A Blast from the Past
What’s that sound in the distance? Is it chanting, the rhythm of a drumming circle, or a chorus of gaming mouse clicks at 180 beats per minute? This can only mean one thing—MOBAs have returned, and it’s feeling very 2014 on Steam this week.
Valve’s New Entry: Deadlock
Valve has launched a new MOBA titled Deadlock. While specific details about the game mechanics and features are yet to be released, the excitement around a new title from such a renowned developer has the gaming community buzzing with anticipation. This move marks a significant return for MOBAs on the Steam platform.
Hi-Rez Studios and SMITE 2
Meanwhile, Hi-Rez Studios, the developers behind the beloved but often third-place finisher to Dota and LoL, have made a monumental comeback with SMITE 2. This sequel is currently available on Steam in a $30 Founder’s Edition, which the developers have dubbed a “24/7 closed alpha.” This means that anyone willing to pay can play, with the game eventually transitioning to a free-to-play model like its predecessor.
Technical Upgrades and Future Prospects
The original SMITE has had a long run, first launching in beta in 2013. Despite numerous updates, the game reached a technological limit. Executable Producer Alex Cantatore stated that SMITE 1 was built on Unreal Engine 3, which couldn’t support current-gen consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The studio decided to rebuild the game on Unreal Engine 5 to overcome these limitations.
This move has resulted in significant development efficiency. According to Cantatore, tasks that once took a year now take mere weeks. The improved technology foundation aims to set SMITE 2 up for another decade of sustained success. While still in closed alpha, the game shows immense promise, bolstered by quicker development cycles and a more modern platform.
Conclusion
The return of MOBAs via Valve’s Deadlock and Hi-Rez’s SMITE 2 signifies a thrilling rekindling of a genre that dominated gaming a decade ago. As both games evolve, they promise to bring enhanced experiences to both PC and console gamers, renewing interest in the strategic, action-packed world of MOBAs.
