Dota 2 history: from custom game to esports
What is Dota 2
Dota 2, which is an acronym for "Defense of the Ancients 2", is an online MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) game where two teams of players battle for control of a map and the destruction of an enemy's base building, known as the Tree of Life or Antic.
Dota 2, based on the original Dota (Defense of the Ancients) game developed as a custom mod for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, features a unique combination of strategy, coordination, and character management prowess. Players choose from a vast array of heroes with unique abilities and roles in the game, build items, develop their characters, and battle for control of the map using tactics and cooperative play.
When was Dota 1 released
Dota 1, or "Defense of the Ancients", first appeared as a custom map for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos after its release in July 2002. The first version of Dota, which gained widespread popularity, was created by Eul and released in 2003; however, the exact release date of this version is usually not specified in sources. The story of Dota began in 2003 as a custom mod for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. This mod, developed by a community of players, offered unique gameplay where players controlled heroes and fought for control of lines to destroy enemy base buildings. Dota 1 quickly became popular in the Warcraft III player community, drawing attention for its deep strategy and thrilling moments of combat.
Credit: Blizzard Entertainment
When was Dota 2 released
Dota 2 was officially released on July 9, 2013. The game was in open beta testing up until that date, starting from 2011, and access to it could be obtained through an invitation system. Dota 2 was released by Valve Corporation in 2013. Transferring all the best aspects of the original Dota into a more modern gaming environment, Dota 2 has become one of the most anticipated and successful games in the MOBA genre. Its release has generated widespread interest from fans of the original game and new players alike, attracting attention from esports organizations, tournaments, and media outlets.
Credit: Valve Corporation
Who developed Dota 2
Dota 2 was developed and published by Valve Corporation, a company known for its gaming platforms and iconic games. However, behind such a grand project was an influential developer known by the pseudonym IceFrog. His contribution to the development and improvement of Dota is invaluable. IceFrog began his work in the Dota community in the early 2000s, and his creative ideas and implementation of game changes over time made him a key figure in the development of Dota and, later, Dota 2. His deep understanding of game mechanics and balance helped make Dota 2 one of the most popular and competitive games in the world of eSports.
Professional scene
Dota 2 not only offers immersive gameplay for millions of players around the world, but it also has an extensive and highly competitive professional scene. Hundreds of tournaments take place every year, both small tournaments organized by teams and regional leagues and large, Valve-sponsored tournaments such as The International, the annual Dota 2 championship.
The uniqueness of The International lies in the huge prize pools that attract the attention of not only professional players, but also the mass audience. The winners of the tournament receive millions of dollars in prize money, which makes this tournament one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the world of esports.
Professional teams from different countries compete for invitations to major tournaments and for the title of the best team in the world. The strategies they employ and the coordination they demonstrate in the game impress and inspire millions of fans around the world. In addition, many eSports organizations invest heavily in supporting their Dota 2 teams by providing them with equipment, coaches, analysts and facilities to successfully prepare and play in tournaments.
List of The International winners
List of Internationals[edit]
Year | Champion | Prize pool |
|---|---|---|
2011 | $1,600,000 | |
2012 | $1,600,000 | |
2013 | $2,874,380 | |
$10,923,977 | ||
$18,429,613 | ||
$20,770,460 | ||
$24,787,916 | ||
$25,532,177 | ||
OG | $34,330,068 | |
2020 | Cancelled | |
$40,018,195 | ||
Tundra Esports | $18,930,775 | |
2023 | Team Spirit | $3,143,063 |
Updates and balance
Valve is constantly supporting Dota 2 by releasing regular updates, new heroes and balance changes, which keeps the game fresh and interesting for players and viewers. It also promotes the metagame by encouraging players to experiment with new strategies and hero combinations.
Conclusion
Dota 2 is not just a game, but an entire culture that unites millions of players around the world. Its impact on eSports cannot be overstated, and it continues to evolve and expand its audience with each passing year. The future of Dota 2 is bright, and its history continues to be written with new tournaments, heroes, and legendary matches.
