4 things to remember when trying a new MOBA game

The MOBA craze is on. Not just for players, but also for developers, and so we’re seeing a lot of new MOBA games coming out both for PC and mobile. If you’re a MOBA fan who’s feeling adventurous and would like to try out a new title, then that’s great. Whether you’re trying League of Legends (LoL) from Dota 2, or venturing into something newer like Strife or Heroes of the Storm, here are a few things to remember before stepping into that new realm. Keep in mind, however, that this list is for people who are actually open to the possibility of enjoying other MOBA games aside from the one they’re used to. If you’re not that kind of person, you’re probably reading the wrong list.

(See: The fall of MMO and the rise of MOBA: using data to track gaming tastes)

1. Stop trying to find your preferred MOBA in it

Once you step into a new game, I understand that you’re initially armed with the experience you’ve had from previous MOBA games. Your preferred title will somewhat influence what you think of the game because it is, after all, the benchmark of what you enjoy. However, to dismiss a game as bad just because “It’s not LoL” or “It’s not Dota 2” is not only unfair, but also closed-minded. One thing people have to understand when trying out a new MOBA (or basically any new game), is that when most developers make new games, they try to be different. The game can be based on an existing title, but it has to be different in its own sense or it’s going to be nothing but a measly clone.

2. Be open to the possibility that you aren’t part of their target market

Let’s compare MOBA games to MMORPGs. Some MMORPGs have a target-based combat system while others are non-targeted. I personally prefer non-targeted action MMORPGs like Dragon Nest, but that doesn’t mean target-based hardcore MMORPGs like Ragnarok Online suck. It’s just a matter of personal preference. So insisting that the new MOBA you’re trying out should allow you to deny because maybe it’s targeting people who don’t like denies in the first place.

(See: Is Blizzard brawler Heroes of the Storm the game for you?)

3. Understand that opinion isn’t fact and vice-versa

This is actually basic common sense, but some people just don’t get it so I’ll say it here: There is no such thing as a wrong opinion. There may be bad logic or reasoning behind it, but it can’t be wrong. Just because you can explain your point with facts does not mean you are correct. So Strife has shared gold and you don’t like it because people can just slack around and still get gold. We get that. But if for some reason someone else likes the idea of shared gold, please don’t try to force them to change their preference solely because you think it’s “wrong”.