Video games news, releases, esports and culture — all the biggest gaming stories in one place.
I still can’t believe we call them ‘MOBAs’
The article examines why multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) appear to be regaining attention after years of declining interest and failed imitators. Several new or revived games—including Gigantic: Rampage Edition, Predecessor, Smite 2 and Valve’s Deadlock—have emerged close together, prompting debate over whether this signals a temporary surge or a broader revival.
Developers suggest the genre may benefit from players becoming more comfortable with difficult, mastery-based games through titles such as Elden Ring. They also argue that newer MOBAs are evolving beyond traditional designs, using third-person perspectives, action-focused controls and improved presentation to meet changing expectations, while still retaining the strategic depth that made League of Legends and Dota 2 successful.
In short
- MOBAs are attracting renewed attention after years out of fashion.
- New games are modernising the genre with action-focused designs.
- Developers link the resurgence partly to the popularity of difficult games.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The cluster of new and revived games could mark a genuine renewal: players may be more willing to tackle demanding games, while third-person views and action-focused controls make the genre feel more accessible and contemporary. If these titles preserve the strategic depth that players value, they could broaden the audience and show that MOBAs can evolve beyond the conventions of League of Legends and Dota 2.
The case against
A handful of launches does not yet show that the genre is recovering; it may be a temporary burst of interest in a market where many imitators have struggled to last. New perspectives and controls may refresh the presentation without solving the deeper challenges of MOBAs, such as steep learning curves and the difficulty of building a large, lasting player community.
Explained simply
A multiplayer online battle arena is a team-based video game in which players control individual characters and work together to defeat the other team. Matches usually combine direct combat with longer-term choices about how to develop a character and when to attack or defend.
League of Legends and Dota 2 are the best-known examples, and their success has made it difficult for newer games to attract lasting audiences. Recent and revived titles have tried different camera angles and more action-focused controls while keeping the teamwork and strategy associated with the genre.
The debate matters to game makers deciding whether to invest in these demanding games, and to players looking for alternatives to established titles. Some developers think audiences are now more willing to learn games with steep learning curves; whether that interest can support a lasting revival remains uncertain.