To Conquer Or To Kill? : A qualitative study on game mechanics and player experience in MOBA games

Abstract: The eSports scene as well as the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) have rapidly grown in popularity over the past decade. Research regarding game design factors and player experience in this genre are still not fully explored. This study aimed to examine Heroes of the Storm (HotS), League of Legends (LoL) and Defense of the Ancients 2 (Dota2) through a tailored game ontology for MOBA games, if the game mechanics cause more frustration and challenge compared to other genres (Johnson, Nacke and Wyeth, 2015); and to better understand the effect on player experience in MOBA games. Results suggest that builds for heroes, including talents, items and meta strategies, are the most challenging aspects. Frustration may surge when players make mistakes or when communication within the team fails. Additionally, the main difference between these games is the level of difficulty and complexity making Dota2 the optimal choice for MOBA veterans and HotS a good introduction to the MOBA genre.