Mobile gaming has come a long way since its inception, and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games have been some of the most popular among mobile gamers. With millions of players worldwide competing in these fast-paced, team-based games, it’s hard to imagine life without them today.
But where did it all begin? What was the first MOBA game released for mobile devices?
A Brief History of MOBA Games
The roots of multiplayer online battle arena games can be traced back to the early 2000s, when real-time strategy (RTS) games like StarCraft and Warcraft were gaining popularity. These games typically featured two or more players controlling armies in a virtual world, battling each other for resources and control over territory.
As these RTS games evolved, so did the idea of online team-based games. In 2010, Blizzard Entertainment released Starcraft II: Legacy of the Titans, which introduced a new game mode called “Heroes of the Storm.” This game allowed players to control heroes from various Blizzard franchises, including Diablo, Warcraft, and Overwatch, in a 5v5 team-based arena battle. The game was a huge success and paved the way for what would become known as MOBA games.
MOBA games are typically played by two teams of five players each, with each player controlling a unique hero or champion. The goal of the game is to destroy the enemy team’s base, while protecting your own. Players earn experience points and gold throughout the game, which can be used to purchase items that give them an advantage in battle.
The Dawn of Mobile MOBA Games: A Look Back at the First Releases
So, what made Mobile Legends so successful? Let’s take a closer look at this pioneering game and see how it set the stage for what would become an industry standard.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (2013)
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang was released in 2013 by Tencent Games, a Chinese multinational technology company. The game quickly gained popularity in Asia and eventually spread to other parts of the world.
One of the key features that set Mobile Legends apart from its PC and console counterparts was its optimized design for mobile devices. With smaller screens and limited processing power compared to desktop computers, mobile games needed to be designed with touch controls and minimalistic graphics in mind. Mobile Legends did this exceptionally well, with intuitive controls that allowed players to easily navigate the game’s fast-paced arena battles.
Another factor that contributed to Mobile Legends’ success was its focus on accessibility. The game featured a wide variety of heroes with different abilities and playstyles, making it easy for new players to jump in and start playing. Additionally, the game offered regular updates and events, keeping players engaged and coming back for more.
Mobile Legends also benefited from its timely release. In 2013, mobile gaming was still a relatively new and untested market. By being one of the first major MOBA games to hit the scene, Mobile Legends was able to capitalize on the growing interest in mobile gaming and establish itself as a dominant force in the industry.
The Impact of Mobile Legends
Mobile Legends’ success had a significant impact on the world of mobile gaming. For one, it proved that mobile games could be just as engaging and competitive as their PC and console counterparts. This paved the way for other mobile MOBA games to follow in its footsteps, such as League of Legends: Wild Rift (2020) and Dota 2 Mobile (2017).
Additionally, Mobile Legends helped to establish Tencent Games as a major player in the world of mobile gaming.
