Blizzard Aims to Tackle the MOBA Genre with Heroes of the Storm
When it comes to eSports, League of Legends reigns supreme, with Dota 2 as its main competitor. The MOBA genre is home to millions of players and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, as well as hosting the biggest eSports events in the world.
Blizzard’s Bid for a Piece of the MOBA Pie
Blizzard has fallen behind in the eSports industry. The publisher of StarCraft II, which used to dominate the world of eSports, is now banking on its new title, Heroes of the Storm, to tap into the lucrative MOBA genre and reclaim its share of the market.
A Long Journey to Launch
Heroes of the Storm has been in development for a long time, with multiple evolutions and delays. Originally a StarCraft II modification intended to showcase the game’s powerful map editor, it eventually became a standalone title due to its popularity among Blizzard employees and fans. Despite not explicitly naming Dota or League of Legends as inspiration, Blizzard was undoubtedly influenced by these games’ success in the industry.
Distinctive Features and Style
Blizzard’s new game stands out visually with its over-the-top art style and humorous elements. The art quality has been significantly upgraded compared to StarCraft II, and the game aims to be a fun party experience. The roster of heroes draws from Blizzard’s lore, incorporating both familiar and new characters to attract players.
Different Battlegrounds, Different Mechanics
Unlike its competitors with a single map, Heroes of the Storm offers multiple battlegrounds with distinct mechanics. These include Blackheart’s Bay, Dragon Shire, Cursed Hollow, and Haunted Mines, each with unique gameplay elements that add variety and strategic depth to the matches.
Aiming for Accessibility
One of Blizzard’s goals with Heroes of the Storm is to make the game more accessible to new players. They plan to achieve this by launching with a smaller hero roster compared to other MOBAs, allowing players to initially access simpler heroes and gradually unlock more complex ones as they gain experience. This approach seeks to ease new players into the game without overwhelming them.
Business Model and eSports Potential
Blizzard aims to monetize the game by offering a free-to-play experience with optional purchases for new heroes and cosmetic items. They have also considered implementing mechanics similar to Team Fortress 2’s random item drops. While the game’s eSports potential is still uncertain, Blizzard has been in talks with major brands to collaborate on promotion, following in the footsteps of the success of League of Legends’ eSports scene.
A New Challenger Enters the MOBA Arena
With a focus on accessibility, a unique art style, and distinctive gameplay elements, Blizzard hopes to attract both new players and existing MOBA fans with Heroes of the Storm. By differentiating itself from the competition and tapping into the massive MOBA player base, Blizzard aims to carve out a significant presence in the genre.
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