple iterations, the most important being Defense of the Ancients Allstars (DotA 1) which simplified to just DotA. This version, crafted by a small group of modders, refined the gameplay and expanded the hero roster. It was DotA 1 that truly cemented the MOBA formula. While inspired by Aeon of Strife, it was DotA’s popularity and wide-spread adaptation that lead to the MOBA genre we know and love.
Why Warcraft 3 Is Not a MOBA Itself
While Warcraft 3 enabled the creation of DotA, the core game itself was not a MOBA. Warcraft 3 was an RTS; it emphasized a base-building and macro-management of units. DotA was a stark contrast; it was focused on micro-management of a single hero, team strategy, and lane control. It was the custom maps like DotA that redefined and ultimately created the genre. It was the unique user-created game modes within the Warcraft 3 engine that became so important to the MOBA genre.
In conclusion, Warcraft 3 is the foundation, but not the first MOBA. It was the fertile ground in which DotA was born and flourished.
FAQs: Expanding Your Understanding of MOBAs and Warcraft 3
What is a MOBA?
A Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) is a subgenre of strategy video games in which two teams of players compete on a pre-defined map, controlling single characters (heroes) with unique abilities. The primary objective is typically to destroy the enemy’s main base, usually with the help of automatically controlled units and strategic team fights.
What are some characteristics of MOBAs?
MOBAs typically feature:
- Two teams competing against each other.
- A fixed map with defined lanes.
- Players controlling powerful hero characters.
- Team-based objectives and strategy.
- Automatic waves of weaker units.
- Hero progression and item acquisition.
How did StarCraft influence the MOBA genre?
StarCraft’s own custom map scene, although less impactful than Warcraft 3’s for MOBAs, produced Aeon of Strife (AoS), an early map with MOBA-like elements. Although more obscure, this map was a direct inspiration for DotA.
What was the inspiration for Warcraft?
According to Bob Fitch, the theme for Warcraft was inspired by the vikings of The Lost Vikings, combined with masses of creatures under their automated control similar to Lemmings, and adding the multiplayer element of having these opposing masses of vikings meet up and fight each other.
What is the difference between MOBAs and RTS games?
Real-time strategy (RTS) games, like Warcraft 3, focus on base building, resource management, and controlling multiple units simultaneously. MOBAs focus on controlling single powerful heroes, team coordination, and lane-pushing strategies.
Was the first MOBA DotA?
While it is often debated, Defense of the Ancients (DotA), was one of the earliest and most influential MOBAs. It popularized the genre and many of its specific mechanics. Although not the very first game to feature MOBA elements, it is considered by many to be the first well known and easily accessible MOBA game.
Who created DotA?
DotA started as a community-made mod, with multiple developers contributing over time. Eul made the original DotA, which led to subsequent development by others, such as Guinsoo (who created DotA Allstars) and eventually, IceFrog, who maintained the popular Allstars version.
Why didn’t Blizzard capitalize on DotA?
Blizzard didn’t own DotA. The original game was a community creation using their tools. Blizzard’s EULA at the time didn’t grant them ownership of mods or content created by the community using their tools. This meant they missed the opportunity to control the highly popular mod and genre it had inspired.
Which is more popular, LoL or Dota?
Currently, League of Legends (LoL) generally has a larger player base. However, viewership for games like Dota 2 are also extremely high. For example, during a typical month, League of Legends boasts approximately 32 million players, compared to Dota 2’s tens of millions of users.
What is the highest-grossing MOBA game?
As of 2024, Honor of Kings is the highest grossing mobile MOBA game, with lifetime revenue exceeding $16 Billion.
What is considered the most difficult MOBA?
Dota 2 is often considered the most difficult MOBA to master. The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex mechanics and strategic depth.
Is League of Legends based on Warcraft?
League of Legends (LoL) is directly inspired by DotA, a Warcraft 3 mod. Many of the developers of LoL were involved with the development of DotA, so the core ideas and game play of LoL were directly taken from DotA.
Was Warcraft 3 a commercial success?
Yes, Warcraft 3 was a massive commercial success. It sold over 4.4 million copies to retail stores and over one million copies within a month of release. It was one of the most beloved and influential real time strategy games of all time.
What came before League of Legends?
The Warcraft 3 mod Defense of the Ancients (DotA) was what came before League of Legends. Developers of League of Legends took the main game play ideas and concepts from DotA to create their own independent and modern MOBA.
Who copied Dota or LoL?
League of Legends copied DotA. It was developed by some of the same people who worked on DotA, and it borrowed heavily from the concepts, hero abilities, and even some of the items found in DotA.